Kratsa, Peter E.

Mr. Kotler joined Carlin & Ward, P.C. as a partner in May 2003.  His practice is concentrated in complex commercial litigation, including contract and business disputes, unfair competition, and employment law matters.

Mr. Kotler received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the George Washington University in 1972 and Juris Doctor degree in 1975 from Widener University-Delaware School of Law.  He was Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Jersey City from 1976-1978, where he prosecuted Housing Code violations and supervised tax foreclosures and tort claims. In 1979, Mr. Kotler joined Waters, McPherson, McNeill, where he was a partner from 1986 until April 2003. 

Mr. Kotler has handled litigation for both plaintiffs and defendants in the Chancery and Law Courts including shareholder disputes, trade secrets, restrictive covenants, business torts, and contract litigation. He has defended clients in toxic tort cases and warranty claims, as well as creditors in the United States Bankruptcy Court. Mr. Kotler also represents employers and employees in cases involving claims for wrongful discharge, discrimination, sexual harassment and related employment torts.  Current clients include Alumet Supply, Inc., Avalon Bay Communities, Cabot Corporation, Centimark Corporation, EquiServe, Galaxy Glass, Kaplan Companies, Luxury Floors, Inc., Metro Roofing Supplies, and Unimet Metal Supply, Inc.

Mr. Kotler is admitted to practice in the New Jersey State and Federal Courts, the United States District Court for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Third Circuit.  He is a member of the New Jersey State, Hudson County and Morris County Bar Associations.

Reported cases include: McCurrie v. Town of Kearny (N.J. Supreme Court); Laughlin Real Estate, Inc. v. Mobil Pipe Line Company (Federal District Court, Pa.); In re Controlled Cable Corporation (N.J. Supreme Court).