4 Attys Appointed to NJ State Ethics Commission

Sills Cummis’ Victor Herlinsky is one of four lawyers appointed by Gov. Phil Murphy to serve on the New Jersey State Ethics Commission.

As seen in the article, “‘This commission has one of the most important functions in our state, serving as a safeguard for the integrity of our government,’ Murphy said in a statement. ‘I am confident that each of these nominees will serve honorably and work to ensure public trust in our state government.’

“Herlinsky, a member of Newark-based Sills Cummis & Gross P.C. with over 25 years of litigation experience, said his nomination was a ‘deep honor.’

“‘The commission is the bulwark against any perception that New Jersey government is for sale,’ he told Law360 Pulse on Tuesday. ‘New Jersey has some of the strictest ethical guidelines against conflicts of interest and acceptance of gifts. I am looking forward to being part of the enforcement of those ethical guidelines.’

“In addition to his role at Sills Cummis, Herlinsky has served as a transition team member for numerous public officials including for Sen. Cory Booker when he was the mayor of Newark and former Gov. Jon Corzine.

“His decades of experience in the courtroom will also benefit him in this new role, he said.

“‘As an attorney, I have represented numerous public and private entities dealing with issues involving all levels of New Jersey government,’ Herlinsky said. ‘That experience allows me to know how government should work and how it breaks down. I believe my experience will enable me to render fair and just decisions on the cases that come before the commission.’

“Herlinsky, who graduated from Bucknell University and received his law degree from American University, was appointed by President Barack Obama to the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

“He said he views his nomination to the New Jersey Ethics Commission as a way to continue giving back.

“‘I am looking forward to the opportunity to give some measure of civic contribution back to the state of New Jersey of which I have been a lifelong resident,’ he said.”