NJBIZ has ranked Christopher Porrino, partner and Chair of Lowenstein’s Litigation Department and former Attorney General of New Jersey, as Number Three in its 2024 Power 50 list.
The publication notes: “Since returning to private practice in 2018 after serving as New Jersey attorney general under former Republican Gov. Chris Christie, Porrino has led defense of a vast portfolio of clients from Fortune 500 companies, private and public companies, not-for-profits and individuals. He’s also chair of the Roseland-based firm’s litigation department.” The article describes some of Porrino’s recent wins, including the reversal of a $24.3 million verdict against The Valley Hospital, where the New Jersey Supreme Court vacated an award to a group of neurosurgeons over their claim that the hospital was acting in bad faith when it signed an exclusive agreement with a competing surgical group; and his representation of Danish energy company Ørsted, resulting in $125 million settlement with New Jersey—one-third of what was originally claimed by the government after the company cancelled two offshore wind projects.
Further recent accomplishments listed in NJBIZ include Porrino’s recruitment of Alexander Shalom to lead the Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest; and Porrino’s appointment by Gov. Phil Murphy to chair of the state’s Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission.
NJBIZ also ranked Lowenstein Chief Operating Officer Michael R. Caplan, citing his more than 25 years of experience in the accounting, financial, investment and consultant businesses and 15 years of corporate legal experience. Firm chair and Managing Partner Gary M. Wingens tells the publication that “Mike has a superlative record in leading organizations toward realizing their fullest potential. He knows how to develop and grow operational relationships with clients and is adept at using the latest technology in ways that maximize efficiency and effectiveness.”
Lowenstein Special Counsel Elie Honig also made the list. Honig, senior legal analyst for CNN, was recently nominated for a national Emmy Award in the category “Outstanding News Analysis: Editorial and Opinion;” and has published two books – “Hatchet Man: How Bill Barr Broke the Prosecutor’s Code and Corrupted the Justice Department” and “Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It.” Honig served as director of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice from 2012-2018: he successfully prosecuted over 100 members and associates of La Cosa Nostra, including bosses and other high- ranking members of the Gambino and Genovese organized crime families.
Lowenstein alumni Matthew Platkin, current Attorney General for the State of New Jersey, was listed at number 1 this year, a recognition given to Christopher Porrino last year.
The Power lists are compiled by the NJBIZ editorial staff based on our reporting throughout the past year with input from experts in a variety of fields and recommendations from our 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 are not necessarily better at their jobs than others in their profession, but they 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.
