Deanna L. Koestel

Deanna L. Koestel is a highly accomplished attorney specializing in commercial litigation, construction law, and general business law matters across New Jersey and New York. As Chair of the firm's Construction Law practice and a partner in the Commercial Litigation practice, Deanna brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success. She also serves as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee.

With a diverse clientele encompassing individual clients and business entities, Deanna adeptly represents clients in various industries, including construction, pharmaceutical and healthcare, and food, beverage, and hospitality, among others. She skillfully handles complex business disputes, encompassing partnership and shareholder matters, business torts, non-competition and non-solicitation actions, breach of contract actions, fraud and consumer fraud actions, and breach of fiduciary duty claims. Deanna frequently serves as outside general counsel, providing strategic guidance to clients in developing business plans, managing risk, and efficiently resolving litigation matters. Her deep understanding of the New Jersey and New York courts enables her to act as local counsel for out-of-state firms and their clients.

In the realm of construction law, Deanna's extensive experience covers the representation of residential and commercial property and business owners, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and manufacturers throughout all phases of the construction process. She offers valuable assistance in drafting construction contracts and skillfully handles construction litigation issues, including breach of contract, warranty actions, building supply defects, and professional liability disputes. Deanna also specializes in construction and mechanic's lien matters, providing comprehensive support to both owners and contractors. Leveraging her litigation background, Deanna proactively advises clients on risk mitigation strategies during contract drafting and pre-litigation negotiations.

Deanna actively contributes to the advancement of women in the legal profession. She is a valued member of the firm's Women's Leadership Committee and holds the prestigious position of North American Chair for the Women of Interlaw Network, an affinity group within the globally recognized Chambers-rated Interlaw law firm network, of which the firm is a member.

Beyond her legal accomplishments, Deanna is an engaged member of several professional organizations, including Together Hospitality NYC and the New York City Hospitality Group. She currently serves as a Board Member for Girls on the Run NYC, where she previously held the position of Board President from 2015-2019. Deanna is also a valued member of the Rotary Club of New Paltz. In recognition of her dedication to community service, Deanna was honored as Volunteer of the Year by H.A.R.K. (Healthy Active Responsible Kids) in 2013. Additionally, she played a pivotal role as a founding board member of Girls on the Run of Central New Jersey.

Deanna L. Koestel's exceptional legal skills, extensive experience, and commitment to community engagement make her an invaluable asset to both her clients and the legal profession as a whole.

Honors & Recognitions

• Selected for inclusion in the list of Best Lawyers in America, 2024
• Selected for inclusion in the list of New Jersey Super Lawyers, 2023-2024
• Selected for inclusion in the list of Super Lawyers New York Metro, 2022-2023
• Selected for inclusion in the list of Super Lawyers New York Metro: Women's Edition list, 2022-2024
• Selected for inclusion in the list of Super Lawyers, New Jersey Rising Star, 2008-2017
• Volunteer of the Year, 2013, Somerset Hills YMCA for her work as a Founding Board Member and Trustee for H.A.R.K. (Healthy Active Responsible Kids) 

The Best Lawyers list is issued by Woodward/White, Inc. A description of the selection methodology can be found at https://www.bestlawyers.com/About/MethodologyBasic.aspx.

The Super Lawyers list is issued by Thomson Reuters. A description of the selection methodology can be found at http://www.superlawyers.com/about/selection_process.html.

The Rising Stars list is issued by Thomson Reuters. A description of the selection methodology can be found at http://www.superlawyers.com/about/selection_process.html.

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Community & Professional

• Member, Together Hospitality NYC

• North American Chair, Women of Interlaw Network
• New York City Hospitality Group
• New Paltz Rotary Club
• Board Member, Girls on the Run NYC (Board President, 2015-2019)