Leading Trusts & Estates Litigator Joins Rivkin Radler

Barry Levy, Managing Partner of Rivkin Radler, is pleased to announce that Brian Shea has joined the Elder Law and Trusts & Estates groups in the firm’s Hackensack office. The creator of New Jersey’s first Guardianship Mentor Program has 20 years of litigation experience.

Brian Shea advises clients in the areas of guardianship litigation, chancery litigation, and estate and trust administration and litigation. He often performs services as court appointed counsel for allegedly incapacitated individuals in guardianship matters and as trustee/administrator in relation to contested chancery matters.

“I am thrilled to bring my passion for elder law, trusts and estates, and guardianships to such a highly regarded firm and its exceptional group of practitioners,” Brian said. “I look forward to working alongside my new colleagues to further our client’s objectives, whether it is through protective planning or litigation, as well as continuing to serve the court in protecting our most vulnerable citizens.”

In 2024, in collaboration with the with the Bergen County Bar Association and the Bergen County Surrogate—Brian established New Jersey’s first Guardianship Mentor Program to support vulnerable citizens and aid the court in resolving guardianship matters. “We are excited to welcome Brian to our firm,” said Gregory Miller, who leads the firm’s practice in New Jersey and a member of the Executive Committee. “His deep roots in Bergen County and his pioneering work with the Guardianship Mentor Program reflect the exact kind of community-minded leadership we value at Rivkin Radler. Brian’s arrival further supports our ability to serve clients in Northern New Jersey with sophisticated, compassionate counsel.”

An active member of the Bergen County Bar Association, Brian serves as a trustee and co-chair of the Probate Litigation & Guardianship Committee and Estate Planning & Administration Committee. He also chairs the Association’s Elder Law Committee.

He is also a member of the New Jersey State Supreme Court Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law, which reviews grievances and issues advisory opinions on the unauthorized practice of law.

Brian is a member of the Board of Trustees for the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, New Jersey Chapter, and serves as the legislative coordinator of the New Jersey State Bar Association Elder Law Section. Additionally, in 2026, he was selected to the New Jersey Super Lawyers list.