Biography

James Cleary is a highly accomplished attorney with a wide range of expertise in the legal services required by County government. For over 15 years he currently serves as Special County Counsel for Monmouth County and has significant experience in municipal law, having served as the Municipal Attorney for the Borough of Matawan, Assistant Law Director for Old Bridge Township, and Special Counsel for the Borough of Keyport.

James is also well-versed in real estate and land use law, having previously acted as Planning Board Attorney for Millstone Township, Union Beach, and Upper Freehold Township. He is responsible for overseeing the litigation of a large number of Monmouth County municipalities in his capacity as the Fund Attorney for the Monmouth County Joint Insurance Fund (MCMJIF). Additionally, he has extensive experience working with utility authorities, having represented the Old Bridge Municipal Utilities Authority (OBMUA), the Western Monmouth Utilities Authority (WMUA), and the Manasquan River Regional Sewerage Authority (MRRSA).

Furthermore, James has served as Parliamentarian for the New Jersey State Senate from 1998-2002.