Q&A with Cohen Seglias’ Newest Partners
Anthony Bottenfield, Jennifer Budd and Evan Rassman were promoted to the firm’s partnership at the beginning of the year. Our newsletter team sat down with them to discuss their practices.
Q: Tell us a little about your practice and the services you provide to your clients.
Anthony: At Cohen Seglias, I represent a wide cross-section of clients connected to the construction industry. From a developer setting sights on a project to an excavation contractor breaking ground to a roofer topping off the structure, I provide guidance. I assist those clients with contract drafting and negotiations, as well as counseling before, during, and after construction through claims, mediation, arbitration, or trial.
Jen: As a member of the Construction Group, I represent contractors, subcontractors, owners and suppliers in disputes that arising from construction projects. I advise clients during difficult projects and in mediation, but I also represent clients during arbitration or litigation if that is necessary to resolve a dispute.
Evan: I primarily represent real estate developers and investors in all aspects of commercial real estate. A significant portion of my practice involves negotiating purchase and sale agreements, loan documents, and commercial leases.
Q: How did you get started in your career, and what drew you to Cohen Seglias?
Anthony: I joined Cohen Seglias as my first job out of law school and have been here ever since. I was drawn to the firm by its people. I knew little about the practice of law or being a lawyer as a new attorney. I received a strong welcome from those at the Cohen Seglias and that is a major reason for still practicing with them today.
Jen: I was a summer associate at Cohen Seglias in 2009. I then went to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office where I represented the New Jersey Department of Transportation. I genuinely enjoyed learning from the attorneys at Cohen Seglias during my time as a summer associate and jumped at the chance to return.
Evan: I was always interested in real estate while growing up in the construction world. This led me to law school and a focus on commercial real estate. My draw to Cohen Seglias was multifaceted, but the platform really caters to the needs of my clients because it provides a ‘one-stop shop’ where they can seek counsel on a wide array of real estate services.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your practice?
Anthony: Every construction project is tangible and a little different from the next one. I enjoy helping clients navigate that process while learning about how the community around me is shaped.
Jen: Building on my time representing NJDOT, I created a specialty in disputes that arise in heavy highway, infrastructure and transportation projects. I really enjoy learning from my clients about their projects and the actual construction process. I also appreciate the opportunity to help clients navigate challenging projects and prevent elongated disputes.
Evan: Becoming a part of each project. I try to mentally partner with my clients on their deals and become very invested in the same. This makes the project much more personable and keeps the “work” interesting.
Q: What made you stay and grow here? What do you like about the firm?
Anthony: I joined Cohen Seglias because of its people and have stayed for the same reason. In addition, I was given the space and encouragement to grow inside and outside of the firm.
Jen: My relationships with my fellow attorneys, paralegals and professional staff make Cohen Seglias an enjoyable place to practice law. Further, with the support the firm provides, I am able to provide better representation for my clients.
Evan: This firm has allowed me to build my own practice and supported my efforts in doing the same. I get all the support I can ask for. Additionally, the resources around the firm are tremendous—from the business transactions group to the construction contracting team to the wills and estates practice.
