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Solving clients' problems with big-firm experience but without the big-firm fees.


Our client-focused practice provides legal expertise to both businesses and individual clients.

attorney info

Attorney Information

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John Coyle

John Coyle has extensive experience in all facets of civil litigation and focuses his practice on protecting his clients’ Civil Rights.  A fierce defender of Constitutional rights, John has been fighting on behalf of health care workers seeking religious and medical exemptions for years before the COVID pandemic.

Since then, he has helped over a thousand employees obtain exemptions and has brought fifty lawsuits and arbitrations in state and federal court on behalf of those denied exemptions.

John also brings and defends defamation lawsuits, fighting for the right to petition the government for redress.

John is admitted to practice in the state and federal courts in New Jersey, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

John represents a diverse array of commercial clients in litigated matters in state and federal courts and in arbitrations with the American Arbitration Association and FINRA. From parties with internal corporate disputes to Fortune 500 companies involved in multi-state class actions, John provides relentless support for our clients’ interests. As a result, he has enjoyed success in bench and jury trials, state and federal appeals, arbitration hearings and complex mediations.John also represents executors, administrators and beneficiaries in contested estate litigation, as well as related asset disputes.

Since 2004, John has been litigation counsel for the Battered Women’s Legal Advocacy Project, where he represents victims of domestic violence seeking final restraining orders against their abusers.

John is also one of the few lawyers who specialize in brewery law---from both sides!  John went pro after 25 years of homebrewing and is a manager and brewer for Double Tap Brewing in Whippany.  What is better than a lawyer who can complete your federal and state paperwork, give feedback on your hops blending, then pour you a pint?

Representations include:

Defeated a $500,000,000 multi-state class action in federal court.
Successfully represented members of an LLC and obtained injunctive relief against a former partner, ultimately obtaining a $4,750,000 judgment for fraud and breach of fiduciary duty.
Voided the fraudulent transfer of property that was made in an attempt to escape a judgment.
Defeated a claim that a third-party energy supply company improperly passed through new regulatory fees and charges.
Successfully represented a beneficiary in a contested estate litigation regarding the valuation and enforceability of LLC Agreement.
Obtained an American Arbitration Association commercial award in the amount of $4,217,896 and confirmed same in contested Superior Court hearing.
Obtained an American Arbitration Association commercial award in the amount of $3,097,276 and confirmed same in Superior Court.
Obtained an American Arbitration Association commercial award in the amount of $1,985,490 and confirmed same in contested Superior Court hearing.
Obtained an American Arbitration Association commercial award in the amount of $1,500,815 and confirmed same in contested Superior Court hearing.
Represented LLC and vacated improperly filed Notices of Lis Pendens on company assets.
Prevailed in dismissing putative class action filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and had the dismissal with prejudice affirmed by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
Defeated injunctive relief sought against New Jersey company in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas.
Obtained summary judgment on bailment claims regarding loss of a vehicle.
Obtained numerous summary judgment decisions dismissing personal injury claims against a staffing company.
Successfully represented retail energy companies in connection with agency investigations and actions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
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Jesse C. Morris

Jesse C. Morris has represented businesses of all sizes--from small partnerships to Fortune 500 companies--in state and federal courts in New Jersey and New York as well as other courts across the country, as well as in arbitrations before the American Arbitration Association and FINRA. Jesse is a compassionate advocate with a diverse practice, advising clients in areas including commercial litigation, class actions and other complex commercial matters, franchise disputes, misappropriation of intellectual property, unfair competition, restrictive covenants and commercial leases.

Jesse provides numerous services to individuals as well, including consumer dispute resolution, landlord-tenant issues, and the preparation of wills, trusts, and other estate planning instruments. He has also devoted himself to a prolific pro bono practice, and has provided legal assistance in the fields of special education, landlord-tenant, and veteran's benefits.

A commitment to pro bono legal support has led Jesse to provide assistance in the fields of animal rights, special education, and landlord-tenant disputes.  He has also served as a court-appointed attorney for a guardianship proceeding.

Jesse was selected to the Super Lawyers list in 2020 and 2021.

Representations include:

  • Successfully represented members of an LLC to obtain preliminary and temporary restraining orders enjoining the fraudulent sale and transfer of a business.
  • Successfully represented a beneficiary in a contested estate litigation regarding the valuation and enforceability of LLC Agreement.
  • Obtained an American Arbitration Association commercial award in the amount of $4,217,896 and confirmed same in contested Superior Court hearing.
  • Obtained an American Arbitration Association commercial award in the amount of $3,097,276 and confirmed same in Superior Court.
  • Obtained an American Arbitration Association commercial award in the amount of $1,985,490 and confirmed same in contested Superior Court hearing.
  • Obtained an American Arbitration Association commercial award in the amount of $1,500,815 and confirmed same in contested Superior Court hearing.
  • Prevailed in dismissing putative class action filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and had the dismissal with prejudice affirmed by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
  • Defeated injunctive relief sought against New Jersey company in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas.
  • Obtained judgments and favorable settlements for homeowners allegedly defrauded by home improvement contractors.
  • Successfully guided a landscaping business to obtain licensing after it had received an administrative denial
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Donald A. Soutar

Don Soutar has been litigating in the courts of New Jersey and elsewhere for more than twenty years. Over that time, he has represented businesses – large and small – in business, banking, contract and intellectual property disputes; individuals as a member of one of the nation’s premier personal injury law firms; and parents – especially parents of students with disabilities – in disputes with their school districts.

Over the course of his career, Don has litigated hundreds of matters in trial courts nationwide, prevailed on appeals to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and New Jersey Appellate Division, and administered settlements worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Don has brought his extensive experience to Coyle & Morris to round out its commercial litigation practice and to head up its burgeoning education law practice.

