Jerry Gallagher and Passaic Optimist Club Raise $20,300 for Passaic High School Students

Jerome F. Gallagher, Jr., a Member of the Bridgewater-based law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., Trustee of the Passaic Optimist Foundation, and Chair of its Golf Outing Fundraiser Committee, has raised more than $20,300, all of which will fund scholarships for Passaic High School students.  Nearly 100 golfers, 50 sponsors, and countless others helped to make the 20th annual Passaic Optimist golf outing at Ballyowen Golf Club in Hamburg, New Jersey, on June 29 a success.  Due in part to the great support for this event, the trustees of the Foundation have approved more than $37,000 in scholarships, a new record for the Club.  To be a part of the Club's fundraising efforts, visit passaicoptimistfoundation.org.

Gallagher was asked about his motivation for chairing this event, and noted: “One of the best parts of the Club’s fundraising efforts is meeting with these young, motivated students and reading their letters describing how grateful they are to receive these scholarships.”  Gallagher grew up in the City of Passaic and recalls the challenges of growing up in a poor, urban environment.  “I came from a family of modest means, but through hard work was fortunate to receive a quality education at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers School of Law.  I have made giving back an integral part of my community service to help create positive opportunities for these young, promising students.”

The outing is supported by many Passaic High School alumni, as well as friends and clients of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., many of whom are not from Passaic, but who readily support the Firm’s efforts to fund scholarships for young graduates.

Gallagher is a member of the Firm’s Litigation, Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights, and Construction Law Practice Groups.  He engages in civil trial and appellate practice, concentrating in the areas of commercial litigation, creditors’ rights, auto finance defense litigation, construction lien and contract litigation, and title insurance matters.

Gallagher regularly represents public and private companies in commercial loan and accounts receivable default matters.  He also represents contractors and owners in business contract and construction law litigation matters.

Gallagher serves as Chair of the Industrial Advisory Board to NJIT’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Department and is a member of the Professionals Group Advisory Council for Provident Bank, the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, and the Metro Builders and New Jersey Home Builders Associations.  He earned his B.S., with distinction, from NJIT in 1980, and his J.D. in 1983 from Rutgers School of Law at Newark.