Joseph R. Haftek, Jr.

Joseph R. Haftek, Jr. joined Schenck Price in 2014 and represents developers, construction managers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, construction professionals, design professionals and businesses in both state and federal courts. In addition to being Co-Chair of the Firm's Construction Law Practice Group, where he heads the Bid Protest Team, he is a member of the School Law Practice Group. He was selected to the 2016-2022 New Jersey Super Lawyers® * list and to the 2014 New Jersey Rising Stars® * list, featured in New Jersey Monthly magazine, in the field of Construction Litigation. He was also included on the list of Morris/Essex Health & Life Magazine’s “Top Lawyers” in Construction in 2017 through 2021. Joe's knowledge and experience have been consistently recognized with opportunities as a lecturer to both lawyers and construction industry professionals on topics ranging from construction contracts to public bidding and bid protests.

Joe has focused on developing his construction law practice since completing a judicial clerkship in 2005. He prides himself on the firm and Construction Law Group’s ability to assist clients from the earliest phases of project development and approval through closeout and post-project issues. He has experience in handling all aspects of the construction process and litigation including: negotiating, drafting and reviewing contracts; public and school bidding, bid protest and contract issues; prosecution and defense of construction lien claims; defect, contract and negligence litigation; collection services; and providing general legal advice and guidance for all phases of construction. He is counsel to a number of construction companies, in particular several of the New York Metro Area's largest construction management firms that perform work across numerous areas, including general construction, energy, healthcare, military facilities and schools.

Joe is also a very active participant in the NJSBA Construction Law Section, which is comprised of many of the state’s foremost construction law attorneys. The Construction Law Section monitors the laws governing construction and public contracts and recommends modifications to and/or comments on such laws when appropriate, and provides educational seminars, materials and publications to attorneys and other members of the construction industry. He held the position of Co-Secretary and Co-Vice Chairman of the Section, and served as the Co-Chairman of the Section from May 2019 through May 2021.

As the son and brother of contractors, Joe has grown up in and around the construction industry and understands the specific needs of today's construction practitioner. Prior to attending law school, he worked as a laborer, operator and supervisor, learning first-hand about day-to-day construction operations. This personal experience compliments his legal experience and allows him to develop valuable, long-term relationships with his clients.

Joe also has significant experience in general commercial litigation matters, and is the Pro Bono attorney for the Wyckoff Volunteer Ambulance Corps.