CJ Griffin Named 2026 Attorney of the Year by the New Jersey Law Journal
Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. is proud to announce that CJ Griffin, partner and director of the Justice Gary S. Stein Public Interest Center, has been named 2026 Attorney of the Year by the New Jersey Law Journal as part of its New Jersey Legal Awards.
The Attorney of the Year award recognizes an attorney who has made a significant impact on the profession and the law through achievements that extend beyond service to individual clients. Griffin, who was named a finalist for the award for the third time this year, received the honor at the New Jersey Law Journal’s New Jersey Legal Awards ceremony on October 29.
“For years, CJ has been at the forefront of some of the most important legal issues affecting transparency, accountability, and the public interest in New Jersey,” said Michael S. Stein, chair and managing partner of Pashman Stein Walder Hayden. “Being named Attorney of the Year is a testament not only to CJ’s extraordinary accomplishments, but also to the lasting impact CJ has had on the law and the legal profession. We are incredibly proud of CJ and this well-deserved honor.”
Griffin is widely recognized for her appellate advocacy, public interest work, and efforts to advance government transparency. Through landmark cases before the New Jersey Supreme Court and significant appellate victories, her work has expanded public access to government records, strengthened transparency in law enforcement, and reinforced public oversight of government agencies.
Under Griffin’s leadership, the Justice Gary S. Stein Public Interest Center has also been at the forefront of public interest litigation and appellate advocacy that advances social, racial, and economic justice; safeguards civil liberties and constitutional rights; and protects democracy.
Read the New Jersey Law Journal’s announcement naming Griffin 2026 Attorney of the Year here.
The New Jersey Law Journal recently featured Griffin in an Attorney of the Year Q&A reflecting on her career, public interest work, and advocacy for government transparency and access to public records. Read more here.
The New Jersey Legal Awards are published by the New Jersey Law Journal. A description of the selection methodology can be found here.
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
