Hon. Michael F. O’Neill, P.J.S.C. (Ret.)

Mediator, Arbitrator & Adjudicator |
Complex Civil, Insurance & Institutional Disputes

With over 40 years of legal experience and a decade on the New Jersey Superior Court bench, Judge Michael O’Neill is a highly sought-after neutral for complex, high-stakes litigation. Formerly the Sole Civil Judge for Hunterdon County and a Presiding Judge (Special Civil Part), he specializes in resolving intractable disputes efficiently, from multi-insurer coverage battles to sensitive institutional claims.

Mediation & Arbitration Expertise

  • Complex Insurance Coverage: Deep expertise in "long-tail" disputes, toxic exposure, environmental liability, and multi-insurer allocation.

  • Institutional & Sexual Abuse Claims: Trusted mediator for sensitive matters involving religious institutions, boards of education, and non-profits.

  • Personal Injury & Mass Torts: Experienced in resolving wrongful death, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury matters.

  • Commercial & Employment: Contract disputes, discrimination claims, and business torts.

  • Probate, Equity & Land Use: Contested trusts, fiduciary analysis, and complex zoning/prerogative writ actions.

Superior Court Judicial Experience (2013–2023)

Appointed to the Superior Court in 2013, Judge O’Neill served primarily in Hunterdon, Somerset, and Warren Counties (Vicinage XIII).

  • Presiding Judge, Special Civil Part: Managed diverse dockets across three counties.

  • Sole Civil Judge (Hunterdon): Presided over all civil matters in the county for nearly a decade, managing cases from filing through trial.

  • Class Action Management: Oversaw major settlements, including inmate class actions (Edna Mahan Correctional Facility) and consumer fraud.

  • Committee Service: Member of the NJ Supreme Court Civil Practice Committee (2020–2024).

Legal Background & Credentials

  • Former Senior Partner: 25+ years at Purcell, Mulcahy, O’Neill & Hawkins, chairing the Complex Insurance Coverage and ADR groups.

  • Certified Civil Trial Attorney: Designation by the New Jersey Supreme Court.

  • Education & Clerkship: Seton Hall University School of Law (Cum Laude, Editor-in-Chief); Former Law Clerk to NJ Supreme Court Justice Mark A. Sullivan.

  • Admissions & Membership: NJ, PA, Third Circuit Court of Appeals; Member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (NADN).

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