After more than two decades practicing at large and regional law firms, Sandra C. Fava, Founding Partner of Fava Law, reached a moment of clarity. Professionally accomplished yet personally constrained, she knew it was time to redefine success on her own terms.
Beginning in 2012, Fava served as a partner at major firms and later led a department at a respected regional practice. Despite professional recognition, the demands of big law often came at the expense of family life. As a mother of three, she found the imbalance increasingly untenable. The COVID-19 pandemic—and a subsequent breast cancer diagnosis—ultimately became the catalyst for change.
“That experience ultimately gave me clarity,” Fava says. “It showed me the opportunity to create a firm where flexibility, equity and performance truly coexist. Building Fava Law allowed me to put those values into practice every day.”
Determined to build something authentic, Fava launched Fava Law with a clear vision: create a firm rooted in humanity, flexibility and excellence—without compromise. “I wanted to do this my way, create my own culture and build a brand that truly reflected who I am,” she says. “That decision has been incredibly rewarding.”
Today, Fava Law continues to grow thoughtfully, expanding complementary practice areas while maintaining its core focus on family law. The firm represents clients in divorce, grandparent visitation, domestic violence matters and complex cases involving high-net-worth individuals. A recent addition, Fava’s longtime mentor and friend, Thomas Manahan, brings deep expertise in mediation, arbitration and discovery as a court-appointed discovery master. Manahan also serves as a sounding board and resource for the firm’s younger attorneys.
At the heart of Fava Law is a deeply collaborative culture. Fava believes technical legal skills are essential—but they are only part of the equation. “Legal skills can always be improved,” she notes. “What matters just as much is mentorship, alignment and truly knowing your client.”
Every member of the firm participates in case reviews and is encouraged to understand clients holistically. “We look at situations as families, not just cases,” Fava explains. “There are often many people affected, and every dynamic is unique. There’s no cookie-cutter solution.”
That philosophy shapes how the firm approaches even the most emotionally charged matters. “This area of law can be incredibly taxing,” Fava says. “If you’re not careful, you can become desensitized. We work hard not to let that happen. Acting like a human being—listening, communicating, telling clients what they need to hear—is essential.”
While Fava is a seasoned litigator, she is equally committed to guiding clients toward the best path forward, whether that means litigation, mediation, or negotiation. “Not every case needs to be fought in court,” she says. “Our role is to explain the risks and benefits, set realistic expectations and help clients make informed decisions.”
The legal landscape itself continues to evolve, and Fava Law adapts accordingly. Prenuptial agreements are more common than ever, particularly among younger couples and those entering second or third marriages. At the same time, ongoing political uncertainty and post-pandemic judicial backlogs in New Jersey have slowed court processes. “Cases are taking longer, and the system is strained,” Fava observes. “That makes strategic planning and patience even more critical.”
Beyond the courtroom, Fava is deeply committed to service. She volunteers as a pro bono attorney for the National Council for Jewish Women and Partners for Women & Justice, is a past trustee of the Essex County Bar Association and previously chaired its Family Law Committee. She serves on the Supreme Court of New Jersey District XB Ethics Committee and regularly participates in matrimonial early settlement panels. She is also a Trustee and the Secretary of the Board for CASA of Morris/Sussex Counties and an active fundraiser for breast cancer research.
For Fava, the mission is clear. “This firm is about advocacy with empathy,” she says. “We meet people where they are—and help them move forward with clarity, dignity and strength.” https://www.favalawnj.com/