Matthew Sage Receives Young Lawyer Award

Matthew R. Sage, Esq., an attorney of law specializing in personal injury and criminal defense litigation in Toms River, New Jersey, was recently honored with the highly-prestigious Young Lawyer Award by the New Jersey Ocean County Bar Association (OCBA) during ceremonies held on Law Day at the Ocean County Courthouse on May 1, 2010. 

Established in 1980, the Young Lawyer Award is presented annually by the OCBA to attorneys based in Ocean County, who demonstrate high moral character, actively participate in association programs and have practiced law for less than 10 years. Matt Sage was the unanimous choice of this year’s award and chosen by a 12-person committee consisting of past presidents of the OCBA. 

During the annual Law Day activities, the Honorable Frank A. Buczynski Jr., Presiding Judge of the Chancery Part in the Ocean County Superior Court presented Sage with the honor, while citing his exceptional service to the community and OCBA. “I’ve known Matt for many years,” offered Judge Buczynski. “He was an outstanding law clerk and a real team player. He often spoke of how important he believed it was to become involved in the community and to become an active member of our Bar Association.” 

“So, it was no surprise to me that he would be honored for his concerted efforts so early in his career. Matt and the prior recipients of this award are prime examples of why the Ocean County Bar Association is so highly regarded by those who have benefitted from its community spirit,” added Judge Buczynski.

A graduate of the Rutgers University School of Law in Camden, New Jersey, Sage began his own law office in Tom Rivers in March 2010. His practice currently specializes in all types of New Jersey criminal defense and personal injury litigation. This includes the representation of individuals injured by negligence, medical malpractice, faulty products and/or vehicular accidents as well as the defense of persons accused of criminal offenses related to assault, DWI, theft and the possession of controlled substances.

“This was a totally unexpected honor,” said Sage. “I was both extremely surprised and humbled that the senior members of the association would recognize me with this award. This presentation will inspire me to work even harder for my community and the individuals I represent on an everyday basis.” 

Prior to opening his own practice, Sage also served as a law clerk for Judge Buczynski and a judicial intern for the Honorable James P. Courtney at the Ocean County Superior Court. He also worked within several Freehold, NJ-based firms including the Law Offices of Ronald W. Sage as well as Mallon and Santora. 

During this time, Sage also actively supported the ongoing activities of the OCBA as well as served as a coach for the championship team of aspiring attorneys competing on behalf of Monsignor Donovan High School in Toms River in the annual Ocean County Vincent J. Apruzzese Mock Trial Competition. In addition, Sage is also directly involved in the fundraising and sponsorship efforts of the Doug Oland Memorial Scholarship Fund.   

Sage currently resides in Toms River, NJ with his wife Karin K. Sage, who is an attorney of law specializing in commercial litigation at the law of offices of Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer in Woodbridge, New Jersey. He is also an active member of the American Bar Association, the New Jersey State Bar Association, the OCBA, and the American Association for Justice.