Don received a Bachelor of Music Degree from the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester in 1984 and a Master of Music Degree from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in 1986. After a successful career as a teacher and musician, Don returned to school and graduated from Rutgers School of Law – Newark in 1999. Don is admitted to practice law in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and the related federal District Courts.

Away from the office, Don is an avid cyclist and outdoorsman. He is an Eagle Scout and volunteers as an adult leader with the Boy Scouts of America, his church and community.

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Lili Caparosa

Lili is a litigator and special education advocate. She is experienced in a wide breadth of litigation types including employment law, commercial litigation, and education law. As an education law attorney, Lili is dedicated to working with families to ensure that students with disabilities receive the quality education they deserve. Lili has helped numerous students receive accommodations, related services, and compensatory services. She has participated in countless IEP meetings and has worked to ensure that all parents are heard by their school district.

Since working at Coyle & Morris, Lili has been also working to protect clients' religious and medical freedom, and their rights as consumers. Lili also assists the firm in providing full service estate planning including special needs trusts.

Lili is a graduate of Pace Law and received her Bachelor's degree from Stockton University.

Practice Areas

Business Disputes
We have represented businesses of all sizes--from small partnerships to Fortune 500 companies--in state and federal courts across the country and primarily in New Jersey and New York.  Our work includes everything from the largest class actions to inter-company disputes between partners.  We have also resolved matters through private arbitration before the American Arbitration Association and FINRA.

We assist businesses large and small through each step of the dispute resolution process:

  • First, we review your case and help you fully understand your company's legal rights and obligations;
  • Second, we review with you all available dispute resolution strategies; and
  • Third, we engage with the other party or parties, and aim to achieve the best resolution of the dispute for the benefit of your business.

With over three decades of combined litigation experience, John Coyle and Jesse C. Morris can litigate or arbitrate your dispute from start to finish. But many disputes can be resolved without going to trial, and we can guide you through settlement negotiations, mediations, and other alternative dispute mechanisms to help you achieve your business goals.

We can help your business resolve a wide range of disputes including those involving:

  • Franchise agreements
  • Distributor agreements
  • Commercial leases
  • Employment agreements
  • Noncompete agreements and other restrictive covenants
  • Trademarks
  • Internal corporate disputes and partner disputes
  • Creditors and debtors
  • If your case is appealed, or if you would like to appeal the decision in your case, Coyle & Morris can also provide appellate representation.

Business Transactions
We can help your company make informed decisions in considering and negotiating agreements by helping you understand each term of the contract, negotiate better terms, and keep you aware of potential pitfalls. John and Jesse counsel business clients in preparing, executing, and addressing compliance issues under all sorts of agreements including:

  • Vendor contracts
  • Franchise agreements
  • Distributor agreements
  • Commercial leases
  • Nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements
  • Employment agreements
  • We can also assist you in the formation of new corporate entities, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and limited liability partnerships (LLPs).

Consumer Disputes and Consumer Fraud
Consumers are often unaware of their rights, and can feel helpless when treated unfairly in the marketplace. John and Jesse will provide you with an opportunity to explain your situation to us, and we will advise whether our legal representation might be appropriate for you.

New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act and New York’s Consumer Protection Law protect consumers from unconscionable and deceptive business practices. So, in addition to whatever rights are spelled out in your consumer contract, you may have additional remedies available to you.

Medical Freedom
As the nation makes its way back from the depths of the COVID-19 crisis, there is a struggle to negotiate the balancing act between the collective good for the country and an individual’s freedom.

As late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall wisely said, “The measure of a country's greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis.”  This has never been more true than it is today.

If you have questions or need legal assistance navigating employer or school mandates or fighting for your medical or religious rights, Coyle & Morris is ready to stand up for you.

Brewery and Beverage Law
As an award-winning homebrewer for the last thirty years, John Coyle knows a thing or two about brewing beer.

As one of the Managing Members and brewers for Double Tap Brewing, he also knows the legal side of the brewery business.  From corporate formation, state and federal licensing, lease negotiations, trademarking, labeling and serving, John can help with your needs.   Interested in starting a brewery?  As soon as Double Tap opens in the fall, you can come on by and discuss the legal side of the brewery business literally, from the inside.

Estate Planning, Administration, and Litigation
Do you have a current will, medical power of attorney, living will, durable power of attorney?  If you hesitated for even a moment to think, what does “current” mean, the answer is no.  We can help with your scalable needs.

Acting as a loved one’s Executor or Trustee is a powerful and meaningful way to honor someone’s memory.  It is also confusing, time consuming, and full of pitfalls.  What returns do you need to file and when?  Does it matter which bills you pay in what order?  What does an estate asset accounting look like and how do I get it approved--or do I even need to?  Do not founder while beneficiaries ask why it is taking so long, get help.

We also have years of experience litigating complex estate issues from all sides: representing executors in disputes with creditors and beneficiaries, challenging a will or codicil offered into probate, prosecuting or defending against claims of conflicts, or administration.  We will fight to protect your interests.

Education Law and Special Education Law

What do you do when your child isn’t learning like she should?

Where do you turn when the school district you trusted now seems to be your enemy?

IEP, FAPE, LRE?? What is everybody talking about?

The attorneys at Coyle & Morris can help answer these questions and more. You and your child may have rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or other state and federal discrimination laws. The education lawyers at Coyle & Morris can help you understand your rights and navigate the sometimes-complex path to a Free Appropriate Public Education for your child. Whether you are just starting down the path or are ready to wage all-out war, the attorneys at Coyle & Morris can help. We have the unique combination of litigation training, experience advocating for parents, and compassion to understand what you are going through.

 

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John Coyle

Jesse C. Morris

Donald A. Soutar