Our Staff

Peter J. Liska

Peter J. Liska specializes in representing depository institutions and business clients. He represents over two dozen credit unions from the smallest to the largest in the State of New Jersey and was counsel to Garden State Corporate Central Credit Union, New Jersey's only corporate central credit union, until its merger with Empire Corporate. In addition to representing financial institutions, he also represents service organizations providing automobile leasing, securities and insurance products and other consumer financial services. He represents CUMAnet, the largest mortgage credit union service organization in the United States.

A frequent lecturer and public speaker he participates in his clients' strategic planning sessions, board and senior management programs and provides workshops for employees. An extensive writer, he has prepared over 200 legislative updates on the financial services industry for his clients, as well as numerous policy manuals and guides. Most recent examples would include an extensive Security Policy for protecting confidential information maintained by his clients as required by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, policies and forms for the Soldier's and Sailor's Civil Relief Act as a result of the overseas deployment of armed forces subsequent to September 11th, and procedures for complying with the revised provisions of Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Mr. Liska provides a full range of legal services to his financial institution clients including assistance in matters involving corporate governance, implementation of new services with an emphasis on electronic delivery of consumer financial services, compliance assistance, contract negotiation, charter expansion, regulatory matters with both federal and state supervisory agencies, personnel matters, bond claims, automobile leasing, all aspects of real estate including mortgage lending, land use development, zoning and planning, loan workouts, asset recovery, bankruptcy and foreclosure. He also acts as a consultant to his clients for unique problems and issues. As an advisor to his clients he seeks efficient cost-effective solutions, including alternative dispute resolution for his clients. He has been a commercial arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association for more than fifteen years, focusing on the resolution of commercial and construction claims.

Representative clients:
 

Elizabeth A. Hopkins

Elizabeth A. Hopkins is the firm's real estate and mortgage specialist, and is experienced in all aspects of mortgage review and home equity closings, as well as, landlord/tenant matters.  Ms. Hopkins also specializes in adoption practice and is one of seven attorneys in the State of New Jersey to be admitted to the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys.  Ms. Hopkins' practice includes representation of both adoptive parents, as well as, birth mothers involving private or agency adoptions. She also handles interstate, identified, grandparent and stepparent adoptions.  Ms Hopkins received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Rutgers University, Douglas College in New Brunswick in 1980 and her Juris Doctor Degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1983.

Allison J. Kiffin

Allison J. Kiffin is the firm's litigation specialist and handles the firm's litigation and trial work.  Ms. Kiffinn is a 1983 graduate of Boston University School of Law.  She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in history, graduating Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Vermont in 1980.  Ms. Kiffin has had extensive experience in personal injury and medical malpractice litigation and has also represented many Police Benevolent Associations in contract negotiations and unfair labor practice litigation.  Ms. Kiffin is currently involved in our collection litigation, including bankruptcy and foreclosure matters.