Brian P. Trelease is a partner with Rainone Coughlin Minchello, LLC, who also serves as the leader of the firm’s litigation department. Mr. Trelease’s practice is devoted to representing municipalities, public entities, and employers, as well as individual officers, directors, and elected officials before state and federal trial/appellate courts throughout New Jersey. He has defended municipalities and public entities in matters involving Constitutional violations, New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, whistleblower claims, prerogative writ actions, hostile work environment claims, contract disputes, and claims under New Jersey’s Tort Claims Act. Mr. Trelease handles all aspects of a municipality’s litigation defense, ensuring that clients are defended with a vigorous and unwavering strategy. Clients appreciate Mr. Trelease’s extensive knowledge of local government and value his responsiveness as he extends sound legal guidance and practical advice. As a seasoned litigator, Mr. Trelease has successfully represented clients in a variety of matters in the Civil, Special Civil, Chancery, Appellate, Offices of Administrative Law, and Federal courts of New Jersey. Additionally, he has significant experience defending employers in claims of wrongful termination, unlawful employment practices, discrimination, and claims of harassment. Mr. Trelease also provides counsel to municipalities by way of training seminars open to all employees, management, and human resource professionals alike. When the occasions arise, he also performs comprehensive investigations of employee misconduct claims. By working closely with upper-level management, Mr. Trelease confirms clients are compliant in employment practices that conform to federal and state laws to minimize the risk of costly employment litigation.

In addition to his impressive litigation capabilities, Mr. Trelease is also the firm’s lead for reviewing and legally advising municipalities with respect to their productions in response to Open Public Records Act requests. Further, Mr. Trelease serves as the Alcoholic Beverage Control attorney for the City of Rahway and Town of Morristown.

Prior to entering private practice with Rainone Coughlin Minchello, Mr. Trelease had a lengthy history of representing public entities in Union County while he served in the County Counsel’s Office.