Michael L. Collins, Esq.

10/20/2026

It was a pleasure welcoming my former colleague Tim Cunningham to my class at Seton Hall University School of Law.

Tim guest lectured on government ethics, drawing on his unique public sector experience, including as Director of the New Jersey Division of Local Government Services and Chairman of the Local Finance Board.

I am grateful to Tim for taking time to chat with the next generation of attorneys on such an important topic.

09/14/2026

Glad to have teamed up with Kim Gilhooly to host a successful Seton Hall University School of Law Monmouth County Happy Hour. It's not always easy to get people to drive over the Driscoll Bridge for an event, so it is great to host one in Central Jersey (which does exist).

I hope to build on this next year making it an annual occasion. Thanks to Lori Andreozzi Gallo and Stephanie Silvestri for their help as always and to Dean Ronald Weich for attending and welcoming our guests.

King, Moench & Collins LLP was proud to serve as Presenting Sponsor of the Seton Hall Law Monmouth/Ocean County Alumni Happy Hour. Pictured are our attorneys Chris Khatami, Secilia Flores, Suzanne Cevasco, Michael L. Collins, and Nicholas D. Hession.

It was a great evening connecting with fellow Seton Hall Law alumni at Lifetime Red Bank. Thank you to Seton Hall Law for hosting a wonderful evening, and to everyone who joined us, particularly Dean Ronald Weich.

09/01/2026

Just over one week until the Seton Hall University School of Law Happy Hour that King, Moench & Collins LLP is hosting! Please consider joining and register here:

https://www.givecampus.com/schools/SetonHallUniversity/events/law-monmouth-ocean-county-happy-hour

08/31/2026

Thanks to our staff, attorneys, and clients for a great event at Monmouth Park this year!

King, Moench & Collins LLP was pleased to host our 4th Annual Monmouth County Track Day at Monmouth Park this past Friday.

It was a great afternoon spent connecting with colleagues, clients, and friends. We want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day such a success.

08/03/2026

Excited to be planning and sponsoring a Seton Hall University School of Law Alumni Happy Hour at the Lifetime Beach Club. I would encourage fellow classmates and alum to join for this convenient opportunity to catch up next month.

Please register online: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/SetonHallUniversity/events/law-monmouth-ocean-county-happy-hour

07/21/2026

Here's a client alert we just issued on a recent New Jersey Supreme Court decision that impacts the growing field of municipal acquisitions for open space purposes.

Can a municipality condemn private property for open space preservation? Yes—but the New Jersey Supreme Court has made clear that there are important constitutional limits on how that authority may be exercised.

In a recent unanimous decision, the Court reaffirmed municipalities' long-standing power to acquire land for open space while holding that property cannot be condemned solely to facilitate a "land swap" with a private developer.

The ruling provides important guidance for municipalities, developers, and property owners throughout New Jersey—and reinforces the need for transparency when exercising the power of eminent domain.

Read our latest Client Alert by Partner Michael L. Collins to learn what this decision means and how it may affect future land use and condemnation matters.

https://kingmoench.com/client-alert-nj-supreme-court-reaffirms-municipal-authority-to-condemn-land-for-open-space-while-drawing-a-line-at-land-swap-takings/

07/06/2026

At our Nation's founding in 1776, when tall ships were a primary means of transportation, less than 1% of the world's population lived in a democracy, while today approximately 50% does. This dramatic increase over just three lifespans is certainly attributable to the success of the American experiment and the impact it has had changing lives around the world. America 250 reminded me how it is a unique privilege to practice law representing those who are elected to represent us.

06/24/2026

Congratulations to Bob Bender on his retirement after a remarkable 34 years of service on the New Jersey School Ethics Commission. I appreciated being invited back to join my former colleagues including Michael Carucci to celebrate this occasion.

06/22/2026

Very excited to announce that Andrew Ball, Esq. and Christopher Khatami have joined KMC. They each bring very unique municipal law experience that will serve our client base well. Proud that we've now doubled the size of our Red Bank office in less than two years' time.

King, Moench & Collins LLP is pleased to announce the addition of two accomplished attorneys, Andrew Ball, Esq. and Christopher Khatami, Esq., marking the firm’s latest strategic lateral hires as it continues to expand its capabilities throughout New Jersey.

Ball joins KMC as a Partner and brings significant experience representing municipalities, public entities, and private clients on a wide range of legal matters. Ball is Township Attorney to Freehold Township and represents multiple land use boards.

Khatami joins the firm as Counsel, adding substantial depth to KMC’s litigation practice through his experience handling complex civil disputes, with a particular focus on defense of municipalities in legal matters.

The additions reflect KMC’s continued growth and commitment to attracting experienced attorneys who share the firm’s client-focused approach and dedication to delivering exceptional legal services.

“Our firm has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, and Andy and Chris are outstanding additions to our team,” said Michael L. Collins, Managing Partner of KMC’s Red Bank Office. “Both bring exceptional legal talent, strong reputations, and a commitment to client service that aligns perfectly with our culture and long-term vision.”

05/13/2026

Excited to be checked into the New Jersey State Bar Association Annual Meeting. Looking forward to reconnecting with friends and colleagues. Please text me if you’re in AC!