Lawrence High graduate named as governor’s new chief counsel

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced Friday that Parimal Garg, a deputy chief counsel, will serve as his next chief counsel when Matt Platkin leaves the governor’s office later this month.

Garg is a 2007 graduate of Lawrence High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and his law degree from Harvard Law School. He has served as a deputy chief counsel to the governor since January of 2018. Previously, he served as a senior policy advisor during Murphy’s gubernatorial campaign, helping formulate the campaign’s substantive positions. Prior to joining the campaign in August of 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.

“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,”  Murphy said in a statement about the appointment. “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.”

Platkin is leaving the Murphy administration to take a job in the private sector.

“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,” Platkin said in a written statement. “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.”    

Garg already filled in as chief counsel back in April when Platkin tested positive for COVID-19 and had to self-quarantine.

“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,” Garg said in a written statement about his appointment.