The former New Jersey attorney general under Gov. Chris Christie currently serves as a partner and chair of the Litigation Department at Lowenstein Sandler LLP. With his background in government and politics, Porrino can move comfortably among leaders of both parties, to the point that he is involved in nearly every major legal dispute in the state. For example, he is representing American Dream in a dispute over whether the mega-mall can open on Sundays despite Bergen County’s Blue Laws.

On policy, Porrino is a trusted advisor Democrats and Republicans alike. He represented the Trump Organization in its tussle with the state over liquor licenses at the company’s New Jersey golf courses. At the same time, he counseled Gov. Phil Murphy in an investigation over immigration practices being conducted by Alina Habba, Pres-ident Donald Trump’s one-time choice as U.S. attorney for New Jersey. In fact, Murphy turned to Porrino for counsel in a variety of contexts.

As her predecessors did, Gov. Mikie Sherrill would do well to seek Porrino’s counsel on personnel matters and legal issues. The early indications are that she is doing just that. After Sherrill nominated Jennifer Davenport, a legal executive for PSEG, as the new attorney general, Porrino praised the move.

“I have known Jen for many years and have worked very closely with her, in some highly challenging circumstances. She is relatable and understated, but an extremely effective leader,” he told NJBIZ. “On the civil side, the hard-working people of the Department of Law and Public Safety will be inspired and motivated by her commitment to the rule of law. On the criminal side, her deep law enforcement experience, both state and federal, will serve her well in working to reduce gun violence and other vio-lent crimes.”

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