Colton is a seasoned litigation attorney in the Construction Practice at Hoagland Longo, where he combines deep legal expertise with first-hand industry experience in both construction and construction-related manufacturing. His practice encompasses complex commercial litigation, business disputes, and general counsel advisory, with a focus on serving clients across the construction ecosystem. Colton regularly appears before the Chancery and Law Divisions of the New Jersey Superior Court, representing companies through all phases of litigation—from initial pleadings to trial.
Approximately 20% of Colton’s practice involves federal litigation, where he advises clients on a broad array of business and regulatory matters. He also maintains a robust appellate practice, serving as lead counsel in drafting briefs and delivering oral arguments before the New Jersey Appellate Division. This strategic insight at the appellate level allows him to guide clients with long-term positioning and issue preservation in mind.
Colton has extensive experience managing litigation in law firm settings, overseeing the day-to-day operation of active caseloads in both state and federal courts. He has crafted and executed litigation strategies in matters involving consumer fraud, business disputes, and construction-related conflicts. A strong advocate for efficiency and resolution outside the courtroom, Colton consistently integrates Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms—such as mediation and arbitration—into his practice to achieve pragmatic, cost-effective outcomes.
Beyond his legal work, Colton draws on his operational role in a family-run manufacturing business in Middlesex County, New Jersey, which services the construction industry. He spends one to two days each week onsite, gaining a ground-level understanding of the challenges his clients face. This direct industry involvement informs his general counsel advisory work, equipping him to deliver legal advice grounded in operational realities and business strategy.
Areas of Focus
Complex Commercial & Business Litigation
- Lead counsel in matters involving breach of contract, business torts, partnership disputes, and commercial fraud
- Litigation management from initial pleadings to trial and post-judgment motions
- Substantial courtroom experience in New Jersey’s Law and Chancery Divisions
Appellate Advocacy
- Drafts appellate briefs and presents oral arguments before the New Jersey Appellate Division
- Manages complex appeals involving procedural and substantive legal issues
- Preserves legal positions at trial to support successful appellate outcomes
Federal Litigation
- Represents clients in civil matters in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
- Handles claims under federal laws including the Fair Credit Reporting Act and SBA regulations
General Counsel Advisory
- Advises business clients on operations, risk management, and compliance
- Negotiates commercial leases and sales agreements
- Provides strategic counsel on business acquisitions and internal process improvements
Litigation Management & Strategy
- Leads a litigation group of four attorneys and three paralegals with a caseload of 60+ matters
- Develops and executes firmwide litigation strategies with a focus on efficiency and client value
- Promotes ADR as an effective alternative to prolonged litigation
Representative Matters
- Secured a five-figure settlement for a client in a Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) claim against a national credit reporting agency
- Negotiated a six-figure reduction in debt owed to the Small Business Administration through an Offer in Compromise
- Counseled a New Jersey manufacturer through the acquisition of a competitor, handling the transaction from Letter of Intent to closing
- Serves as general counsel to a stainless-steel distributor, advising on order compliance, sales agreements, lease negotiations, and regulatory matters (NJDEP, OSHA)
- Negotiated favorable commercial leases for multiple business locations across New Jersey
- Managed a general practice firm, leading a team that handled litigation, landlord-tenant, family law, and civil matters, while conducting regular audits to ensure billing fairness
- Defended national insurance carriers in litigation, participating in depositions, motion practice, and arbitration proceedings