ABOUT THE FIRM

1929 - 2013

A founding member of the firm, Mr. Hutt has developed and preserved the Hutt & Shimanowitz fundamental principles to which the company remains committed. In a distinguished career involving a myriad of significant legal accounts, Mr. Hutt has been markedly instrumental in establishing the firm's position as a leader in matters germane to real estate and its peripheral disciplines. Served as general counsel to the New Jersey Builder's Association (NJBA) for over thirty-five years, during which time Mr. Hutt was successful in a long line of landmark cases in the Land Use field. In addition, Mr. Hutt was one of the original builder/developer representatives of the League of Municipalities Drafting Committee on the Municipal Land Use Law from its enactment in 1975, through various modifications. He has represented numerous builders and served as an expert witness in a multitude of real estate litigation matters.

A managing partner in the firm, Mr. Shimanowitz specializes in real estate transactions, real estate financing, land use/zoning and land use matters. During his 30+ years of highly successful practice, Mr. Shimanowitz has represented a diversity of parties including developers, lenders and others relating to real estate transactions and land development. Mr. Shimanowitz has represented many real estate developers and has appeared before numerous state, county and municipal approving agencies on their behalf. Such a breadth of experience and interaction with a multitude of industry professionals enables him to offer clients an enhanced perspective on their particular concerns, no matter how far-reaching or detailed.

Mr. Hutt, also a managing partner, has been a respected, practicing attorney for over 30+ years. During this time, Mr. Hutt has maintained a general practice with an emphasis on real estate and litigation. Mr. Hutt has successfully completed a myriad of trials, both jury and non-jury, involving real estate, negligence, contract dispute and other commercial litigation. Over the years, Mr. Hutt has gained considerable experience in the representation of developers in construction litigation matters, a highly intricate area of concentration. Mr. Hutt has handled numerous "transition" matters representing both Developers and Condominium Associations. Mr. Hutt has been awarded the highest rating, AV by Martindale-Hubbell legal rating service.

Practicing law in the State of New Jersey for over 30 years, Ms. Scherer devotes her talents to clients involved in real estate, solidifying the firm's position as industry experts in both residential and commercial matters. Demonstrating a continual mastery of her specialty, Ms. Scherer has built an enviable reputation as a leader in the field of drafting and implementing Public Offering Statements, as well as Homeowner's Association documents for a wealth of real estate developments.

Matt has represented both corporate and individual clients in matters involving contractual disputes, personal injury, premises liability, workers compensation, debt collections defense and subrogation. Matt has a wide array of experience in numerous areas of the law and has successfully argued on behalf of clients in courts throughout the state. Licensed in New Jersey since 2011, he is a graduate of Pace Law and Monmouth University, and joined Hutt & Shimanowitz in 2020. date transactions.

Mr. Plocker maintains a general litigation and real estate practice, having represented various businesses and individuals in disputes from inception through settlement or trial. Over the years, Mr. Plocker has litigated a wide array of matters involving commercial litigation, oppressed minority shareholder/business litigation, contractual matters, property damage, environmental disputes, estate/probate litigation, real estate litigation, negligence, contract disputes, premises liability and insurance. Mr. Plocker also appears before municipal bodies in connection with land use applications. Mr. Plocker brings large firm experience to Hutt & Shimanowitz, where he can give personalized attention to each client. Mr. Plocker strives to achieve optimal results on a client-by-client basis by implementing an aggressive, but cost effective, litigation strategy. Bar Admissions: New Jersey New York Education: Rutgers University School of Law - Camden (J.D. 2000) Franklin & Marshall College (B.A. 1997)

Tom is a graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. He served over 10 years of combined active duty and reserve service with the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division, 6th Infantry Division and later with the U.S. Army Reserves in New Jersey’s then 78th Division (Training) in a variety of leadership positions including Company Commander.  He is Airborne/Ranger qualified and is honorably discharged from the U.S. Army having obtained the rank of Captain.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Tom attended Seton Hall University School of Law while working full time during the day with a small defense contractor.

Tom has practiced law in New Jersey and New York as a commercial litigator for over 20 years. He has a diverse New Jersey, New York and Federal Court commercial litigation practice at both the trial and appellate level.  He has successfully argued before the New Jersey Supreme Court.  He brings a unique combined military and corporate experience to the practice of law.  His clients and peers alike recognize him for his legal creativity, attention to detail and businesslike approach in an effort to obtain an efficient resolution to legal disputes. 

His primary areas of practice are commercial litigation, commercial collections and reinsurance.  He is admitted in New Jersey and New York and the following federal courts:  U.S. Supreme Court, Third Circuit Court of Appeals, U.S. District Court of N.J., Second Circuit Court of Appeals, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.  His memberships include ARIAS U.S., the New York State Bar Association, the New Jersey State Bar Association, and the West Point Society of NY.