Former New Jersey Attorney General Chris Porrino is joining Mercury as a member of its Advisory Board. Porrino becomes part of a group of former 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.”

A trial lawyer, negotiator and crisis manager and 60th attorney general for the state of New Jersey, Porrino is currently a partner and chair of the litigation department at Lowenstein Sandler.

“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.

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 litigation matters and numerous trials involving 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 with his wife Christina and their two children.