Attorney Highlight – James P. Backenson

My name is James Backenson. I’m a Managing Partner in the New Jersey office for MSZ&W. I was born and raised in New Jersey and am a product of the New Jersey education system. I earned my law degree from Rutgers University in Camden—so I’m a Jersey guy through and through.

What Is Your Background?

I was born and raised in South Jersey, specifically Stratford. I went to Richard Stockton University for undergrad and earned my law degree from Rutgers in Camden. After a clerkship, I started working at MSZ&W and have been here for about 22 and a half years.

What Areas of Practice Do You Focus On?

I practice exclusively in workers’ compensation defense. I’ve been doing that for the firm for the greater part of my career—at least the last 18 years.

What Is Your Favorite or Most Memorable Case?

I have a current case that will definitely be chapter one of my memoirs. I can’t share too many details, but it’s been ongoing and unusually complex. The petitioner doesn’t understand—or refuses to understand—how the system works. It’s brought up issues rarely encountered in workers’ compensation, including rules of ethics and evidence, which has forced me to revisit materials I never thought I’d need again. It’s been challenging but also professionally enriching.

What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?

While some attorneys might mention a big case win, I consider my greatest accomplishment to be the long-term relationships I’ve built with clients. Several have been with me for over 10 years—some close to 20. Their continued trust and loyalty mean the most to me.

What Do You Like About Being an Attorney?

I sometimes joke that I’m glad I don’t have to swing a hammer for a living, but seriously, this career has provided financial stability and life experiences I might not have had otherwise. For example, I’ve ridden my motorcycle across much of the U.S. and even up to Newfoundland, Canada. Being an attorney has opened up opportunities I truly appreciate.

What Do You Like About Living in Mount Laurel?

What I love most is the balance—it’s close to the city if I want to go out, but within 10 minutes I can be on a mountain bike or motorcycle in the middle of farmland. It gives me the best of both worlds.

What Is A Fun Fact About You? 

During COVID, my dog George started coming to work with me—and he’s been doing it almost every day for the last five years. He’s become something of an office mascot. There’s even a running joke that he occasionally takes PTO. If you check out our website and look at our holiday food drives and other charitable events, you’ll usually see George featured in the photos.

What Are Your Charitable Endeavors?

I’m the youngest of five kids, and one of my older brothers passed away from leukodystrophy when I was young. My family has been very involved in raising awareness and supporting research to end this terrible childhood disease.

In addition, I have a degree in environmental studies and stay involved with several nonprofit environmental organizations. Two I support are 4Ocean, which focuses on removing plastic from the ocean, and Captains for Clean Water, a Florida-based group working to restore the Everglades and Florida Keys.