Roberto Principe

Contributing Writer
Roberto - Kathy Principe
Roberto - Kathy Principe

Princeton ’52, Columbia University School of Law ’55, admitted to practice of Law in October 1956, withdrew from the practice in October 1996. In 1963 I was appointed Judge of the Juvenile and Domestic relations Court, served one term and returned to my practice.

As a trial lawyer, I represented criminal defendants in cases ranging from white-collar crimes to homicides. In civil litigation, I was involved in the trial of personal injury, medical malpractice, corporate and partnership matters and a number of significant matrimonial cases. My appellate practice dealt with civil and criminal issues at least 12 of which resulted in “reported” opinions. An opinion is “reported” if that opinion clarifies present law or establishes new law. At the request of the Chief Justice, I addressed the New Jersey Judicial Conference on the topic: Equitable Distribution of Future Interests.

During my 40 years of practice I represented a U.S. Senator, a Pulitzer Prize winner in Literature, a Basketball Hall of Fame Coach and other significant political and business figures.

From July of 1999 to June of 2001, I was incarcerated in a Correctional Institution in New Jersey for the commission of a white-collar crime. Following my release in 2001, I was sent to a half way house in New Jersey and remained there until December of 2002.

In 2006, I was requested to participate in a Lecture Series at the Rutgers University School of Law, Southern Division, on the subject of Professionalism, Character and Fitness. I have done so twice yearly, every year since 2006, and I do so pro bono.

I started working as a freelance interpreter in Italian in the fall of 2006. My work has taken me to the State Courts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland and to all the major hospitals in Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey as well as hospitals and medical centers in Delaware. I have assisted Italian Corporations establish a presence in this country and have also worked for several Law firms preparing clients for depositions and trials; in some instances, I have also assisted in settlement negotiations.

It is now my hope to share with others the lessons learned, both good and bad, and to define and describe the important role of the interpreter for those who are not English proficient in the courtroom and in medical care facilities.

My pen name is Roberto Principe.

Latest Articles

Prepare for Prison
If you are in your sixties and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, your first encounter with prison can be devastating if not forewarned and prepared.
Aug 19, 2011 - Roberto Principe
Grandpa or Grandfather?
The relationship with your children must survive the divorce if you want to be a meaningful part of the lives of your grandchildren.
Jul 4, 2011 - Roberto Principe
Grandparents: Enjoy the Moment
A baby is born. The parents are proud. The grandparents witness the birth of their grandchild. What can the passage of time do to this powerful image?
May 14, 2011 - Roberto Principe
Are You Prepared for Divorce?
Short of a settlement, divorce litigation is replete with pitfalls that are frequently unavoidable.
May 10, 2011 - Roberto Principe
The Interpreter's Bonus
The interpreter is trained to be transparent but his work is clearly essential to a successful result. The bonus is the client's appreciation
Apr 24, 2011 - Roberto Principe
The Search for Guilt or Innocence in Our Justice System
The search for guilt or innocence in criminal proceedings is pursued through a jury or bench trial. If truth is found, it is fortuitous.
Apr 19, 2011 - Roberto Principe
Secular Divorce and the Get: Why Both?
Remarriage in the Orthodox or Conservative tradition requires a get of the prior marriage attainable only by the husband. Secular law may compel compliance
Apr 5, 2011 - Roberto Principe
Does Divorce Always End the Marriage Relationship?
Divorce decrees end the marriage but not always the marriage relationship. Post-judgment relief keeps hope alive for those who refuse to accept the obvious.
Mar 28, 2011 - Roberto Principe
Divorce: Rage or Reason
Divorces are emotional and laced with rage. Given the choice, hire professionals to draft a reasonable agreement, avoid a bench trial, and limit your losses
Mar 13, 2011 - Roberto Principe