Bhalla joins top N.J. law firm, report says

Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla has joined a politically influential law firm as he prepares to leave his local post to likely join the New Jersey State Assembly in January, BINJE reported today.

Bhalla is now an Of Counsel at Florio Perucci Steinhardt Cappelli & Tipton, where he previously worked before his election as mayor in 2017.

“Ravi’s expertise in complex civil litigation includes the successful handling a variety of matters in the areas of trademark litigation, energy law, corporate disputes, securities litigation and investigations before the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and land use and zoning litigation on behalf of private corporations,” the law firm said in a statement.

Bhalla declined to seek a third term as mayor this year and instead sought a seat in the legislature.  His former chief of staff, Assemblyman John Allen (D-Hoboken), stepped down after two years to pave the way for Bhalla.

The firm, founded by former Gov. Jim Florio, includes State Sen. Douglas Steinhardt (R-Lopatcong), former Warren County Democratic Chairman Michael Perrucci, Camden County Commissioner Lou Cappelli, Jr., and former Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso (R-Holmdel).

“Ravi’s expertise in employment law includes legal counsel to both employees and employers in the enforcement and development of policies for compliance with federal and state anti-discrimination laws, internal investigations of complaints of workplace discrimination, investigations of Title VII claims and proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the representation in litigation brought under federal and state anti-discrimination laws,” the firm’s statement said.

The 32nd district, where Bhalla is running, has not elected a Republican since 1985.  Gov. Phil Murphy won it four years ago by over 54 percentage points, and State Sen. Raj Mukherji (D-Jersey City) won by nearly 66 points in 2023.