Frank LaRocca has already achieved nearly a career's worth of distinctions in New Jersey matrimonial law, and is on track to emerge as one of the state's top attorneys in the field. More than simply hard-working, LaRocca is a driven and competitive practitioner, having already created an impressive independent practice at an age when many of his peers remain mere protégés. For LaRocca - confident, charismatic, engaging - matrimonial law has been a good fit; raised in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx, he was "the first LaRocca to graduate college." He initially took a financial position with Prudential Bache, but "I just didn't think I was making a difference" and he went to law school at night. (He tended bar weekends at the Jersey Shore - "you'd be surprised how that experience prepared me for what I am doing now."). LaRocca got an early break: In his first job he worked for Bergen County attorney John Finnerty (himself one of the original Ten Leaders of Matrimonial & Divorce Law of Northern New Jersey). They worked together for nine years, four as partners. In April 2002 he left Finnerty to launch a practice with Michael E. Spinato (a well seasoned matrimonial attorney) and John A. Conte, Jr. (the firm’s managing partner), which after adding Celine Y. November, has quickly evolved into the twelve attorney firm of Spinato, November, Conte & LaRocca, P.C., based in Glen Rock on Route 208 North. (They recently moved into new well appointed office space). LaRocca's early success, in many respects, reflects his diligence and toughness, as well as his own vision - "I knew early on that I wanted to be one of the top attorneys in the field." Further, LaRocca - whose own parents separated when he was a teen – uses his life experience, as well as his degree in psychology, to relate effectively to his clients. In recent years, LaRocca and his partners have attracted a strong following, especially in their own backyard. Although his primary office is in Bergen County, LaRocca continues to live in Monmouth County (a graduate of Manalapan High school), where he is using his strong ties to the community to grow a second presence for his practice.