Former U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Philip Sellinger will rejoin Greenberg Traurig LLP. 

According to the New York-based law firm, Sellinger begins Feb. 1 as co-chair of the global litigation practice and founding chair of its Florham Park office.

Sellinger previously held both positions before his 2021 appointment as U.S. attorney. Up until then, he had worked at Greenberg Traurig since 2002. Before that, Sellinger spent 18 years at Sills Cummis & Gross in Newark.

At Greenberg Traurig, he will focus on high-stakes complex trials and litigation in areas such as government and internal investigations, white collar, class action defense, financial services and technology.

Commenting on Sellinger’s return, the firm’s executive chairman Richard Rosenbaum said, “It is an honor and pleasure to welcome Philip home to Greenberg Traurig, where his leadership in our global litigation practice and New Jersey office over the years prior to his becoming U.S. Attorney was always profoundly appreciated.”

“He is a distinguished attorney and a pillar in both the U.S. litigation bar and the New Jersey community, having always maintained the highest standards of quality and integrity. His experience, energy, collaborative nature, and servant style of leadership will once again be of significant value to his colleagues and the firm’s clients, particularly in our global litigation practice, and to the further strategic growth of our New Jersey office,” Rosenbaum said.

Making an impact

The U.S. Senate confirmed Sellinger following his appointment by President Joe Biden. He stepped down as New Jersey’s chief federal enforcement officer Jan. 8. The resignation came about a week-and-a-half before President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

Trump has not yet announced whom he plans to appoint to fill the role for the New Jersey District. Following Sellinger’s departure, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna became acting U.S. attorney.

During Sellinger’s tenure, the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office achieved prominence for pursuing areas such as cybercrime, securities fraud, insider trading, market manipulation, public corruption, money laundering, unlawful kickback schemes, violent crime and civil rights violations.

The office also had a reputation for fighting fraud against government and private health care plans, government contract and customs fraud.

Additionally, he took steps to transform the office. Those efforts include the creation of the first standalone Civil Rights Division at any U.S. Attorneys’ Office and a Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit.

Welcome home

Sellinger described serving as the U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey as “the privilege of a lifetime.”

“I am now thrilled to return home to Greenberg Traurig, an exceptionally dynamic law firm that truly embodies my commitment to legal excellence and the highest level of client service. Certainly, the firm’s presence in most major financial centers across the globe and vast array of practice expertise provides a platform that will greatly benefit the clients I expect to serve,” he stated.

Co-managing shareholders David Oppenheim and David Jay praised Sellinger for his mentorship and leadership.

They also said that welcoming him that “back to the office he founded is an exciting opportunity for us to continue to grow in the state as its pre-eminent law firm dedicated to providing exemplary legal counsel and client service.”

The firm’s chief executive officer, Brian Duffy, added, “Philip’s return to help lead our global litigation practice is a strong addition to our robust team of 800 litigators, of whom more than 60 are former federal and state prosecutors, including eight former U.S. Attorneys.”

“This team continues to grow from strength to strength, providing clients with representation at the highest level including real trial experience wherever and whenever needed worldwide,” Duffy said.