CSG Law in West Orange named Jason Holt and Neha Bhalani co-chairs of its diversity, equity and inclusion committee, it announced June 8.
The firm’s DEI Committee spearheads the firm’s diversity training programs, recruiting and fundraising efforts.
Holt is a real estate, development and land use attorney with more than two decades of experience in state and local government, including as city solicitor for Atlantic City. He joined the firm from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, where he reviewed and investigated potential ethics violations associated with local jurisdictions. He also draws upon his background navigating challenges that arise throughout the redevelopment process to assist municipalities and developers in drafting and negotiating redevelopment plans and agreements, as well as Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreements, tax appeals and tax exemptions.
Outside of the firm, Holt was appointed to the leadership team of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council earlier this year; last year, he was elected to the board of trustees of the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys.
More news from CSG
CSG Law Member Michael Plumb was appointed to the chairmanship of the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Environmental Section, the firm said Wednesday.
Plumb, a member of CSG Law’s Environmental Group, covers all aspects of environmental law, representing a diverse array of clients in litigation related to environmental permitting and enforcement, and responsibility for discharges of hazardous substances, through all stages of litigation. He served as vice chair for the section in 2021.
Bhalani practices in the firm’s intellectual property group handling aspects of trademark prosecution, including clearance searches, applications and renewals, and providing domestic and international intellectual property strategy planning. She also researches and drafts responses to Examiners’ Office Actions in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and has experience drafting, structuring and negotiating numerous licensing, co-existence, non-disclosure and asset purchase agreements.
Bloomberg Law named CSG Law to its inaugural DEI Framework last year, recognizing the firm’s disclosure of diversity-related metrics and distinguished performance against six core pillars of an effective DEI program: demographics, leadership and talent pipeline, recruitment and retention, business innovation and strategy, marketing, and diversity and inclusion in the community.
The firm was one of only 28 U.S.-based law firms listed in the framework.
“I am confident they will take this wonderful group to even higher levels,” Managing Member Patricia Costello said of the new DEI committee co-chairs. “Thanks to both of them for agreeing to serve.”
