Byram man named to Leaders in Law list

John Ursin, a partner in the law firm Schenck Price Smith & King, has been named to the 2023 NJBIZ Leaders in Law list in recognition of his dedication to legal work and his community involvement.

He received his award at a ceremony May 25 in Somerset.

The awards are given to attorneys “whose dedication to their occupation and communities are outstanding,” according to NJBIZ, a business journal with a circulation of more than 15,000 copies.

Ursin, a resident of Byram, said he was very pleased to receive the award for two specific reasons. First, NJBIZ used a panel of distinguished judges to pick the recipients. Second, no one else from Sussex County has received this recognition.

“There is plenty of interesting economic activity in Sussex County, so it is good for the statewide business community to recognize professionals and businesses in this area.”

Throughout his career, Ursin has built a unique, results-oriented, client-focused practice. His expertise covers a wide range of specialties, and he has first-chair litigation experience, which is unusual for an attorney with a similar corporate practice.

He has handled various transactional matters, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, and has represented some of the largest employers in northwest New Jersey.

He continues to have an active insurance defense and coverage litigation practice.

Striving to be more than a legal counselor, Ursin prides himself on going above and beyond for his clients.

“I play chess, not checkers,” he said. “Predicting the next step is helpful but predicting the next few events and providing advice that addresses potential contingencies is invaluable.”

He serves as chairman of the law firm’s Government Law Practice Group, Land Use and Redevelopment Practice Group and the Management Committee.

He also devotes time to various nonprofits and serves in several leadership positions.

“I greatly enjoyed my childhood growing up in Sussex County and felt that my hometown embraced me when I returned,” he said. “It was important to me to give back and to make an impact by getting involved in the nonprofit community.”

He is co-chairman of the board at Birth Haven, a nonprofit organization providing resources and shelter for pregnant women in need of assistance. In 2022, he helped Birth Haven receive a $100,000 grant awarded by a volunteer organization in New Jersey.

He also serves as president of Pope John XXIII Regional High School’s Endowment Board and as finance chairman at his parish, Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church.