Our Team

FOUNDER & MANAGING ATTORNEY

Joseph M. Horn, Esq. is the founder and managing attorney of the Law Offices of Joseph M. Horn, Esq., LLC—a firm widely recognized for its excellence, tireless client advocacy, and unwavering commitment to justice. With more than 25 years of legal experience and over two decades of distinguished public service in law enforcement, Mr. Horn brings a rare and powerful combination of legal insight, real-world experience, and unshakable dedication to every case he handles.

Before entering the legal profession, Mr. Horn served as a police officer in Mahwah, New Jersey, for over 20 years. During his tenure, he earned numerous commendations and awards for exemplary service, culminating in being honored with the “Key to the City” upon his retirement. His roles in law enforcement were multifaceted—ranging from patrol and investigative work in the Detective Bureau, to overseeing firearms licensing, and leading the K–12 youth outreach programs across the township. He also served as the official liaison to Ramapo College, further strengthening his role in the community and bridging the gap between law enforcement and higher education.

Mr. Horn’s academic foundation is equally impressive. He holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, and began his legal studies at Brooklyn Law School, ultimately completing his Juris Doctor at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, an Ivy League institution. He graduated from Brooklyn Law in 2000 and has since built a thriving legal practice dedicated to criminal defense.

Licensed to practice in state and federal courts in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, Mr. Horn has successfully handled complex criminal cases across all three jurisdictions. His clients benefit from a unique perspective—one forged by years on the front lines of law enforcement and sharpened by decades in the courtroom. He understands how police officers think, how prosecutors construct their cases, and how to dismantle those cases with skill, foresight, and precision.

Mr. Horn’s legal acumen is matched only by his deep personal commitment to his clients. He is known for his compassion, clear and frequent communication, and uncompromising advocacy. More than just a lawyer, Mr. Horn becomes a trusted guide for clients and their families during one of the most difficult periods of their lives. He takes every case personally and oversees each matter handled by the firm. His hands-on leadership ensures that every client receives not only the benefit of the firm’s collective experience—but also Mr. Horn’s direct attention, legal strategy, and dedication.

ASSOCIATE ATTOURNEY

Adam Taxin, Esq. is a relentless advocate and rising force in criminal defense litigation. With a sharp legal mind and a deep commitment to justice, Mr. Taxin brings a rare combination of intellectual rigor, strategic insight, and courtroom poise to the Law Offices of Joseph M. Horn, Esq., LLC.

Mr. Taxin is a graduate of three of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country. He earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard College, and went on to complete both his Juris Doctor at Columbia Law School and a degree from Columbia Business School, giving him a uniquely analytical perspective that enhances his legal reasoning and advocacy.

In practice for nearly a decade, Mr. Taxin has focused extensively on criminal defense, distinguishing himself as a meticulous, forward-thinking, and passionate litigator. He is admitted to practice in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, and has become known for leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of justice for his clients. Whether poring over discovery materials or dissecting prosecutorial tactics, Mr. Taxin has a reputation for uncovering key details that often make the critical difference when the stakes are at their highest.

Colleagues and courtroom observers alike recognize Mr. Taxin for his commanding presence, clear and persuasive argumentation, and ability to navigate high-pressure situations with confidence and control. His clients benefit from his deep understanding of constitutional protections, criminal procedure, and the principles of fairness and accountability that lie at the heart of the justice system.

Mr. Taxin’s talents extend beyond the courtroom. A former on-air personality with the Right Side Broadcasting Network, he brings clarity, communication skill, and composure to his legal practice—qualities that translate powerfully in front of judges and juries alike. He is also a three-time “Jeopardy!” champion, famously becoming the first new on-air champion of the millennium—a testament to his depth of knowledge, composure under pressure, and intellectual agility.

Outside of law, Adam is a lifelong Philadelphia Phillies fan, and has worked with Major League Baseball players, offering him unique insight into high-profile client representation. He’s also known for his passion for karaoke, where his energy and enthusiasm mirror the same intensity he brings to his legal work.

With a rare blend of academic pedigree, courtroom excellence, and unwavering client dedication, Adam Taxin, Esq. is a vital part of the Horn legal team—and a formidable advocate for clients facing their most difficult challenges.

ASSOCIATE ATTOURNEY

Andrew Kessler, Esq. brings over 30 years of legal experience to the Law Offices of Joseph M. Horn, Esq., where he serves as a key member of the firm’s litigation team. A seasoned New York attorney and New Jersey native, Mr. Kessler is known for his strategic insight, litigation precision, and deep understanding of complex legal and regulatory matters.

Mr. Kessler earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 1996 and began his legal career at the prestigious New York office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. From 1996 to 2005, he represented Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes litigation, including multi-district class action breach of warranty cases and other complex commercial disputes.

In 2006, Mr. Kessler transitioned to the corporate legal world, joining Ernst & Young LLP as Director of Litigation Support & Subpoena Compliance in the General Counsel’s Office. For over a decade, he oversaw high-level litigation strategy and regulatory response, managing sensitive matters with discretion and efficiency.

Since 2018, Mr. Kessler has brought his extensive litigation background and regulatory expertise to the Law Offices of Joseph M. Horn, Esq., focusing on the defense of major trucking companies throughout the tri-state area. His work includes navigating the complexities of transportation law, regulatory compliance, and civil litigation defense with a results-driven approach.

