Former Justices Zazzali & Stein Named Ethics Counsellors to Gubernatorial Transition

Rajiv Parikh Named Senior Counsel to Transition

Trenton – Governor-elect Phil Murphy today announced his appointment of former New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice James R. Zazzali and former Associate Justice Gary Stein to serve as ethics counsel to Transition2018.

In this role, Justices Zazzali and Stein will ensure that all gubernatorial transition staff, committees and volunteers adhere to all state ethics laws and will ensure transparency in Transition2018’s operations.

Chief Justice Zazzali was appointed to the New Jersey Supreme Court in 2000 by former Governor Christine Todd Whitman and retired in 2007. He served as Chief Justice from 2006-2007. He currently is of counsel to the Gibbons and Zazzali Fagella law firms.

Justice Stein was appointed to the Supreme Court by former Governor Thomas Kean in 1985 and served until 2002. He currently is special counsel to the firm of Pashman Stein Walder Hayden.

“I am honored that Justices Zazzali and Stein will be ensuring that my transition lives up to the highest standards of ethics and transparency, and will set the tone for my administration,” said Murphy. “They are giants in the law community and are respected statewide. Their leadership and guidance will be invaluable.”

Murphy also announced his appointment of Rajiv Parikh, currently a partner at Genova Burns LLC, to serve as Senior Counsel to Transition2018.  Parikh will provide advice and counsel to the Executive Director, senior staff, and transition committees on all legal and compliance matters. Among other practice areas, Parikh is a specialist in political activity law and ethics.

“Over the past few years, my staff and I could always rely on Raj for straightforward and accurate advice,” said Murphy. “As one of the foremost attorneys in our state, Raj will be vital to ensuring that our incoming administration doesn’t just live up to the letter of the law, but to its spirit, as well.”