Genova Burns has announced that William J. Heller, former Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the New York Football Giants, has joined the firm as Of Counsel.
While GC for the Giants, Heller supervised all legal affairs, overseeing matters pertaining to the Giants and its affiliates, including assisting in MetLife Stadium legal affairs. His tenure with the Giants, one of the NFL’s original franchises, covered a spectrum of sports law, including licensing, sponsorships, marketing arrangements, labor and employment and privacy issues.
Prior to serving as GC of the Giants, Heller made his mark during a 32-year career in private practice serving as a partner at two premier New Jersey law firms, where he gained substantial expertise in transactional and counseling engagements, particularly in commercial deals. His private practice experience also embraced various intellectual property issues and the significant negotiation and licensing of agreements in high technology, internet, and privacy.
An experienced trial lawyer, Heller’s notable cases spanned complex employment discrimination, commercial, technology, and intellectual property disputes. His court room experiences include trade secrets cases and technology counseling for defense contractors, and successful copyright vindication for a leading China manufacturer whose work appeared in an Oscar-winning motion picture without permission.
Angelo J. Genova, Esq., Genova Burns Chairman, said the firm feels “very privileged and excited to have Bill Heller return to private practice under the Genova Burns banner. Having known Bill for decades, I know him to be one never content to rest on his laurels. Bill will contribute greatly to our firm in many ways. We expect Bill will offer a wonderful opportunity to our clients now and in the future by serving as a mediator and alternative resolution counselor that will benefit litigating parties to resolve their disputes.
“I have no doubt,” she continued, “that Bill will provide an insightful, efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional litigation.”
Heller has been recognized as a leading lawyer in New Jersey and nationwide. His dedication extends to volunteer, charitable and pro bono activities including his service as the founding President of the Wyckoff Education Foundation. Admitted to the bar in 1978, he is currently a member of the New Jersey bar and various federal courts.
