Former New Jersey Attorney General Joins Global Public Affairs Firm
Westfield, NJ – Former New Jersey Attorney General Chris Porrino is joining Mercury as a member of its Advisory Board. Porrino becomes part of an illustrious group of former high-level public officials at Mercury, including former U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-LA), former Congressman Vin Weber (R-MN), former California House Speaker Fabian Núñez (D-CA),
former Congressman Max Sandlin (D-TX), former Congressman Denny Rehberg (R-MT) and former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer (D-NY).
“We are excited to welcome Chris Porrino to the Mercury Advisory Board,” said Mercury Partner Mike DuHaime. “Chris’ depth of knowledge of the legal system and state and federal government, along with his experience in crisis communications, will be a tremendous asset to our team.”
Porrino is currently a partner and chair of the litigation department at Lowenstein Sandler. A seasoned trial lawyer, negotiator and crisis manager, he possesses a rare combination of real-world pragmatism and strategic problem-solving skills forged in courtrooms, the halls of government and the glare of the national media spotlight.
“I am honored to advise and assist such a widely respected global firm,” Porrino said. “I look forward to helping Mercury grow its already stellar brand in New Jersey and beyond.”
“Chris Porrino is well-respected on both sides of the political aisle because he is a proven, effective leader,” said Mercury Partner Michael Soliman.
Porrino was the 60 th Attorney General in New Jersey history. During his time as Attorney General, Porrino indicted and convicted the former Mayor of New Jersey’s third-largest city. He oversaw the implementation of the most significant reform of New Jersey’s criminal justice system in history, a much-needed reform of the bail system that is now a national model. Porrino also pioneered the country’s strictest opioid prescription rules, which paved the way for immediate reductions in the number of opioid painkillers prescribed by physicians in New Jersey.
In 2012, Porrino first entered public service as Director of Law at the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. As Director, he led a team of 500 civil lawyers that oversaw thousands of litigation matters and dozens of trials on behalf of the state’s numerous departments and agencies, including the Departments of Environmental Protection, Banking and Insurance, and Transportation, as well as the Division of Consumer Affairs.
Porrino also served as Chief Counsel to Governor Chris Christie. As one of only two direct reports to the governor, Porrino had responsibility for judicial appointments, legislative matters and all state authorities.
Prior to his government service, Porrino was a partner and vice chair of Lowenstein Sandler’s litigation department, where he focused on criminal and civil trial practice. Earlier in his career, he served as a law clerk to then-Magistrate Judge Freda L. Wolfson, U.S. District Judge for the District of New Jersey. Born and raised in New Jersey, Porrino graduated from Lehigh University and received his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law. He resides in Summit, New Jersey, with his wife Christina and their two children.
About Mercury
Mercury is a high-stakes, bipartisan public strategy firm. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services that includes federal government relations, international affairs, digital influence, public opinion research, media strategy and a bipartisan grassroots mobilization network in all 50 states. Our firm is not just led by top talent — we distinguish ourselves by having senior talent deeply engaged in each project from start to finish, a promise we keep to clients. The firm has an established global presence, with U.S. offices in Washington, DC, New York, California, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Tennessee, as well as international offices in London and Mexico City. Mercury is a part of the Omnicom Public Relations Group.
About Omnicom Public Relations Group
Omnicom Public Relations Group is a global collective of three of the top global public relations agencies worldwide and specialist agencies in areas including public affairs, marketing to women, fashion, public health and corporate social responsibility. It encompasses more than 6,000 public relations professionals in more than 330 offices worldwide who provide their expertise to companies, government agencies, NGOs and nonprofits across a wide range of industries. Omnicom Public Relations Group delivers for clients through a relentless focus on talent, continuous pursuit of innovation and a culture steeped in collaboration. Omnicom Public Relations Group is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. that includes more than 200 companies in a wide range of marketing disciplines including advertising, public relations, healthcare, customer relationship management, events, promotional marketing, branding and research.
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