THE FOUNDER AND MANAGING MEMBER OF THIS SOMERSET LAW GROUP EXPLAINS HOW HE ANSWERED THE CALL TO “INSPIRE, EMPOWER, AND ACHIEVE”

BY AMANDA McCOY • PHOTOS BY ALEX BARRETO

As a kid growing up in Edison, becoming a lawyer was never a thought for Shaun Blick, founder and managing member of Somerset-based law firm Blick Law. “I come from a Jewish family so the prize would have been to be a doctor,” laughed Blick, adding that his parents probably aren’t disappointed he chose law.

The road to law was not without detours. “I made a bunch of moves,” confessed Blick. “Actually, I was always a little bit jealous of the people who knew exactly what they wanted to do. It was never that simple for me.”

While attending Temple University, the natural-born communicator developed an interest in radio. He became a news anchor on a Philadelphia radio station and the college TV station. “I got the bug, and I knew I needed to do something where I could be in front of people.”

With decent “talent” jobs few and far between, he took a job as a media buyer in New York.

“Although it seemed like a different trajectory, I was never disappointed by this deviation,” he said. “I knew that to advance, I needed to be versatile and understand not only the mechanics, but also the business behind what makes it all work.” He started out executing buys with television networks for clients like LEGO and Burger King. “If you saw a commercial, it was because of someone like me who negotiated the deal and put it there. It was a great gig. It seemed like there were business dinners and celebrity hosted network parties every night. It was a heck of a lot of fun, but I knew I could be capitalizing more on my broad skillset.”

Blick then set his sights on sales – first in television, and eventually at the New Jersey Law Journal, where he worked with the long-time publisher emeritus (a former United States Attorney), and a sales director, who shared a similar background in broadcast media. “Both of them were incredibly influential.” This experience of being around lawyers and legal newsmakers are what Blick said initially led him to the idea of going into law.

“After the September 11 terrorist attacks, companies shifted advertising dollars because marketing became a touchy subject,” said Blick. “Around that time a friend was studying for the LSAT, and I thought I would give that a shot. A lot of the skills I gathered in my work would serve me well in a legal career, so I thought I could formalize that with a law degree. I sat for the LSAT on a whim, but I did really well.”

By the time he graduated from Rutgers Law School, Blick had worked for a large law firm, served as a student lawyer in a clinic, and clerked with a judge.

In 2007, Blick joined Carroll McNulty & Kull, carving out a niche as the “all-purpose guy.” “If something out of the ordinary came up, they came to me,” he said. “If a colleague needed a lawyer, they came to me. It was different every day. CMK was my proving ground. This was the place where I learned to be a lawyer.” Almost 15 years later, after making partner and going through a merger with Kennedys, Blick decided on what he already knew was an eventuality. “It was time to launch my own firm. This was the culmination of everything. The sales experience equated to finding new business. The experience in front of the microphone and the camera would give me the presence to talk to a judge or a jury. I had a book of business, so I didn’t worry about putting food on the table.”

In 2019, Blick Law was born. “At first it was like leaving mom and dad’s house and going to live on my own,” he said. “This was my home for all of those years, and I viewed my colleagues as family.”

Blick started his firm as a one-man operation in a tiny office. “From day one the phone rang off the hook with well-wishes from former colleagues, adversaries, clients, judges, friends, and family. I was touched to see all of the support. I knew I would be OK. I also knew that I needed to hire someone quickly to work the phones!”

Not long after the doors opened, retired Judge Bradley J. Ferencz joined to handle mediations and arbitrations. “To have such a respected jurist come aboard is a tremendous honor,” said Blick.

Joseph McNulty, a founding member of CMK and experienced litigator, joined shortly after. “I have worked with Joe for nearly 15 years,” said Blick. “He knows his stuff and is highly regarded in the construction litigation community.” A recent addition to the firm is James Ross. Ross, also a CMK alum, is a 40-plus year litigator with a background as a former prosecutor and trial counsel on countless civil cases. As to his CMK colleagues, “I feel like we got the band back together again,” remarked Blick with a smile. The firm is supported by several associates and staff and continues to expand its offices in Somerset and Purchase, New York, with plans to expand into Monmouth County, Philadelphia, and Miami.

Blick Law has a diverse client roster, from international corporations (Blick recently represented the toy company that acquired the famed Slinky), to restaurateurs and mom-and-pop business owners, to couples purchasing their first homes. Most new business comes through referrals from clients and other attorneys he’s worked with throughout the years.

“I always try to be a decent person,” he said. “That translates into future business opportunities. Lawyers are lawyers. We have a job to do. But I believe you can be effective, while still being a gentleman. It’s important to help people in this business. That’s what we do.”

The year Blick started his firm, he was honored by Martindale-Hubbell with the top designation of AV Preeminent. While an important recognition, the consummate family man was quick to point out that his proudest title is husband and father. “I’m a total sap,” laughed the father of two. “My wife and girls are the apples of my eye. We do everything together and really live in the moment.”

Blick Law LLC
220 Davidson Ave #300, Somerset / 848.222.3500 / blicklaw.com