Sara Sencer McArdle

Sara Sencer McArdle embarked on her legal career in 1979, following her graduation from law school. For over two decades, she served with distinction at the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, culminating in a ten-year tenure as the head of the Child Abuse Division. In 2002, Sara transitioned to private practice, and on June 1, 2005, she founded her own law firm specializing in family law and criminal defense.

Sara has maintained continuous certification as a Criminal Trial Attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court since 1983. Her practice spans a comprehensive spectrum of family and criminal law services, encompassing matters such as child support, child custody, modification of existing court orders, felony defense, and representation in Superior Court. With a track record that includes over 100 jury trials and 50 bench trials, Sara's extensive experience instills confidence in clients facing the challenges of the courtroom.

Within her family law practice, Sara addresses cases involving divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence. In the realm of criminal law, her expertise extends to DWI/DUI cases, traffic violations, municipal court issues, and juvenile crime matters. Additionally, Sara adeptly handles real estate transactions and assists clients in estate planning through wills.

Sara's unwavering commitment revolves around her clients. She collaborates closely with them, empowering them to make informed decisions and develop realistic expectations regarding the potential outcomes of their legal concerns.

At the Law Firm of Sara Sencer McArdle, we represent clients in municipal and criminal courts throughout the state of New Jersey. Contact our office today for a free initial consultation.

Past Employment Positions:

• Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Newark, New Jersey, September 2, 1980 – November 30, 2002

• Child Abuse Unit, Director, November 1, 1999 – November 30, 2002

• Child Abuse Unit, Director, November 1, 1984 – October 22, 1990

• Appellate Section, 1980 – 1981

• Appellate Section, 1991 – 1995

• Hon. Fred C. Galda, Law Clerk, 1979 – 1980

• Public Defender’s Office, 1977 – 1979

• Edith A. Bogert School, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, Teacher, 1971 – 1974

• The American School, Guadalajara, Mexico, Teacher, 1974 – 1976

• The North American Mexican Cultural Institute, Guadalajara, Mexico, Teacher

• Law Offices Edward J. Bilinkas, Esq., 2002 – 2005

Certified Legal Specialties:

• Certified Criminal Trial Attorney

• Criminal Attorney, New Jersey, 1984

• Criminal Attorney, New Jersey, 1991

• Criminal Attorney, New Jersey, 1999

Classes/Seminars:

• Lecturer, Skills & Methods, Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 1990 – Present

• Lecturer, Child Abuse, Gambling, Search and Seizure, and Introduction to the Criminal Laws of New Jersey, New Jersey Attorney General Prosecutor’s, 1990 – 2002

Honors and Awards:

• Division of Youth and Family Service Award, 1986

• Wynona Lipman Child Advocacy Center Award, 2002

• Nominated for Super Lawyers 2012

Professional Associations and Memberships:

• New Jersey State Bar Association, Criminal Division

• New Jersey State Bar Association, Family Division

• New Jersey Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

• Morris County Bar Association, Family Division