Former Mayoral Candidate Joins Lowenstein Sandler

Roseland, NJ – August 21, 2014 – In a move that will significantly bolster its already formidable Litigation Department, Lowenstein Sandler has added former Newark mayoral candidate and Seton Hall Law professor Shavar D. Jeffries as a partner.  Known as a tireless and effective advocate for his litigation clients, Jeffries also won praise for his perseverance and pragmatism as a mayoral candidate, and for his ability to foster discussion and progress without being divisive. 

At Lowenstein Sandler, Jeffries will represent private clients in civil and criminal litigation and, in the firm’s best tradition, will continue his advocacy on issues of public import. He joins a Litigation Department comprised of more than 100 seasoned litigators – including seven former Assistant United States Attorneys.  It has been further strengthened in the last year by the addition of former New Jersey Comptroller Matthew Boxer and of former Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Ruane, who offer clients peerless insight into how the government conducts investigations and litigation.

Since 2004, Jeffries has been an Associate Professor of Law at Seton Hall Law School’s Center for Social Justice. His work there has focused on litigation, civil-rights scholarship, and advocacy, with emphasis on education and economic inequities in urban communities.

From 2008 to 2010, Jeffries served as Assistant Attorney General and Counsel to New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram. In that role, Jeffries oversaw all multi-state investigations, spanning a wide range of matters from securities fraud and environmental protection to consumer fraud and product liability.  He led the state’s investigation of AIG’s sub-prime mortgage insurance products, and oversaw a range of special initiatives, including the state’s mortgage-mediation program, as well as several divisions of the office.

During his Newark mayoral campaign, Jeffries won the endorsement of numerous publications, including The Star Ledger. The New York Times’ David Brookscast his candidacy as representing Newark’s best shot at improvement and change.

The Star Ledger: http://bit.ly/1pLpq2c

The New York Times: http://nyti.ms/1vic6TC

“We are thrilled that Shavar Jeffries has chosen to join our firm,” said Gary M. Wingens, Lowenstein Sandler’s chairman and managing partner. “Shavar has earned an impeccable reputation for persistence in the face of the toughest obstacles, and for his ability to identify solutions to contentious problems — exactly what our clients require from their counselors.  We know him to be an inspiring individual and remarkable attorney. He joins an exceptional litigation department and we look forward to his many valuable contributions as a partner with the firm.”

“Lowenstein has some of the best lawyers anywhere and tremendous strength in its litigation practice and other core areas,” said Jeffries. “The firm is also well known for its long-standing and prodigious commitment to the public interest, including its long-time advocacy on behalf of children and educational issues. I am excited to work with a team of such smart, experienced, and committed people who put their clients and community first in all they do.”

A Newark native and long-term resident, Jeffries is extensively involved in his community. From 2002-2007 he was the Founding Board President of TEAM Academy Charter School, the largest public charter school in New Jersey. During that time he was also Board President of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newark. In April 2010, Jeffries was elected to the Newark Public Schools Advisory Board, winning more votes than any school-board candidate in seven years.

Jeffries received his BA from Duke University and his JD from Columbia University, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. Jeffries clerked for Nathaniel R. Jones, on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and worked as an Associate at the law firm of Wilmer Cutler & Pickering in Washington, DC prior to being selected as a Gibbons Fellow in Public Interest and Constitutional Litigation. 

About Lowenstein Sandler 


Lowenstein Sandler is a leading national law firm. Our 300 lawyers in New York, Washington, DC, New Jersey and California immerse themselves in our clients’ industries in order to deeply understand their businesses. We are characterized by our passion for our clients’ success, our commitment to our people, and our pro bono and public interest work in the communities that we serve. For more information, please visit www.lowenstein.com