Anthony P. Kearns, III

Managing Partner of Kearns Rotolo Law - Former Hunterdon County Prosecutor

25 years of experience
Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Domestic Violence
New Jersey

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Biography

Anthony P. Kearns, III has been the managing partner of Kearns Rotolo Law since January 2022. He is a highly skilled courtroom advocate focusing on personal injury, criminal defense, family law, domestic violence and municipal matters.

Mr. Kearns is the former Hunterdon County Prosecutor and the only one to have been appointed to this position for two terms, making him Hunterdon County's longest serving prosecutor. He has earned statewide recognition as a criminal defense attorney and has the distinction of having worked on both sides of the criminal justice system. During his tenure as the county’s Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Mr. Kearns managed and led of team of approximately 30 detectives and nine assistant prosecutors with the goal of prosecuting and preventing criminal activities. This prosecutorial experience provides Mr. Kearns with unique insight into how the state prepares and prosecutes criminal cases, which he then uses to skillfully and powerfully defend his clients against charges.

While Prosecutor, Mr. Kearns created and implemented community-based programs by working in partnership with community leaders and programs with the goal of bettering the quality of life for all residents of Hunterdon County.

Mr. Kearns also held the position of Deputy Attorney General for the Attorney General of New Jersey. As Deputy Attorney General, among other duties, Mr. Kearns prosecuted licensees for various professional boards, as well as prosecuting for the Division of Youth & Family Services and before the Office of Administrative Law, State & Federal Courts.

Throughout his career, Mr. Kearns has been a vigorous contributor to the legal community. He has served in various positions for the Hunterdon County Bar Association, including being a member of the Executive Board of the Association (2005-2015), and serving as President of that Board (2009-2010). Additionally, Mr. Kearns is the NJ delegate for the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey.

Practice Areas

Criminal Law: Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes

Personal Injury: Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death

Domestic Violence: Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Victims Rights

Fees

Free Consultation

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice

New Jersey
Since 1998

U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
Since 1998

U.S. Supreme Court
Since 2003

Languages

English: Spoken, Written

Professional Experience

Managing Partner: Kearns Rotolo Law; 2022 - Current

Chief Executive Officer & Chairman of the Board of Trustees: Catholic Charities - Diocese of Metuchen; 2021 - Current

Chancellor - General Counsel: The Diocese of Metuchen; 2019 - Current

Prosecutor: Chief Law Enforcement Officer for the County: Hunterdon County, New Jersey; 2010 - 2019; Chief Law Enforcement Officer for the County

Partner: Rylak, Gianos, Kearns, and Phillips; 2002 - 2010

Deputy Attorney General: Office of the Attorney General of New Jersey; 1999 - 2002; Division of Law

Education

Suffolk University Law School: J.D. (1998) | Law; 1998; Honors: Cum laude; "Transnational Law Review:" Published Article, "Customary International Law Grants the Right To Food;" Distinguished Brief Award, 1st Year Section Competition

Loyola College: M.S. | Counseling; 1990 - 1992; Master of Science in Counseling

Saint Anselm College: B.A. | Psychology and Spanish; 1989; Honors: Cum laude; Delta Epsilon Sigma - National Catholic Honor Society; Pi Gama Mu - National Social Science Honor Society; Sigma Delta Pi - National Spanish Honor Society; "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges;" King Edward Society - College Charitable Honor Society

American Institute, Valencia, Spain: Study Abroad | Spanish; 1988 - 1988; Intensive indoctrination into Spanish culture. All course work and examinations conducted in Spanish.

Professional Associations

Hunterdon County Bar Association: County Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee Member; 2023 - Current

Supreme Court of New Jersey: District XIII Ethics Committee; 2023 - Current; Activities: Appointed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey to serve on the District XIII Ethics Committee for Hunterdon, Somerset, and Warren Counties.