Thomas Stavola, Jr. graduated from Rutgers University Law School, earning the degree of Juris Doctor. He received the Leonard Zack Award for Academic Achievement and contributed as an editor of the Rutgers Journal of Law and Religion. He is licensed to practice law in the State of New Jersey, the State of Pennsylvania, the State of Massachusetts, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, the United States Court of Appeals – First Circuit, the United States Court of Appeals – Third Circuit, the United States Court of Appeals – District of Columbia, and the United States Court of Federal Claims. He received his undergraduate degree in Education-Science from Villanova University and MBA-Accounting degree from Monmouth University (former auditor). He is an experienced litigator has argued before various courts, including U.S. Federal District and U.S. Federal Appellate Court. Additionally, Mr. Stavola interned with a judge in the Superior Court, Criminal Division and has significant experience as an auditor at a public accounting firm in New Jersey.
In the environmental, administrative, animal law field, Mr. Stavola routinely addresses matters involving state and federal agencies in the context of claims under (including but not limited to): the Marine Mammal Protection Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, Outer-Continental Shelf Lands Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, and Administrative Procedure Act. In his role as an environmental, public-interest attorney, Mr. Stavola has participated in numerous hearings and appeared before Judges in the Federal District Courts and Federal Appellate Court. Mr. Stavola prosecutes numerous lawsuits on behalf of non-profit environmental plaintiffs in the Northeast USA. These lawsuits frequently include high-profile matters against the federal government and billion dollar interests, including international offshore wind companies. The provenance of Mr. Stavola's passion for defense of the environment and the animals inhabiting it began at an early age, and was further augmented (since 2023) by the devastation to the marine ecosystem attendant offshore industrialization in the Northeast USA.
Mr. Stavola has extensive knowledge in certain scientific disciplines through rigorous research over decades, including atmospheric science (see, here: lightinthestorm.com) and medical science, which enables him to rapidly comprehend, interpret, and synthesize studies and data derived from the biomedical and scientific literature. This greatly facilitates his ability to quickly identify and develop legal arguments in support of clients’ claims, including environmental and administrative law. A firm background and ability to synthesize science is frequently very useful in civil rights and constitutional litigation as well. Mr. Stavola is a tireless advocate for his clients, highly self-motivated and dedicated to providing the best possible service to ensure client satisfaction.
Recently, in 2025, 2026, and 2027, Mr. Stavola received the designation of Super Lawyer - Rising Star, an accolade that only 2.5% of attorneys in NJ received.
Mr. Stavola is a member of the following professional organizations: New Jersey State Bar Association; The Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey; Monmouth Bar Association.
