Newark, a hub for commerce and industry in New Jersey, offers numerous opportunities for legal professionals across a range of prominent sectors. With a diverse economy that includes finance, healthcare, education, and logistics, Newark is home to companies and institutions requiring legal expertise, from corporate and compliance to labor and real estate law.
Major employers include multinational corporations, higher education institutions, and healthcare systems, which drive demand for skilled attorneys in both in-house and external roles. For those seeking career advancement in a vibrant metropolitan area, Newark’s varied legal landscape provides both stability and growth, particularly when working with a seasoned legal recruiter.
Biggest Law Firms in Newark
- McCarter & English LLP: Founded in 1844, McCarter & English is New Jersey’s oldest law firm and one of the largest in Newark, with over 400 attorneys. Known for its expansive services in litigation, intellectual property, and corporate law, it also consistently ranks on the Am Law 200 list. The firm’s extensive history includes handling notable litigation for global brands and dedicated pro bono efforts supporting local communities.
- Gibbons P.C.: Established in 1926, Gibbons is a major Newark-based firm with around 200 attorneys. Gibbons is recognized for its expertise in complex litigation, government affairs, and corporate law, frequently cited among New Jersey’s top-grossing firms. The firm prides itself on supporting community initiatives and emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce.
- Lowenstein Sandler LLP: Lowenstein Sandler, founded in 1961, began in Newark and has since expanded nationally, employing over 400 lawyers. The firm is renowned for its work in corporate law, particularly for tech and startup clients. Lowenstein maintains a strong commitment to its New Jersey roots through pro bono work and has gained national recognition in Am Law rankings.
- Sills Cummis & Gross P.C.: Founded in 1971, Sills Cummis & Gross operates out of Newark with around 150 attorneys. Known for handling high-stakes commercial litigation and real estate matters, the firm serves major corporations and public sector clients. It remains a top choice in New Jersey’s legal landscape and has a strong reputation for healthcare and environmental law.
- Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi P.C.: With roots going back to 1972, CSG is well-regarded in the Newark area for its litigation, corporate, and real estate practices. The firm has a particular focus on environmental and government work, making it a leader in regulatory compliance in New Jersey. Known for its client-centric approach, CSG has received numerous awards for legal excellence.
- Genova Burns LLC: Genova Burns, founded in 1989, is a Newark-based firm specializing in employment law, government contracts, and real estate. It has become known for navigating complex legal landscapes for local and regional businesses. The firm is highly involved in political law, regularly advising clients on compliance with state and federal regulations.
- McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter LLP: McElroy Deutsch, established in 1983, has grown to become one of New Jersey’s largest firms with nearly 300 attorneys. Its Newark office excels in insurance defense, labor law, and corporate transactions. Known for its commitment to legal ethics, the firm also actively participates in community service and pro bono work.
- Saiber LLC: Saiber, based in Newark, is a boutique firm with strong expertise in business litigation, insurance, and gaming law. Founded in 1951, Saiber provides highly specialized legal services and is valued for its agile, client-focused approach. The firm is especially known for representing gaming and hospitality industries throughout New Jersey.
- Meyner and Landis LLP: Founded in 1962, Meyner and Landis is recognized for its commercial real estate, environmental, and corporate law services. The firm has a strong presence in Newark and is well-regarded for its representation of financial institutions and real estate developers in New Jersey, providing personalized attention with a regional focus.
- Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP: Murphy Schiller & Wilkes, known for its real estate, commercial litigation, and tax law practices, operates primarily in Newark. The firm is recognized for its high-quality representation of real estate developers and corporate clients, offering a boutique approach that emphasizes efficiency and tailored solutions for complex legal issues.
