CJ Griffin Named Attorney of the Year Finalist 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 a finalist for Attorney of the Year by the New Jersey Law Journal as part of its 2026 New Jersey Legal Awards. According to the New Jersey Law Journal, the 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. The winner will be announced at the New Jersey Law Journal's gala on October 29, 2026.
“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 an Attorney of the Year finalist by the New Jersey Law Journal for the third time is not only a testament to CJ’s 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.”
CJ is widely recognized for her appellate advocacy, public interest work, and efforts to advance government transparency. Through a series of landmark cases before the New Jersey Supreme Court and significant appellate victories, CJ’s cases have expanded public access to government records, strengthened transparency in law enforcement, and reinforced public oversight of government agencies.
In addition to transparency cases, under CJ’s leadership, the Stein Public Interest Center has 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. Super Lawyers profiled CJ and the Center in its 2021 article, "The Inspired CJG - How the RBG Documentary Moved CJ Griffin to Build a First-of-Its-Kind Public-Interest Center."
CJ’s advocacy has also drawn acclaim from the media. In 2025, The Jersey Vindicator profiled CJ as a defender of democracy in, “Meet CJ Griffin, One of New Jersey’s Fiercest Advocates for Government Transparency.” In 2022, New Jersey Monitor honored CJ in a tribute titled "In Praise of CJ Griffin, Who Fights to Shine a Spotlight on N.J. Government.”
In recognition of her contributions to the law and public service, CJ has received numerous awards, including most recently the Distinguished Alumni Award from Rutgers Law School-Newark in 2025.
The New Jersey Law Journal’s announcement of the awards can be found here. The winners will be announced and honorees recognized at the New Jersey Law Journal's gala on October 29, 2026.
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.
