Arnold J. Calabrese

Overview

Arnold Calabrese is the Office Managing Shareholder of the Morristown office at Becker and serves as the Vice-Chair of the firm’s New Jersey Community Association Practice Group. With over 38 years of dedicated experience, he is also a valued member of the Construction Law & Litigation team. Arnold’s practice focuses on representing community associations throughout New Jersey, excelling in areas such as construction defect and transition litigation, general association representation, and debt collection services.

Arnold is widely recognized for his expertise in complex construction defect and transition litigation, having successfully resolved over 45 transition disputes. His diligent representation has resulted in recoveries exceeding $60 million for his clients, including a landmark $18.5 million settlement that enabled a Secaucus condominium association to fully repair its building facade. His ability to navigate high-stakes negotiations and litigation has cemented his reputation as a leading advocate for community associations.

Arnold’s practice also extends to appellate work, where he has achieved critical victories, including reversing lower court decisions to protect the rights of associations. His significant appellate success includes affirming the right of a community association to sell a delinquent owner’s property to satisfy a monetary judgment.

Beyond his litigation achievements, Arnold has been instrumental in advancing the interests of community associations on a statewide level. As Chairman of the Plaintiff Association’s Steering Committee in the New Jersey fire retardant treated (FRT) plywood litigation, he played a key role in developing a model settlement that benefited countless associations across the state.

Arnold’s clients rely on his strategic insight and creative solutions for addressing challenges unique to community associations, from compliance with evolving laws and regulations to crafting effective governance policies. His ability to offer practical advice, combined with his deep understanding of New Jersey’s community association laws, makes him an indispensable advisor to boards and managers alike.

In addition to his legal practice, Arnold is a sought-after speaker on critical community association topics, including Radburn Law, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, DCA regulations, election procedures, and board member training. His dedication to educating industry professionals reflects his commitment to empowering community associations with knowledge and best practices.

Arnold has also served as a mediator through the CAI-NJ mediation program, showcasing his ability to facilitate amicable resolutions to complex disputes.