NJBIZ has ranked Christopher Porrino, partner and Chair of Lowenstein’s Litigation Department and former Attorney General of New Jersey, as Number One in its 2024 Power 100 list.
The publication notes that “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 and ends up on the short list for most important jobs. Most recently, he was named by Gov. Phil Murphy as chair of the Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission, tasked with examining racial and ethnic disparities in the local criminal justice system.” It adds that his clients look to him for "his real-world prowess, problem-solving skills, and experience across the public and private sectors."
Porrino returned to Lowenstein Sandler in 2018 after serving as the 60th Attorney General of New Jersey. While leading one of the most powerful Attorney General Offices in the nation, Porrino oversaw the implementation of bail reform, the most significant reform of New Jersey’s criminal justice system in its history, via a model that is now being replicated nationally. The New York Times called the reform a “historic day for civil rights.” He also took forceful action against anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, and pioneered the country’s strictest opioid prescribing rules, paving the way for an almost immediate and very steep reduction in the number of opioid painkillers prescribed by physicians in New Jersey. Porrino’s approach has been followed by other state Attorney Generals. In addition, he worked to improve trust between police and the communities they serve, and led the planned closure of a Civil War-era youth prison in one of the most significant reforms in the history of the state’s juvenile justice system.
In his private practice, Porrino helps Fortune 500 clients achieve critical goals and defend against seemingly insurmountable challenges. He advises and represents businesses and individuals in civil, criminal, and regulatory matters involving securities, consumer fraud, banking, alcoholic beverage control, gaming, cannabis, energy, insurance, tax, antitrust, real estate, and the environment, among others. He also conducts internal investigations for clients faced with allegations of wrongdoing or suspected wrongdoing by insiders.
Porrino has been named one of America's Leading Lawyers for Business by Chambers USA every year since 2009, and was recognized as Attorney of the Year by the New Jersey Law Journal in 2018.
The power lists are compiled by the NJBIZ editorial staff based on their reporting throughout the past year with input from experts in a variety of fields and recommendations from readers. The staff looks for people who have gained public attention – and perhaps acclaim – for their professional accomplishments and public service. Each list identifies individuals who, through their efforts, are helping to make New Jersey a better place to live, work and do business. Honorees have contributed meaningfully to the advancement of the public interest through their work and/or community service.
About Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Lowenstein Sandler is a national law firm with over 350 lawyers based in New York, Palo Alto, New Jersey, Utah, and Washington, D.C. The firm represents leaders in virtually every sector of the global economy, with particular emphasis on investment funds, life sciences, and technology. Recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and high standard of client service, the firm is committed to the interests of its clients, colleagues, and communities.
