At Genova Burns LLC, the Battle of the Barristers is more than just a spirited charity softball game to benefit the Newark Day Center’s Fresh Air Fund—it’s a celebration of family, mentorship, and multigenerational connection.

This year’s roster features not just top-tier legal talent, but also the next generation of leaders, athletes, and professionals, each with deep ties to the firm and to each other. For Genova Burns, it’s another example of how the firm’s culture extends far beyond the courtroom and into the communities—and families—that shape its future.

A Father-Son Duo at the Plate

Partner Joseph M. Hannon, a labor law veteran known for his work in public sector negotiations and litigation, takes the field with his son CJ Hannon, a rising senior at Villanova University. CJ, who’s exploring a future in law himself, represents the next wave of legal talent with strong roots in Genova Burns’ core values. Watching father and son suit up together underscores the mentorship that happens inside the office and on the field.

Ed Bonett Jr. and Son Gabriel: Teamwork Beyond the Firm

Partner Edward Bonett Jr., a leader in government contracts and procurement law, also joins the game alongside his son Gabriel, a rising sophomore at Montclair University. While Gabriel plans to pursue a career in sports management, his time alongside his father at the Battle of the Barristers offers a front-row seat to the kind of leadership, teamwork, and discipline that transcends professions.

The D’Olivos: Coaching as a Legacy

Rounding out this multigenerational team is Dave D’Olivo, the longtime coach of the Genova Burns softball team and a retired educator and baseball coach from Lenape Valley Regional High School. This year marks a meaningful milestone as his son, also named Dave D’Olivo, joins the coaching ranks. The younger Dave recently graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in education and is set to begin teaching middle school math at Valley Road School in Stanhope. Taking over his father’s role as high school baseball coach, he carries forward a legacy of sportsmanship, education, and community involvement.

Together, these families exemplify what Battle of the Barristers is all about—giving back while forging bonds through teamwork and tradition. The charity event brings together legal

professionals across New Jersey to raise funds for local causes while showcasing the human side of the legal world.

Firm Chairman Angelo J. Genova and Managing Partner James M. Burns couldn’t be prouder of this team—both for what they represent on the field and for the spirit of unity, family, and service they bring to the firm and the community.

At Genova Burns, the phrase “family firm” takes on new meaning each summer. Whether in the boardroom or on the ballfield, the firm champions mentorship, personal growth, and deep-rooted relationships that go well beyond the practice of law.

For more than three decades, the Battle of the Barristers Charity Softball tournament has been a beacon of community spirit, rallying legal luminaries in a passionate quest to support the Fresh Air Fund. Each year, this thrilling event ignites the competitive fire and camaraderie among esteemed law firms, all vying to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

In 2024 Genova Burns hosted the tournament and brought in roughly $87,000 for the Fresh Air Fund. This year's Battle of the Barristers isn’t just a game—it’s a legacy in motion.