David Sciarra, a leading school finance litigator and longtime champion for educational equity in New Jersey, is joining Genova Burns LLC as of counsel.

In an Oct. 23 press release, the Newark-based law firm announced the arrival of Sciarra, who stepped down in March after serving as head of the Education Law Center for more than 25 years. 

During his time with the nonprofit – which is also headquartered in Newark and conducts litigation, public advocacy and research – Sciarra gained a reputation as an expert on public school funding, education law and policy.

Among his many accomplishments, Sciarra secured groundbreaking rulings from the New Jersey Supreme Court on school funding, preschool and other reforms in the landmark Abbott v. Burke litigation, which required schools to reduce inequalities in their funding and ensure all students – regardless of economic background – have access to education.

Under his leadership, ELC also grew to become a national leader in enforcing the education rights of low-income students and students of color.

After receiving a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, and a J.D. from Temple University School of Law, Sciarra began practicing as a civil rights lawyer in 1978, working on cases involving socioeconomic rights, affordable housing and welfare rights. He also writes and lectures on education law and policy.

“Dave Sciarra is a legend in the world of New Jersey public school finance,” commented Angelo Genova, the firm’s co-founder and chairman. “As former Executive Director of the Education Law Center, he is the architect of the seminal cases in insuring the necessary support to public school children in New Jersey’s challenged Abbott districts. He has made a difference in their lives and in assuring that each child in our public schools receives an equal, thorough, and efficient education as mandated by the New Jersey Constitution. David brings that skill set and pass it on to Genova Burns as an Appellate and Supreme Court advocate with premier talent.”

“With David’s joining our firm, we hope to bring that skill set to every school district in New Jersey which seeks to ensure that its students receive their due when it comes to school funding for educational programs and school facilities. We are pleased he has chosen to make Genova Burns his professional home upon leaving the Education Law Center,” Genova said.