Governor Phil Murphy today announced that Parimal Garg, current Deputy Chief Counsel to the Governor, will be named as his next Chief Counsel. Current Chief Counsel Matt Platkin will depart the Governor’s Office later this month to pursue an opportunity in the private sector.

“I’ve relied on Parimal’s counsel for more than four years, and I consider him one of the sharpest legal minds in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “As we continue to manage the challenging issues presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis, I know Parimal will continue to provide the invaluable counsel he’s brought as an integral member of my senior team.”

“For more than four years, I have had the honor of working side by side with Parimal as he has tirelessly fought to make our state stronger and fairer,” said outgoing Chief Counsel Matt Platkin. “His unique combination of integrity, intellect, passion, and empathy make him a terrific choice to serve in the critical role of Chief Counsel. He has been integral to the Murphy Administration’s success to date, and I look forward to many future accomplishments under his leadership.”  

“I’m deeply honored to continue serving Governor Murphy as he works to protect New Jersey from the worst public health crisis in a century and build a stronger and fairer state for all 9 million residents,” said incoming Chief Counsel Parimal Garg.”I am especially grateful to Chief Counsel Matt Platkin for the standard of excellence and integrity that he has brought to the job every day, and I look forward to working alongside the rest of the team on behalf of the people of New Jersey.”

Garg has served as Deputy Chief Counsel to the Governor since January 2018. Previously, he served as a Senior Policy Advisor during then-candidate Murphy’s gubernatorial campaign, helping to formulate the campaign’s substantive positions. Prior to joining the campaign in August 2016, he clerked for New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner. He previously worked as an attorney at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in Washington, DC, where his practice focused on antitrust matters, financial investigations, and appellate arguments.

Garg received his B.A. from Georgetown University, magna cum laude, and J.D. from Harvard Law School, cum laude.