Anthony C. Talarico

Anthony represents both individual and corporate clients in matters related to criminal defense, investigations and high-impact business litigation. His more than a decade of investigative experience gives him unique insight into counseling clients facing crisis. A seasoned first-chair trial lawyer, Anthony has been certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Criminal Trial Attorney.  This rare distinction is achieved by less than two percent of all practicing attorneys and is only earned by those who demonstrate extensive trial experience, rigorous peer review by attorneys and judges, and successful completion of a written examination.

Anthony’s corporate clients range from local businesses to Fortune 500 companies as both plaintiff and defendant. His representation includes companies that are, or may be, the target of a state, federal or regulatory investigation. He also represents companies that have been defrauded by employees, vendors or trusted members of the corporation. This includes partnership disputes and third party vendor suits. Anthony’s business practice focuses on counseling businesses in crisis, whether it be from external or internal sources, and represents them in every step of the litigation process, up through trial.

Anthony also represents individuals who are the targets of a state, federal or regulatory investigation or have been charged with a crime. His insight, as an experienced criminal trial attorney who has overseen every manner of investigation, assists individuals who are facing criminal penalties. He is experienced in representing clients in charges and investigations ranging from financial crimes to homicide.

Anthony joins Archer bringing over a decade of distinguished service as a criminal law prosecutor, most recently serving as Chief Assistant Prosecutor at the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. As Chief of the Major Crimes Unit, he was responsible for supervising the prosecution and investigation of all homicides, fatal accidents, arsons, strict liability cases, and suspicious deaths in Bergen County, the State’s most populous county.

Anthony brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to Archer. In his practice, Anthony applies his strategic trial experience, and advanced investigative techniques, to provide clients with aggressive, insightful, and highly effective legal representation. His leadership and prosecutorial experience make him a formidable advocate who understands the nuances of high impact litigation from both sides of the courtroom.

As the youngest homicide chief in nearly 50 years, Anthony managed a high volume of complex and sensitive cases, overseeing more than 100 active investigations at any given time. He directly supervised a skilled team of prosecutors, legal assistants, and detectives, coordinating multifaceted investigations that often involved cutting-edge forensic techniques and extensive collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. His leadership was instrumental in establishing the county’s first Strict Liability Task Force, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the growing crisis of fentanyl-related overdose deaths through criminal prosecution.

Anthony personally tried numerous jury trials, including multiple murder trials, vehicular homicide, arson, assault, and drug cases, that resulted in guilty verdicts, navigating the most challenging legal and factual issues. He also served as the chief legal advisor to the North Jersey Regional Cold Case Task Force, guiding investigations that spanned multiple counties and leading to convictions in decades-old unsolved crimes, including a 1974 double homicide committed by infamous serial killer Richard Cottingham. He oversaw the implementation of novel investigative techniques, ranging from front-line DNA technology, cell phone data, accident reconstruction, and gunshot residue.

Prior to leading the Major Crimes Unit, Anthony held several senior roles within the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office that gave him broad and deep experience across the criminal justice system. As supervisor of the Narcotic Task Force, he directed large-scale drug investigations, often in partnership with federal agencies, and handled sensitive cooperation agreements and warrant applications. He served as Trial Section Supervisor, managing a high-volume docket of over 100 cases, supervising trial teams, and exercising plea and case assignment authority while maintaining an active litigation role in motion practice and trial preparation. Anthony worked in the Grand Jury Section, where he presented approximately 500 criminal matters to the grand jury in all areas of Title 2C. Earlier, he served in the Appellate Section, where he drafted and argued numerous appeals, including appearing before the New Jersey Supreme Court in the state’s first terrorism prosecution.

Anthony began his legal career as a law clerk to the Hon. Ellen Koblitz, J.A.D., in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, in Jersey City. During law school, he gained valuable hands-on experience as a clinical law student with the Rutgers Urban Legal Clinic, and as a legal intern with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Jersey City. He also served as a judicial intern to the Hon. Eugene Austin, J.S.C., in the Criminal Part of the Superior Court of New Jersey in Hackensack. He is an active member of the Bergen County Bar Association, serving as past co-chair of the Criminal Practice Committee and as a long-serving member of the Professionalism in the Law Committee.  He frequently teaches for bar associations across New Jersey on matters of trial presentation, technology in the law, and professionalism in the law. Anthony is an active member of philanthropic groups throughout Bergen County.