Eric Brophy, the deputy chief of staff for economic growth for Gov. Phil Murphy, will join Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC as co-chair of the firm’s newly created Government and Regulatory Law Group, effective Sept. 1, BINJE has learned.
Brophy, who managed all economic affairs for the governor’s office, will join the firm as a member and co-chair the group along with current member Patrick O’Reilly.
The group, a strategic expansion of the firm’s service offerings, will operate at the intersection of law, business and government.
Frank Giantomasi and Jeff Chiesa, co-chairs of CSG’s executive committee, applauded the announcement.
“No one knows the business climate in New Jersey like Eric Brophy,” Giantomasi said. “Eric and Patrick as chairs of our new Government & Regulatory Law Group will further expand the services offered to clients, helping them navigate the increasingly complex regulatory and policy environments.”
Chiesa agreed.
“Eric is an outstanding addition to the firm and a major step forward in growing our government and regulatory affairs practice,” he said. “His public and private experience will blend seamlessly with CSG Law and enhance the value we provide to clients across industries.”
CSG Law’s new Government & Regulatory Law Group will advise clients in legal and administrative proceedings before numerous government entities and in challenges to adverse agency action, at both the trial and appellate court levels.
The Government & Regulatory Law Group will assist clients in navigating procurement, regulatory compliance, and “pay-to-play” rules ensuring that businesses remain compliant and competitive. The group will also advise clients on policy strategies to help maximize their business interests in New Jersey.
Brophy appears to be a perfect fit. He led the governor’s economic portfolio, advancing major economic initiatives across the state. He also served as senior advisor for economic growth in the governor’s office and as executive director of the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority overseeing billions of dollars in capital investments for higher education.
Brophy said he is eager to get started in his new role.
“I’m honored to join CSG Law at this exciting time of growth,” he said. “With regulatory and government processes becoming increasingly challenging, this group will be uniquely positioned to deliver solutions that align legal strategy with public policy.”
Murphy said Brophy played a big role in his administration.
“Eric Brophy has been an invaluable member of my senior leadership team, playing a key role in shaping our economic and business strategy. His leadership has been central to several major initiatives, including guiding multiple international economic missions, forging the critical partnership that brought Netflix and other film and television studios to New Jersey, and advancing our vision to make New Jersey the innovation capital of America,” said Governor Murphy. “As Eric transitions to a new chapter with CSG Law, I extend my deepest gratitude for his service and wish him continued success. His insight, dedication, and presence will be greatly missed.”
Before his service with the Murphy administration, Brophy was a partner at Diegnan & Brophy, LLC, where he practiced municipal law and civil litigation. Brophy earned his B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Scranton, and his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law.
O’Reilly welcomed Brophy to the team.
“I have known Eric both personally and professionally for more than a decade, and I can think of no better person to partner with to grow the Government & Regulatory Law practice at CSG Law,” he said.
O’Reilly, a registered government affairs agent, also practices with the firm’s Public Finance Group and Cannabis Law and Food & Beverage industry groups.
O’Reilly’s practice includes representing clients before state and local agencies in connection with licensing, administrative, regulatory and legislative issues. He also represents government contractors in matters involving procurement, bid protests, construction claims and contract compliance.
O’Reilly has a history of public service in New Jersey, having served as a senior advisor to Gov. James McGreevey’s Chief of Staff and Commissioner of Transportation (2002-2004) as well as chief of staff to the executive director of NJ Transit (2004-2006) and as senior advisor to the chairman of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (2011-2013).
In addition to his regulatory affairs work, Brophy also joins the firm’s Redevelopment, Land Use & Zoning Group where he will advise clients on government-backed development projects, state incentive programs, public-private partnerships, and real estate strategies involving state and local government.
