Stephen M. Tatonetti

Stephen M. Tatonetti is a graduate of Drexel University. He obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science-History in 1987. He graduated with full honors and was also a member of Phi Alpha Theta Historical Honor Society. While attending Drexel University he was a member of the United States Army R.O.T.C. and he successfully completed R.O.T.C. Ranger training and trained with members of the US Special Forces. Unfortunately, due to a medical condition that would have limited his activities in the military, he had to decline a commission. Additionally in 1985 and 1986, he was a member of the Wildwood Crest Police Department. He was an officer decorated in the line of duty for preventing and apprehending an assailant who was attempting to commit a sexual assault. Stephen was also involved in undercover narcotics operations.

After graduating from Drexel University he enrolled in Widener University School of Law and received his law degree in 1990. While a student at Widener University he was indoctrinated into the Moot Court Society and was a law clerk for James Crovo, Esquire, during the summers of 1988 and 1989.

Stephen was employed by the Law Firm of Begelman & Orlow from 1990 to 2002. As an associate he was responsible for litigating personal injury cases that involved accidents, products liability matters, claims against governmental entities and other types of matters. Additionally, he resolved and litigated complicated family law issues such as divorce, child custody and domestic violence. He successfully argued on several occasions before the New Jersey Appellate Division and was responsible for handling municipal court matters, including indictable offenses and parole violations. Stephen joined the law firm in July 2002 and became a partner in 2006 assuming the role of trial attorney for the firm. In 2006 he successfully argued before the NJ Appellate Division and was responsible for modifying the law in the State of New Jersey as to the obligation and duty public entities have regarding dangerous conditions. The opinion was significant and it was selected by the NJ Appellate Division to be published so that it could be relied upon by the Courts and litigants.

He is an active member of the Square Circle Sportsman Club of Camden County, The Knights of Columbus and the Sons of Italy. Furthermore, he has been involved in several martial arts since 1984 and was an annual instructor at the Cape May County Police Academy where he taught law enforcement officers self defense tactics. Presently he is one of the chief instructors at Hiriki Aikido, where he teaches Aikido and Wing Chun Kung Fu techniques.