Janine spent her initial years of practice as an Assistant Deputy Public Defender for the State of New Jersey, representing hundreds of clients in Superior Court, charged with indictable crimes.  During that time, Janine tried hundreds of bench trials, and several jury trials. 

Janine currently represents clients in Municipal Court, defending clients charged with moving violations, Driving While Suspended, DWI, careless driving, and possession of CDS.  She also represents clients in Superior Court charged with indictable crimes.  She dedicates herself to representing the client with diligence and compassion.

Janine serves as Municipal Public Defender in Sparta Township, Borough of Ogdensburg, and Hardyston Township.

Janine M. Cerra, Esq. is an experienced attorney in Sparta Township with a background in real estate and construction, at one time running a large construction business as well as a licensed realtor.  Janine now represents Buyers and Sellers in real estate law transactions throughout Northern New Jersey, as well as consumers and builders in Land Use Applications, agreements or contract disputes.

The staff in the office are experienced in real estate transactions and support Janine by assisting in creating a smooth process from start to finish of either the purchase or the sale of the client's home.

Janine assists clients by drafting important Estate Planning Documents and gently guides through this sensitive but necessary process.  Having a special needs sibling, Janine is also cognizant of the delicate and emotional procedure of Guardianship Applications and advises clients through the Surrogate Courts procedure.

After spending her early years in England, France and Italy, Janine attended high school at Woodhouse Grove School in Bradford, England; thereafter graduating from Leicester University in Leicester, England with a Bachelor of Arts Honors Degree in Politics.  After attending law school at De Montfort University in Leicester, England, Janine moved to Sparta, New Jersey in 1996. Janine obtained her J.D. from Seton Hall Law School, New Jersey. Janine is admitted to practice in New Jersey, the U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Janine is active in the community; she serves on the Board of The Center for Prevention, as well as the Sparta Municipal Alliance Resource Team, is a member of the Sussex County Bar Association, the New Jersey State Bar Association, and has coordinated the High School Mock Trial Competition in Sussex County since 2008. 

Janine was the recipient of the Charles Hollenbeck Award in 2016, a state-wide acknowledgement for her work defending her clients' constitutional rights. She was recognized as a Rising Star on the New Jersey Super Lawyers List for 2018.  Janine was President of the Sussex County Bar Association for 2018-2019.