Mr. Ponticello obtained his Bachelors' degree in History from Rutgers University in 1988, wherein he achieved membership in the Phi Alpha Theta national history honor society. Thereafter, he attended the University of San Diego School of Law and received his Juris Doctor degree in 1991. Mr. Ponticello's work on due process has been published as a lead Law Review article. Over"Due Process: The saga of the NCAA, its members, and their representatives 20 Lincoln Law Review 43 He is admitted to practice law in both the State of California and the State of New Jersey. Mr. Ponticello is also admitted to the United States Court of Appeal for the 9th Circuit, and the United States District Court, Northern, Central and Southern Districts of California.

Mr. Ponticello initially practiced general civil litigation. In 1993, his practice became concentrated in the representation of employers and insurance carriers in various employment related litigation matters. Mr. Ponticello is a certified specialist in the field of workers' compensation by the California bar. In addition to defending employers and insurance carriers and pursuing subrogation in connection with California workers' compensation litigation, Mr. Ponticello also provides employers with defense representation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act, Jones Act and in general civil litigation matters. Mr. Ponticello has successfully argued matters for employers before the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, and the California District Court of Appeal.

Mr. Ponticello has for many years been a speaker and presenter at educational conferences on litigation topics. He has been an instructor for the Insurance Education Association, teaching Advanced Workers' Compensation Claims and Current Case Law, in addition to being a frequent leader of in-house employer educational seminars.