Mr. Kessler’s career reflects the values of this firm: integrity, excellence, and an unyielding commitment to protecting the rights and interests of clients. His corporate, litigation, and regulatory experience continues to serve as a powerful asset to the firm’s defense practice.

SENIOR LEGAL ADMINISTRATOR & OFFICE MANAGER / CLIENT SERVICES DIRECTOR

With over 40 years of distinguished experience in legal administration and litigation support, Mrs. Marks is the engine that drives the daily operations of the Law Offices of Joseph M. Horn, Esq., LLC. As the firm’s Senior Legal Administrator, Office Manager, and Client Services Director, she ensures that every case—no matter how complex—runs smoothly, efficiently, and with precision.

Mrs. Marks touches every file that comes through the firm. She manages attorney calendars, coordinates critical deadlines, and oversees communication with clients and court personnel across jurisdictions. From intake to resolution, she ensures that each case progresses seamlessly—backed by an unmatched command of procedural logistics and administrative detail.

Her extensive legal career includes decades of high-level litigation support, including appellate case preparation for state and federal courts, experience in defense litigation, and support for legal briefs submitted to the New Jersey Supreme Court, U.S. District Court, Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and even the United States Supreme Court. Her rare technical knowledge in legal formatting, procedural compliance, and citation style requirements has consistently elevated the quality and accuracy of legal filings across her career.

Never flustered and always focused, Mrs. Marks is affectionately known as the “glue that holds everything together.” Her ability to anticipate what needs to be done—and then execute it flawlessly—is a daily constant that clients and attorneys alike depend upon. She plays an integral role in both client satisfaction and case outcomes.

Mrs. Marks has worked alongside Joseph M. Horn, Esq. for many years, and their professional partnership—built over the course of nearly two decades—is rooted in trust, shared values, and a mutual drive for excellence. Her loyalty to the firm is unmatched, and her contribution is nothing short of vital to the firm’s success.

Clients quickly recognize that any interaction with Mrs. Marks reflects the firm’s core values: dedication, precision, and personal attention. Her warmth, professionalism, and relentless commitment are woven into the very fabric of the firm’s mission—and the reason clients return, refer, and rely on the Law Offices of Joseph M. Horn, Esq., LLC

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

Michael F. Hartley, Esq. is a dedicated and accomplished attorney licensed to practice law in both New Jersey and Florida, bringing a dynamic and personalized approach to client advocacy at the Law Offices of Joseph M. Horn, Esq. Since joining the firm in 2017, Mr. Hartley has focused his practice in criminal courts throughout New Jersey, where he represents clients in all types of criminal cases with diligence and strategic insight.

Mr. Hartley earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminology from the University of Tampa in 2010 and received his Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2014. He began his legal career clerking for the Honorable Waddell A. Wallace, III of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court in Jacksonville, Florida, gaining valuable experience inside the courtroom and a strong foundation in trial practice.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Hartley has appeared in criminal courts across all 21 counties of New Jersey, developing a broad network of professional connections and a deep familiarity with the state’s criminal justice system. He is known for his thorough case preparation, personalized representation, and steadfast commitment to achieving the best possible results for his clients. Mr. Hartley approaches every case with a deep understanding of its unique challenges and works closely with clients to guide them through the legal process.

Outside the courtroom, Mr. Hartley is an avid traveler who has visited all 50 U.S. states—as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—and explored much of Canada and other countries around the world. He is fluent in French, has a strong interest in wine studies, and enjoys tennis, cycling, woodworking, and rock music.

Mr. Hartley’s dedication to excellence and client-centered representation embodies the core values of the Law Offices of Joseph M. Horn, Esq.

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

With over four decades of experience in the practice of law, Norman Blatt, Esq. brings a powerful blend of courtroom acumen, legal scholarship, and judicial service to the Law Offices of Joseph M. Horn, Esq., LLC. A well-respected trial attorney and trusted legal strategist, Mr. Blatt’s career reflects an unwavering commitment to justice, precision, and client advocacy.

Mr. Blatt graduated cum laude from Elizabethtown College in 1976, and earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1981. Since then, he has maintained a robust and varied legal career, actively practicing law in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He is also admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania, and the District of New Jersey. In addition, he holds admission to the California Bar (currently in inactive status).

Mr. Blatt has developed a strong reputation as a veteran criminal defense attorney, having handled a wide range of complex and high-profile cases. His thorough preparation, keen courtroom instincts, and persuasive litigation style have earned him the respect of judges, prosecutors, and peers across jurisdictions. His practice also includes specialized knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT) law and the regulatory frameworks governing commercial drivers and corporate transportation entities—adding critical value to the firm’s tri-state transportation and criminal defense practice.

In addition to his private practice, Mr. Blatt has also served in judicial capacities. He was appointed a Special Divorce Master for the Lehigh County Court in the mid-1990s and has been serving since 2013 as a Mental Health–Mental Retardation (MH-MR) Hearing Officer for the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, where he oversees sensitive and complex legal proceedings involving mental health and civil liberties.

Today, Mr. Blatt continues to bring his deep reservoir of experience, insight, and legal excellence to the clients of the Law Offices of Joseph M. Horn, Esq. He is known for his clear communication, steadfast dedication, and unwavering advocacy—qualities that embody the firm’s mission of delivering superior legal representation with compassion and results.