Former Public School GC Blackburn Joins Scarinci

Hope Blackburn

Hope Blackburn, former general counsel for Jersey City public schools, joined Scarinci Hollenbeck in Lyndhurst as counsel. Blackburn also was general counsel of Newark public schools and director of the state Division of Purchase and Property. She has advised boards of education and school superintendents on school policies and practices, including TEACHNJ, legal compliance, civil service, ethics, risk management, budgeting, labor and employment, procurement, and contracts. At Scarinci, Blackburn is to advise education institutions on a variety of matters, according to a firm announcement. At Scarinci, Blackburn rejoins former colleagues of hers from Schwartz Simon Edelstein & Celso: Carolyn R. Chaudry and Nathanya G. Simon, the firm said. Blackburn said in a statement: “Not only will I be reunited with familiar faces, but I will be joining a respected law firm where I can continue practicing law in an area that I am passionate about. I'm grateful for the opportunity and I look forward to this new chapter.” John Geppert, chair of the firm's education law practice group, said in the statement: “It is rare that you come across a legal professional as well-regarded and experienced as Ms. Blackburn. … I look forward to the opportunity of working alongside a colleague who I feel will be an invaluable asset to the firm's Education Law practice.”

 

Einhorn Harris Hires Ex-Prosecutor Kenney

Brian Kenney

Einhorn, Harris, Ascher, Barbarito and Frost brought on Brian D. Kenney, a former assistant Morris County prosecutor, as counsel in the criminal law practice group. Kenney will advise clients on criminal charges or investigations, handling cases from initial investigation or arrest through trial and appeal, and handle municipal court matters, the firm said. Kenney joins partner Michael R. Ascher, a former New Jersey deputy attorney general and assistant county prosecutor who has been practicing criminal law for more than 30 years. Kenney received his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2001, and his B.A., cum laude, from King's College in 1997. He is a member of the Morris County Bar Association and the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey. He clerked for Assignment Judge B. Theodore Bozonelis in Morristown. He was an assistant Morris County prosecutor from 2002-05, and again from 2013-18. In between, he practiced criminal defense with Nuzzi & Mason. Patricia M. Barbarito, co-managing partner of Einhorn Harris, said in a statement, “With more than 17 years of criminal law experience, including his background as both a county prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, Brian is a tremendous asset to clients charged with alleged criminal violations.” Kenned said in the statement: “I strive to provide an attentive and communicative approach to keep clients informed about what is going every step of the way during what could be the most difficult time in their lives.”

 

Litigation Associate Lyons Joins Sills Cummis

Jacquelyn Lyons

Sills Cummis & Gross added associate Jacquelyn Lyons to the litigation department in Newark, the firm announced. She previously was an associate at Mayer Brown. She received a J.D., magna cum laude, from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2017, and was elected to the Order of the Coif. She received a B.A. from Lehigh University, summa cum laude, in 2013. She is admitted to practice in New Jersey.