Ed Simonson is bringing his legal practice to his hometown, recently opening an office in Ocean City.
By MADDY VITALE
Ed Simonson knew what he wanted to do ever since he was young and while he took some career turns along the way -- the ultimate goal was met. That was to help people as an attorney.
At just 29 years old, the Ocean City resident, who graduated from Rutgers University School of Law in Camden and also has a business management degree from Stockton University, has an impressive resume.
Born and raised in Ocean City, prior to attending law school Simonson worked as a summer police officer for the Ocean City Police Department and for Ocean City Public Works.
After a broad range of legal experience from working at the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office to providing legal advice at a local law firm, Simonson decided to go out on his own. He opened a law office in Ocean City in September.
“I went out on my own because the whole reason I went to law school was to help my community out,” Simonson said in an interview. “I felt that the best way to represent people is to go out on my own. I became a lawyer to help people, and that is what I will do,” Simonson said.
Simonson credits his parents for shaping who he has become.
“They both have given me empathy and strength,” he noted.
His father, Charles Simonson, is a captain in the Ocean City Police Department. His mother, Jacqueline, was a victim advocate and headed up the Victim/Witness Unit at the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office before retiring.
His brother, Jonathan, is an Ocean City police officer.
Simonson has been trained in many facets of the law, including criminal, civil and municipal matters.
He wants to show prospective clients that he is available to represent people in his community and throughout the region.
Simonson’s general practice law firm focuses on civil and criminal litigation, municipal court matters and minor estate planning. The Simonson Law Firm, LLC is located at 35 Spruce Road in Ocean City.
To view his website visit thesimonsonlawfirm.com.
Simonson said especially now, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he is flexible on how he and clients can meet.
“They can call me or meet me. I can come to their house or they can come to my office or Zoom,” he said. “I am pretty flexible. Do all the safety precautions you are supposed to do.”
Simonson was an Assistant Prosecutor at the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, giving him criminal law experience. He also clerked in Civil Court.
During his time at the prosecutor’s office, where he worked from 2018 until the beginning of 2020, he presented cases to the grand jury, argued motions and municipal court appeals, handled first appearances, and performed a host of other work.
Simonson left the security of working for the prosecutor's office for a couple of reasons, he pointed out: “I was seeking different opportunities and I wanted to focus on some civil matters, estate planning and other areas.”
While clerking in the Atlantic County Civil Courthouse, he assisted the judge in all aspects of civil practice, mediated special civil matters and prepared pre-argument motions.
He credits his family for strength to take the chance and become a sole practitioner.
Simonson has been recognized for his work as a young lawyer.
He was awarded the 2020 Cape May County Bar Association Young Lawyer of the Year. He is also a member of the Cape May County Bar Association Board of Trustees.
Simonson and his fiancée, Erika Lezama, also an attorney, live in Ocean City with their dog, Fin. Simonson’s hobbies include surfing, playing guitar and fishing.
Ed Simonson, his fiancee, Erika Lezama, and their dog, Fin, enjoy the beach in Ocean City. (Photo courtesy Ed Simonson)
