James J. DeLuca

Hon. James J. DeLuca, J.S.C. (ret.) is counsel to Harwood Lloyd, LLC in Hackensack, N.J., where his practice focuses on the resolution of commercial, probate, trust and estate disputes through mediation and arbitration as an alternative to traditional litigation. He also provides discovery master services, consultation on case management, development of trial strategy and, in appropriate circumstances, serving as special fiscal agent/receiver. Judge DeLuca was appointed to the Superior Court of New Jersey in February 2015. He initially served in the Civil Division, and in July 2018, he was reassigned to the Chancery Division, where he served until his retirement in December 2022. While in the Chancery Division, he handled all matters appropriate for the Chancery Division, including general equity matters, probate and guardianship matters and foreclosures. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge DeLuca was a partner with the law firm of Okin, Hollander & DeLuca, LLP in Fort Lee, N.J., where his practice focused on business litigation, bankruptcy, commercial and business transactions, and arbitrations. From 1979-86, he served as associate counsel and then general counsel to a commercial and consumer lender located in Paramus, N.J. He began his legal career at a firm in New York City handling commercial and securities litigation. Judge DeLuca received his B.A. from Queens College (City University of New York) in 1974 and his J.D. from Notre Dame Law School in 1977.