The changes are effective December 12.
“For nearly two-and-a-half years, I have had the privilege of working with Mike Long by my side overseeing our Division of Law, and under his leadership our public service attorneys have pursued excellence in case after case,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Leaders like Mike make the Department of Law and Public Safety one of the best places to work in New Jersey. In addition to being one of the finest lawyers I’ve ever worked with, he’s an even better person and colleague. I will miss working with him and wish him nothing but success in his next chapter.”
“At the same time, I am also pleased that Mike Walters, a dedicated public servant in his own right, will continue working on behalf of all New Jerseyans, and the Division will benefit from his excellent expertise and judgment.” Platkin said.
Staffed by over 500 attorneys, DOL provides legal advice and counseling to dozens of executive branch agencies. Its responsibilities cover a broad swath of legal issues, including those involving banking and insurance, child protection, civil rights, consumer protection, corrections, education, the environment, finance, health, taxation, transportation, and the State budget.
During Long’s tenure, the Division launched a number of new initiatives and handled high-priority matters, including:
· A large-scale internal reorganization that resulted in the creation of two new Deputy Director positions, the introduction of the Environmental and Clean Energy Practice Group, and the modernization of DOL’s administrative structure;
· The development of a permanent, stand-alone Antitrust Litigation and Competition Enforcement Section to reinforce the State’s capacity for robust antitrust enforcement;
· The creation of additional new or redesigned sections, including Labor Enforcement, Civil Rights, Employment Litigation, Litigation Practice Group, Appellate, and Department of Children and Families, Metro;
· Aggressive pursuit of the interests of the State and its residents, including a $100 million worker misclassification settlement with Uber, a nearly $400 million natural resource damages settlement with Solvay, and nationwide multistate opioid settlements totaling $20.1 billion, along with many other achievements.
“I have truly enjoyed working with the incredible public servants at the Division of Law,” said Long. “I consider myself fortunate to have had the experience of working with Attorney General Platkin, and I know that the Division will continue to thrive under Mike Walters.”
“I’m grateful to Attorney General Platkin for this opportunity to continue serving my colleagues and New Jersey,” said Walters. “I know that by working together, we will continue to achieve tremendous results for the State.”
Walters joined the DOL in 1999, after serving as a law clerk for The Honorable Myron H. Gottlieb, J.S.C. As Deputy Director with oversight of the Litigation Practice Group, he has supervised the coordination and development of litigation strategy for defending the State of New Jersey, its agencies, and current and former State employees. Before that, Walters was a section chief and a line deputy in the Division’s Education and Higher Education Section. He graduated from Rutgers School of Law in 1998.
AG Platkin, the Attorney General of New York, has announced a new leadership transition at the Division of Law. This change comes as part of a broader effort to strengthen and enhance the division’s capabilities in serving the people of New York.
The Division of Law plays a crucial role in the Attorney General’s office, representing the state in legal matters and providing legal advice and counsel to state agencies and officials. The division is responsible for handling a wide range of legal issues, from defending the state in lawsuits to prosecuting individuals and businesses that violate state laws.
Under the new leadership transition, AG Platkin has appointed a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in both public and private sector legal practice to lead the Division of Law. This individual brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, and is committed to upholding the highest standards of legal excellence and integrity.
In announcing this leadership transition, AG Platkin emphasized the importance of having strong and effective leadership at the Division of Law. He stated that the division plays a critical role in advancing the Attorney General’s priorities and ensuring that the state’s legal interests are protected and advanced.
The new leader of the Division of Law will work closely with AG Platkin and other senior officials in the Attorney General’s office to address key legal challenges facing the state. This includes issues such as protecting consumers, safeguarding the environment, and upholding civil rights and liberties for all New Yorkers.
AG Platkin expressed confidence that the new leadership at the Division of Law will help to further strengthen the office’s ability to serve the people of New York effectively. He highlighted the importance of having a skilled and dedicated team of attorneys who are committed to upholding justice and the rule of law.
Overall, this leadership transition at the Division of Law represents a positive step forward for the Attorney General’s office. By appointing a new leader with a strong track record of legal expertise and dedication to public service, AG Platkin is demonstrating his commitment to ensuring that the division continues to excel in its mission of serving the people of New York.
