By Joshua Burd
Connell Foley LLP has bolstered its team of real estate attorneys in southern New Jersey with the addition of two veteran practitioners.
According to the firm, both George W. Matteo Jr. and Timothy Hansberry have joined the ranks of its real estate and land use, banking and corporate and business law groups. The come to the practice as a partner and associate, respectively, both based in its Cherry Hill office.
Matteo is a seasoned attorney with more than 30 years of experience, according to a news release. He has an extensive and distinctive background in real estate, land use, corporate law and finance, having served as chairman of a commercial bank for 12 years and as its president and CEO for five years.
As an established real estate practitioner, Matteo represents national developers in obtaining approvals and entitlements for the construction of a range of property types, including housing, commercial office and shopping centers, power generation facilities and affordable housing, as well as Brownfields and Pinelands development, Connell Foley said. He is also experienced in representing borrowers and lenders, both public and private, in financing transactions, with a banking practice that involves both transactional and non-bankruptcy workouts.
“We are excited to welcome George and his team to Connell Foley,” Managing Partner Timothy Corriston said. “George has built an exceptional real estate and finance practice over the years, making him a tremendous asset to the firm. His reputation and experience will further support the continued growth and development of the firm, especially in the South Jersey and Philadelphia markets. We know he will be an invaluable asset to our clients.”
Matteo joins the firm from Matteo & Associates LLC, where he was the founding partner, the news release said. Previously, he was a partner at several regional firms, where he also focused on commercial, real estate, zoning and banking transactions.
“I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Connell Foley attorneys for many years now, and I am thrilled to be joining forces with the firm,” Matteo said. “As one of the most highly regarded firms in the state, Connell Foley offers a full-service platform that will ensure my clients have access to experienced counsel across all practice areas in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.”
Hansberry, for his part, also focuses on real estate, commercial and banking transactions. He previously was a director of legal affairs and business development for PD Restaurants LLC, a large restaurant chain.
Matteo is licensed to practice in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the U.S. District Courts for New Jersey and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and before the Supreme Court, the news release said. He received his J.D. from Loyola University School of Law and his bachelor’s from the University of Notre Dame.
Hansberry, who is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, received his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law and a bachelor’s from Bucknell University.
