Thomas J. LaConte, JSC (Ret.), is recognized for his contributions to the legal industry
WAYNE, NJ, August 6, 2026, Thomas J. LaConte, JSC (Ret.), has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. LaConte’s distinguished legal career is marked by a series of significant milestones and leadership roles that reflect his unwavering commitment to the profession, his clients and public service. Since 2025, he has served as of counsel at Cole Schotz P.C., where he makes himself available for arbitrations and mediations, accepting assignments when retained by clients as an arbitrator or mediator. His expertise in these areas is widely recognized, and he is praised for achieving a high level of proficiency in both arbitration and mediation.
From 2005 to 2025, Mr. LaConte held the esteemed position of judge on the Superior Court of New Jersey. This appointment stands as the pinnacle of his professional journey and represents his proudest achievement. Attaining this role fulfilled a long-held ambition that began at the outset of his legal career. Despite accepting a significant salary reduction upon leaving his partnership at Cole Schotz to assume the bench, Mr. LaConte regards this judicial appointment as a validation of decades of dedication to the legal profession and public service.
Before his judicial tenure, Mr. LaConte was a partner at Cole Schotz from 1978 to 2005. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s litigation practice and mentoring younger attorneys. His earlier experience as an associate at Cole Schotz from 1974 to 1978 provided him with a strong foundation in commercial litigation and set the stage for his subsequent accomplishments.
In addition to his primary roles, Mr. LaConte has contributed significantly to the broader legal community. He has served as master of the Justice Robert L. Clifford American Inns of Court, sharing his knowledge and fostering ethical standards among peers and emerging practitioners. As a lecturer for the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, he has educated fellow attorneys on complex legal topics. His leadership extended to serving as vice chair of the Bergen County District II Fee Arbitration Committee, where he helped resolve disputes within the legal profession.
Mr. LaConte’s commitment to service is further demonstrated by his military background; he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army in 1970, exemplifying discipline and dedication early in his career.
Throughout his professional life, Mr. LaConte has been actively involved in numerous industry-related organizations. He served as president of the Passaic County Bar Association from 1990 to 1991 and continues to contribute as a trustee. He is also affiliated with The Phi Beta Kappa Society, Phi Alpha Theta, New Jersey State Bar Association and Bergen County Bar Association.
Mr. LaConte’s academic achievements have been instrumental in shaping his career trajectory. He earned a Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School Newark in 1974, where he was an editor of the Rutgers Law Review and graduated with honors, following a Bachelor of Arts from Lafayette College. His rigorous academic preparation provided him with critical analytical skills and a deep understanding of legal principles that have underpinned his success as both an attorney and judge.
He holds bar admissions in New Jersey, United States Tax Court, Supreme Court of the United States, United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit—credentials that underscore his broad expertise and authority within the legal field.
A perfectionist by nature, Mr. LaConte attributes his achievements not to innate talent but to an unwavering work ethic and meticulous attention to detail—qualities recognized since his high school years and reinforced throughout his academic pursuits. As a member of Phi Beta Kappa with a perfect grade point average in his major, he credits these accomplishments entirely to diligence rather than intellect.
Mr. LaConte’s civic engagement includes serving as treasurer of the Bergen County Bar Foundation from 1999 to 2005 and as trustee of both the Passaic County Legal Aid Society—where he served for nearly two decades—and the Bergen County Bar Foundation. He is a trustee of the New Jersey Historical Society. These roles reflect his enduring commitment to access to justice and support for underserved communities.
His professional excellence has been recognized through several prestigious honors: the highest rating from Martindale-Hubbell, inclusion in New Jersey’s Best Lawyers, and recognition as one of New Jersey’s Top Lawyers.
Born in Paterson, Mr. LaConte comes from humble beginnings as the first lawyer in his family—a significant achievement given that his mother was a high school graduate and his father did not complete high school. His maternal grandfather worked as a zinc miner in Franklin Borough, Sussex County, while his paternal grandfather was a barber in Paterson. Despite this background and without any family tradition in law, Mr. LaConte pursued his ambition with determination, motivated by a duty to the profession, the country and clients.
He has been married to Jo Ann since 1971 and is devoted to their children, Andrea Beth and Gregory John, as well as their two grandsons who live nearby. Outside of professional commitments, he enjoys golfing.
Looking ahead, Mr. LaConte intends to enjoy retirement while remaining active in arbitration and mediation, continuing to contribute meaningfully to dispute resolution while maintaining a well-earned lifestyle after decades of dedicated service.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
Written in partnership with Tom White
