Our History

Founded in 1995 as a commercial litigation boutique of four attorneys, Pashman Stein quickly established a reputation for professional excellence, attracting the best and brightest legal minds throughout the region. Walder Hayden, founded in 1965, had its own established, excellent reputation. Discerning clients repeatedly chose Walder Hayden’s nationally recognized trial lawyers when their reputations and fortunes were on the line, frequently in high-profile cases, one of which was the first trial with live television coverage.

Fueled by growth, high-profile matters, and winning track records, the two firms separately developed into the region’s most successful litigation practices. In 2016, the firms combined to form Pashman Stein Walder Hayden, built on a proud tradition of success and the premise that talent and commitment, not the size of a firm, are the decisive factors in client victories.

Over the years, we evolved from a litigation boutique into a multi-specialty law firm, expanding our practice areas to better serve our clients’ business and legal needs. Headquartered in Hackensack, New Jersey, our firm has expanded with offices in Holmdel, New Jersey; New York City, New York; Purchase, New York; and Wilmington, Delaware. The firm serves a diverse client base including Fortune 500 companies, emerging growth entities and entrepreneurial businesses, professional athletes, celebrity influencers, fashion models, out-of-state corporate counsel, law firms, judges, lawyers, public entities, and non-profit organizations.

In 2019, we established the Justice Gary S. Stein Public Interest Center at Pashman Stein Walder Hayden to institutionalize our long-standing commitment to work on important public interest issues and high impact pro bono matters. At Pashman Stein, we believe it is our responsibility, and privilege, as lawyers to contribute to the public good and give back. A groundbreaking initiative, especially for a firm of our size, the Stein Public Interest Center is the tangible result of our commitment to justice. The Center is involved in a broad range of public interest impact litigation and appellate advocacy that advances social, racial and economic justice, protects civil liberties and constitutional rights, and promotes an open and transparent government. In recognition of these efforts, the New Jersey State Bar Association presented its 2020 Pro Bono Law Firm Award to Pashman Stein.