WOMEN IN LAW
Jan L. Bernstein, Esq. Phillips Nizer Continental Plaza, Hackensack, NJ |201.975.4417 jbernstein@phillipsnizer.com | www.philipsnizer.com Jan Bernstein is a seasoned attorney with 43 years of legal experience, currently practicing at Phillips Nizer in Hackensack. Her decision to pursue law was driven by a desire to create positive change, and throughout her distinguished career, she has done just that. Specializing in Family Law, Jan has found deep fulfillment in guiding diverse clients through life’s most challenging moments with a blend of compassion, creativity, and resilience. For her, the greatest rewards come years later—receiving updates and photos from former clients, and seeing the lives she helped stabilize thrive. She is a committed mentor and advocate for women in the legal profession. Her leadership as Chair of the former Women’s Rights Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association reflects her dedication to advancing women’s roles in the legal field. Through this work and countless one-on-one conversations, she has inspired the next generation of women lawyers. Her advice to young women considering a legal career is clear and empowering: “Do it.” Jan urges them not to be discouraged by anyone, emphasizing the essential role of women’s voices in shaping the future of law. Her legacy is one of strength, service, and steadfast advocacy.
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WOMEN IN LAW
Francesca O'Cathain, Esq. Managing Partner of the Family Law Department O'Cathain Law Group 21 Main St., Suite 250, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 201.488.1161 | fmo@olgnj.com | www.olgnj.com Francesca O’Cathain is the Managing Partner of the Family Law Department at O’Cathain Law Group, where she brings over 21 years of dedicated legal experience to her practice. Deeply rooted in the values of compassion and advocacy, Francesca was inspired to pursue a career in family law by her mother, a respected family lawyer in her own right. Growing up, Francesca listened as her mother counseled families through difficult transitions, planting the seed for what would become a lifelong calling. After earning her law degree, she joined her mother’s practice—an experience that laid the foundation for her own successful career. Today, Francesca has her own firm and is privileged to have her mother as Of Counsel to her firm. Francesca is particularly known for her work with families navigating divorce when a child has special needs. She recognizes that traditional parenting arrangements often fall short in these cases and is deeply committed to crafting innovative, individualized solutions that serve the best interests of the child while allowing parents to move forward. Her dedication to this niche area of family law has earned her national recognition. Over the past decade, she has been invited to speak to legal professionals and judges across New Jersey and the country, sharing insights and strategies for addressing the complex challenges these families face.
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