William J. Heller

Of Counsel – Genova Burns, LLC

Bill J. Heller, Esq., joins Genova Burns as Of Counsel after a years brief sabbatical following his tenure as the Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the New York Football Giants.

Bill brings with him a wealth of legal expertise cultivated over a distinguished career that spans both private practice and in-house counsel roles. In addition to his other areas of experience and concentration, Bill will transition into the role of a mediator, facilitating alternative dispute resolution for litigating parties. His commitment to efficient and effective resolution aligns with the firm’s dedication to providing strategic legal solutions.

As the former Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the New York Football Giants, Bill was responsible for and oversaw all legal affairs of the team. Bill’s contributions were pivotal in shaping the legal landscape for one of the NFL’s original and storied franchises. His responsibilities encompassed focus on sports law issues and on diverse areas ranging from licensing and sponsor agreements to labor and employment issues and privacy. His in-house tenure also extended to assisting in legal matters related to the operation of MetLife Stadium.

Prior to his impactful role with the Giants, Bill dedicated thirty-two years to private practice, where he specialized in substantial litigation and transactional engagements. His proficiency in negotiating and licensing intellectual property, including high technology agreements and privacy issues, distinguished him as a leading figure in these fields.

Bill’s litigation experience is marked by a focus on complex employment discrimination, commercial, technology, and intellectual property cases. Notable among his achievements are successful representations in trade secrets disputes and counseling for defense contractors, and software copyright infringement, and trademark infringement.

Throughout his career, Bill has garnered recognition as one of the leading lawyers in both New Jersey and the nation. His leadership extended beyond legal practice, holding high-level management positions within his previous law firms and contributing to the overall strategic direction of their businesses.

Bill’s commitment to social responsibility is evident through his extensive volunteer and charitable activities. He is the founding President of the Wyckoff (NJ) Education Foundation, has served on the Board of the former Gilda’s House, and consistently provides legal expertise to various organizations and individuals on a pro bono basis.

Admitted to the bar in 1978, Bill is a member of the New Jersey bar and various federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court. A graduate of Rutgers University with an A.B. degree in Economics, he earned High Distinction in Economics, Magna Cum Laude, and Phi Beta Kappa honors.

Bill’s legacy is not only marked by legal prowess but also by his commitment to excellence, leadership, and the principled pursuit of justice.

Specializations

Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution Intellectual Property

Industry

Professional Services

Education

  • Rutgers University, Bachelor of Arts, Economics
  • University of Pennsylvania Law School, J.D., 1978

Bar Admission

  • New Jersey, 1978