Our Team

Biography

Tiena M. Cofoni concentrates her practice on redevelopment law, representing both public and private entities.

With extensive experience and a result-driven approach, Tiena guides clients through all phases of the redevelopment process - from area designation and plan adoption to the negotiation of redevelopment agreements and financial agreements, including Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs). Her work spans complex projejcts, including mixed-use and transit-oriented developments, revitalizing blighted or underutilized areas into thriving community assets. She frequently presents on PILOT agreements, helping municipalities, including governing bodies and their communities, understand their structure, financial implications, and long-term benefits.

As general counsel to the Township of Chatham, Tiena advises on a broad range of legal and policy matters affecting local governance. Her work includes statutory compliance, contract negotiation and review, personnel issues, procurement, regulatory oversight, and the drafting and interpretation of ordinances and resolutions. She regularly advises on matters before the Construction Board of Appeals and she coordinates with the municipal prosecutor on matters before the municipal court. Tiena regularly prepares and reviews legislation and provides strategic contract negotiation services pursuant to the Municipal Services Reimbursement Act. She provides procurement assitance, including drafting bid specifications, reviewing submissions, preparing related legislation and negotiating final contracts.

Tiena is known for her ability to bridge legal strategy with firsthand municipal experience, making her a trusted advisor to local governments. Before joining the firm, Tiena spent over 14 years representing municipalities and land use boards in all aspects of local government law and land use law. Her work included advising governing bodies at public meetings; drafiting ordinances, resolutions and agreements; and handling the acquisition and sale of municipal property. She has briefed matters to the Law Division, Appellate Division and New Jersey Supreme Court, and has successfully argued prerogative writ cases and associated motions before the Law Division and Appellate Division.

She earned her B.S. from York College of Pennsylvania and her J.D. from the University of Connecticut. She previously served on the District X Fee Arbitration Committee from 2006 to 2008 and as Chairwoman from 2008 to 2010.