James S. Arrabito joined Catania, Mahon & Rider, PLLC as an associate in May 2023. James' practice focuses on a range of matters relating to environmental regulation, diligence, and litigation under state and federal law.
James’ litigation experience includes, among other things, complex multi-party matters under CERCLA, the New York Navigation Law, and the New Jersey Spill Act.
In addition, James has represented clients in a variety of regulatory and administrative matters, including, among other things, those arising under the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the New Jersey Site Remediation Reform Act, the New Jersey Industrial Site Recovery Act, and under NJDEP’s Tidelands Rules, Flood Hazard Area Rules, Fresh Water Wetlands Rules, and Solid Waste Management Rules.
James has also represented clients in matters arising under the New York Environmental Conservation Law, including, among other things, creation of conservation easements and advisement pertaining to NYS DEC’s Solid Waste Management Rules.
James has also represented a number of clients in obtaining full annual licenses under New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act. James has advised clients as to regulatory compliance in the adult-use cannabis market, as well as aided in developing applicants’ Standard Operating Procedures for submission to appropriate regulatory bodies.
Prior to joining CMR, James was an Associate in the Environmental and Cannabis Groups at Chiesa, Shahinian, & Giantomasi, PC and, before that, in the Litigation Group at Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP. James also previously clerked for the Honorable Justice Jaynee LaVecchia (Ret.), Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court – the State’s highest appellate court.
Outside of work, James is an avid fan of the Yankees, Giants, and Chelsea F.C., and enjoys reading novels, playing disc golf, and spending time with his children.
Practice Areas
Bar Admissions
New Jersey, 2018
District of New Jersey, 2018
New York, 2019
Eastern District of New York, 2021
Education
Rutgers Law School, 2017
J.D. magna cum laude; Order of the Coif
William Paterson University of New Jersey, 2014
B.A. summa cum laude
Publications/Seminars
The Regulatory Status of Emerging Contaminants and Their Unique Legal Challenges, Rutgers U. Ctr. for Continuing Educ., Nov. 2022 (Presentation).
Let’s talk about environmental impact of cannabis cultivation, ROINJ.COM, Aug. 26, 2021.
Out of Focus: Zooming In On Body Cameras, Privacy, and Medical Emergencies, 69 Rutgers U. L. Rev. 741 Nov. 2017.
Honors and Awards
Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Environmental Law
Best Lawyers Ones to Watch, Environmental Law & Environmental Litigation
Professional Associations and Memberships
Board of Directors for Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, Member
American Bar Association, Section of Environmental, Energy, and Resources, Member
New York State Bar Association, Environmental & Energy Law Section, Member
New Jersey State Bar Association, Environmental Law Section & Cannabis Law Committee, Member
New York City Bar Association, Member
Brownfields Coalition of the Northeast, Member
New Jersey Licensed Site Remediation Professionals Association, Member
Orange County Bar Association, Environmental Law Committee, Member