Gerald R. Salerno to Receive Bergen County Bar Association’s 2026 Hon. Peter Ciolino Professional Lawyer of the Year Award

Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost, Botwinick, Nunn & Musmanno, P.C. is pleased to announce that partner Gerald R. Salerno has been named the 2026 recipient of the Bergen County Bar Association’s Hon. Peter Ciolino Professional Lawyer of the Year Award.

The award recognizes Salerno’s more than 40 years of legal practice, professional leadership and service to the Bergen County legal community. He will be honored at the Association’s Annual Professionalism in the Law Dinner on November 12, 2026, at Seasons in Washington Township.

“Jerry has earned the respect of his colleagues through decades of exceptional legal work, professionalism and dedication to the Bergen County legal community,” said Gary R. Botwinick, Co-Managing Partner of Einhorn Barbarito. “His commitment to his clients, public service and the legal profession makes him especially deserving of this recognition.”

Salerno concentrates his practice in complex civil and commercial litigation, commercial real estate and transactional matters, zoning and land use, and redevelopment. He represents businesses, developers, financial institutions, municipalities and local boards in litigation, development projects and regulatory matters throughout New Jersey.

Salerno joined Einhorn Barbarito in July 2026 when his former firm, Aronsohn Weiner Salerno & Kaufman, P.C., became part of Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost, Botwinick, Nunn & Musmanno, P.C.

“Having worked alongside Jerry for more than three decades, I have seen firsthand the integrity, professionalism and dedication he brings to everything he does,” said Richard H. Weiner, Partner at Einhorn Barbarito. “He has been an exceptional colleague, a trusted friend and a tireless advocate for his clients. I can think of no one more deserving of this honor.”

A Past President of the Bergen County Bar Association, Salerno has also served on the Association’s Judicial Appointments Committee and as Bergen County’s representative to the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee.

His extensive public service includes his current roles as Borough Attorney for East Rutherford, Land Use Board Attorney for Wood-Ridge, Planning Board Attorney for Rutherford and Public Defender for the Pascack Joint Municipal Court.

“Jerry’s contributions extend well beyond his work on behalf of clients,” said Matheu D. Nunn, Co-Managing Partner of Einhorn Barbarito. “Through his leadership in the Bergen County Bar Association, service to municipalities and commitment to the profession, he has set an example for generations of attorneys. We are proud to call him our partner and congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.”

Salerno previously received the Bergen County Legal Services Pro Bono Award for his representation of an indigent defendant in a constitutional challenge to Megan’s Law. He has also been recognized multiple times on the New Jersey Super Lawyers list.