Missy Duarte is a partner at FWD Law Group and a seasoned trial attorney with more than a decade of experience advocating for injured individuals and families. As the daughter of Dominican heritage, Missy brings a deeply personal understanding of the challenges many clients face when navigating the legal system and is committed to ensuring access to justice for individuals from all backgrounds.

 

Her practice focuses primarily on personal injury litigation, including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and complex negligence matters. Missy is known for her strategic approach to litigation, meticulous preparation, and unwavering commitment to her clients.

 

Throughout her career, Missy has recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients. She has handled cases from inception through trial, conducted depositions, argued dispositive motions, and led high-stakes negotiations with insurance carriers and defense counsel. Her experience allows her to anticipate defense strategies early and position cases for maximum value.

 

Missy is also an Assistant Public Defender for the City of Hackensack, a role that reflects her continued dedication to public service and the fair administration of justice. Earlier in her career, she served as an Assistant Public Defender in Florida, representing clients in juvenile, county, and circuit courts. That foundation sharpened her courtroom skills and shaped her client-centered approach to advocacy.

 

She is bilingual in English and Spanish and is passionate about ensuring that language is never a barrier to quality legal representation. Her cultural background and bilingual abilities allow her to connect with clients on a deeper level and advocate effectively for communities that are often underserved.

 

Missy is an active board member of the Main Street Business Alliance, a local organization dedicated to supporting small businesses, fostering economic development, and strengthening community engagement through advocacy, networking, and public-private partnerships. In this role, she works closely with local business owners, municipal leaders, and community stakeholders to promote growth, visibility, and long term sustainability for local enterprises.

Her professional accomplishments have been recognized by peers and national legal organizations, including multiple selections as a New Jersey Super Lawyers Rising Star, Top 10 Best Attorney by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys, and Lawyers of Distinction honoree.

 

Beyond her legal practice, Missy is deeply involved in mentorship, firm leadership, and community outreach. She frequently speaks on litigation strategy, ethics, and personal injury law, and is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession.

 

Clients value Missy’s transparency, responsiveness, and ability to clearly explain complex legal issues. She approaches every case with the same guiding principle: preparation matters, advocacy matters, and clients deserve to feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout the legal process.