Congratulations to Hartmann, Doherty, Rosa, Berman & Bulbulia, a multi-practice law firm, on their 25th Anniversary!

HDRB&B is recognized as one of New Jersey’s premier law firms earning respect from fellow lawyers, adversaries and judges. On Tuesday, October 10, the entire firm, friends and family came together to celebrate HDRB&B’s success at Elia Mediterranean Restaurant. Let’s rewind and revisit some of the standout moments in their 25-year journey.

Founding partners Kurt Hartmann and Paul Doherty are lifelong friends, growing up across the street from each other in Ho-Ho-Kus New Jersey. Their story, woven through years at Bergen Catholic High School and Lafayette College, took them to separate law schools before reconnecting in NYC upon graduation. After cutting their teeth at other law firms, they seized the entrepreneurial spirit in 1999 setting up shop together in a snug Hackensack, New Jersey office, thanks in no small part to their entrepreneurial fathers who not only provided encouragement, but were also their first clients. 

Deciding the firm’s name was made in the most fair way possible– a coin toss! The stakes? The winner would lead the firm’s name, and the runner-up would claim the larger office. So for Hartmann Doherty’s first five years, Kurt worked from a windowless office, while Paul enjoyed the more ‘prestigious’ suite.

In 2005, Rick Rosa, a former Bergen County Assistant Prosecutor and Chief of the Grand Jury and Organized Crime Sections, joined the firm. In 2007, Mark Berman, widely recognized for his extensive trial and criminal defense prowess, came into the fold. The firm continued to expand from litigation into personal legal services with Naim Bulbullia leading the Trusts & Estates department. With the partnership fully cemented, the firm continued to grow exponentially, attracting top notch talent. New office space was secured along the Rt. 4 corridor and shortly thereafter expanded to additional prime locations in Short Hills, New York City and Rockland County.  

Today, HDRB&B provides legal services across 10 key practice areas;  Corporate, Litigation, Employment, Criminal Defense, Trusts & Estates, Elder Law & Special Needs Planning, Matrimonial & Family, Real Estate, Government, and Land Use. Most recently the firm welcomed the Honorable Judge Peter J. Melchionne (Ret.) to provide family mediation and arbitrations services.

“It’s been an extraordinary journey,” reflects co-founder and Managing Partner Paul Doherty, “When we started out, we didn’t anticipate this level of growth, but we knew we had the drive to make a significant impact. This milestone isn’t just about our success as a firm; it’s a testament to the trust our clients have placed in us and the incredible dedication of our team.”

Year after year the firm cements its reputation earning top tier rankings from Chambers USA, Super Lawyers(r), U.S. News and World Reports, Best Law Firms, Best Lawyers, Martindale, NJBIZ, Hudson Valley Magazine, and Bergen Magazine.

From humble beginnings to one of New Jersey’s premier law firms, the road ahead promises further growth and innovation as HDRB&B continues to harness its collective expertise and expand into new practice areas that matter to their clients. HDRB&B thanks the Bergen County community and their clients for being the firm’s cornerstone for 25 years.

Hartmann, Doherty, Rosa, Berman & Bulbulia
Hackensack, NJ 201-441-9056 | Short Hill, NJ 973-467-1325 | New York, NY 212-314-4619 | Rockland County, NY 845-357-7900

Snapshots of the Fabulous Celebration