Newark
Newark’s legal market is heavily influenced by its position as a transportation and financial hub, with strong sectors in banking, healthcare, and government. Lawyers in Newark often specialize in corporate law, labor and employment, and commercial litigation, benefiting from the city’s proximity to major financial institutions and transportation networks. The city’s growing business community and strategic location near New York City provide legal professionals with diverse opportunities to engage in high-stakes cases and regulatory work. Newark offers a robust environment for lawyers looking to make an impact in both local and national markets.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a legal position with one of Newark’s largest employers often requires focused strategies and can be enhanced by working with a legal recruiter, given the competitiveness and specialized skill sets many of these companies seek. Newark’s top employers span finance, healthcare, transportation, and more, each needing robust legal departments to manage corporate compliance, contracts, and complex litigation.
- Prudential Financial, Inc.: Founded in 1875, Prudential is a global financial services leader headquartered in Newark, employing thousands locally. With legal needs in insurance, regulatory compliance, and securities law, Prudential’s legal team plays a critical role in managing its worldwide operations. The company’s history of innovation in insurance and investment solutions makes it one of the city’s top destinations for legal careers.
- PSEG (Public Service Enterprise Group): PSEG, established in 1903, is a major utility provider headquartered in Newark, with a workforce of over 13,000. PSEG’s legal department handles issues ranging from environmental regulation to energy law, and it’s recognized for notable clean energy initiatives. The company’s involvement in green energy projects offers unique opportunities for legal professionals interested in environmental and corporate law.
- RWJBarnabas Health: New Jersey’s largest healthcare system, RWJBarnabas Health, has a significant presence in Newark. Founded in 1865, it provides extensive healthcare services, requiring strong legal support in areas like healthcare compliance, contracts, and medical liability. Lawyers here help navigate regulatory frameworks, making it a key employer for those interested in healthcare law.
- Panasonic Corporation of North America: Based in Newark, Panasonic employs over 1,000 professionals, with legal needs in technology, intellectual property, and corporate law. Known for its innovation in consumer electronics and technology solutions, Panasonic offers legal professionals a chance to engage in high-tech and IP law, protecting proprietary technologies and managing international corporate partnerships.
- Audible, Inc.: Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Newark, Audible is a subsidiary of Amazon and a pioneer in the digital audiobook space. Its legal team focuses on media law, intellectual property, and digital rights, providing unique opportunities for attorneys interested in tech and media law. Audible’s vibrant corporate culture and commitment to Newark’s revitalization make it a notable local employer.
- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey: Horizon BCBSNJ, New Jersey’s largest health insurer, is headquartered in Newark and employs hundreds locally. Founded in 1932, the organization’s legal needs span healthcare law, regulatory compliance, and insurance litigation. Lawyers at Horizon work on cases impacting thousands of policyholders, shaping health policy and insurance law in the state.
- Newark Liberty International Airport (Port Authority of New York and New Jersey): Newark Airport is a central hub for the tri-state area, managed by the Port Authority. Legal professionals here handle a range of issues, from real estate transactions to regulatory compliance and labor relations. Working at one of the nation’s busiest airports offers attorneys an exciting environment with complex and dynamic legal needs.
- Mars Wrigley Confectionery: Although Mars Wrigley’s North American headquarters moved to Newark in recent years, it has become one of the city’s major employers. Known for iconic brands like M&M’s and Snickers, Mars Wrigley’s legal department addresses issues in food safety, intellectual property, and marketing compliance, making it ideal for lawyers interested in consumer goods and IP law.
- Rutgers University–Newark: Part of New Jersey’s largest public university system, Rutgers–Newark employs a large legal staff across compliance, academic affairs, and contracts. Founded in 1766, Rutgers is one of the nation’s oldest institutions, offering unique legal career opportunities in education law and research compliance.
- IDT Corporation: IDT, a telecommunications company founded in 1990 and based in Newark, specializes in prepaid phone services and international calling. Legal positions at IDT focus on telecommunications law, compliance, and regulatory matters, as the company operates in various global markets. Lawyers here gain valuable experience in an industry undergoing constant innovation and regulatory challenges.
