Sellinger Confirmed as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey
The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed veteran lawyer Philip R. Sellinger as the next U.S. attorney for New Jersey on a voice vote.
The Senate Judiciary Committee offered no discussion last week on the occasion of his nomination.
Nominated by President Joe Biden in October, Sellinger serves as co-managing partner in the New Jersey office of Greenberg Traurig LLP and served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the New Jersey district office from 1981-1984.
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U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.), today applauded the Senate confirmation by a voice vote of attorney Sellinger as United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey. Sellinger will be the new Chief Federal Law Enforcement Officer in the Garden State.
“I’m pleased the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Mr. Philip R. Sellinger for United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey today. Mr. Sellinger, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and New Jersey law clerk with more than 30 years of experience, has the complex litigation expertise at both the state and federal level that our state needs,” said Sen. Menendez. “Mr. Sellinger’s tenacity, intellect, and commitment to justice will make him an excellent U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey.”
“Phil Sellinger is a respected attorney with deep experience in both public service and the private sector who will serve honorably as New Jersey’s next U.S. Attorney. Throughout his career, Phil has demonstrated a commitment to upholding the rule of law and a dedication to pursuing equal justice under law. I applaud his confirmation,” said Sen. Booker.
The United States Attorney’s Office represents the federal law enforcement interests of the people of New Jersey and the country. The office is responsible for the prosecution of federal criminal statutes for all of New Jersey, from acts of terrorism to public corruption, white-collar crime, organized crime and gang activities, internet-related crimes, drug importation through New Jersey ports, and many other criminal acts.
Said Governor Phil Murphy:
“I applaud the U.S. Senate for their unanimous confirmation of Philip Sellinger as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey. Phil’s years of experience at the highest levels of our legal system, both as a prosecutor and in private practice, will serve the cause of justice well. I thank President Biden for his outstanding nomination, I commend Senators Menendez and Booker for their advocacy of Phil’s nomination, and I know that Phil will serve the people of New Jersey with honor and distinction.”
Senator Menendez today: “I’m pleased the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Mr. Philip R. Sellinger for United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey today. Mr. Sellinger, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and New Jersey law clerk with more than 30 years of experience, has the complex litigation expertise at both the state and federal level that our state needs. Mr. Sellinger’s tenacity, intellect, and commitment to justice will make him an excellent U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey.”
However, in 2015 Senator Menendez was on the business end of a several-count indictment from the USDOJ that included charges against Menendez for bribery, fraud, and making false statements. He got off thanks to a hung jury. NJ’s other Senator, Booker, contributed handsomely to Menendez’ legal defense fund. In April 2018, the US Senate Select Committee on Ethics did finally get around to “severely admonishing” Menendez for his conduct. Nonetheless, Menendez easily won re-election later that year.
In NJ politics, one’s past means nothing. And this is why a man like Menendez gets to introduce NJ’s new U.S. Attorney to us. This is also why NJ’s best days are way, way behind it. How can anyone have faith in Sellinger when he is forced to pay fealty to Menendez and Menendez’ partner in fighting criminal charges, Booker?
I found it interesting that Menendez asked Joe Biden to appoint Phillip R. Sellinger as the United States Attorney General for the District of New Jersey he was happy to do so.
I wonder if this will mean that Senator Menendez hopes he will get another hung jury when he goes on trial for bribery.