John P. Ryder is a graduate of Nutley High School, Albright College and Villanova University Law School. He was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1974 and after an initial position with the Office of the Public Defender in Newark, New Jersey, he accepted a position providing legal assistance to indigent residents of Morris County. In 1980 he was named the first Director of the Mental Health Law Project, and while serving in that capacity, was selected by the Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court to serve on a select committee to study and recommend civil commitment rule revisions to the Court. He was thereafter cited in Who' Who in American Law for his service.

John Ryder opened a law firm for the private practice of law in Nutley, New Jersey in 1984. He was named as the municipality's Public Defender in 1986 and then in 1988 was appointed the Township Attorney. He advised the governing body from 1988-1992 and again from 1996 to 2002. While performing the services normally associated with the private practice of law, the firm handled much of the Township's litigation and all of the municipal tax appeals. Mr. Ryder has the distinction of being the only attorney nominated by three separate Mayors and accepted by three different Boards of Commissioners. During his first tenure, he returned to education and in march 1992 was awarded the distinction of Diplomate in Municipal Law from Rutgers University. While Mr. Ryder was not performing his duties as the Township Attorney, the firm engaged in the general practice of law, assisting clients with real estate closings, wills and probate, litigation, municipal court complaints, business organization and mergers, corporate financing and family matters.

In November, 2002 Mr. Ryder accepted a position as Assistant General Counsel to a national real estate development firm where he either handled or supervised acquisitions, financing and registrations of mixed-use and multi-family residential common ownership developments.

John P. Ryder now engages in the general practice of law at 405 Centre Street in Nutley, New Jersey. The Firm offers personal service and is committed to meeting the goals and expectations of each and every client. For additional information, review the "services" offered and call for an appointment.