What's Happening?
Jeremy Feigenbaum, New Jersey's inaugural solicitor general and a prominent appellate lawyer, has joined Jenner & Block as a partner. He will lead the firm's appellate practice in its New York office. Feigenbaum's career includes arguing three cases before
the United States Supreme Court, establishing New Jersey's solicitor general's office, and handling significant litigation for the state over nearly a decade. His move to Jenner & Block represents a strategic investment by the firm in legal talent with extensive government experience. Feigenbaum will focus on high-stakes appeals, Supreme Court litigation, government investigations, commercial disputes, and matters involving government and public policy. This move also reunites him with Matthew Klapper, a Jenner partner and former chief of staff to U.S. Senator Cory Booker and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, who previously mentored Feigenbaum. Feigenbaum's tenure as solicitor general saw him serve under four attorneys general and two governors, expanding the office from one lawyer to a 15-attorney team that became a key player in national appellate litigation.
Why It's Important?
Feigenbaum's transition to Jenner & Block is significant for the legal landscape, particularly in appellate and government-facing practices. His experience in building and leading a state solicitor general's office, coupled with his track record in Supreme Court arguments, brings a unique blend of public sector insight and high-level litigation expertise to the private firm. This move enhances Jenner & Block's capabilities in handling complex legal challenges that often involve state and federal regulatory bodies, as well as multi-state investigations. For clients, Feigenbaum's ability to navigate intricate government controversies and commercial disputes will be invaluable, especially those facing multiple exposures from state attorneys general, federal regulators, and Congress. His arrival strengthens the firm's New York presence and its overall appellate practice, positioning it to take on more high-profile cases and influence legal outcomes at the highest levels.
What's Next?
At Jenner & Block, Jeremy Feigenbaum will immediately assume leadership of the New York appellate team, focusing on expanding the firm's presence in the market. He is expected to leverage his extensive experience in high-stakes appeals and Supreme Court litigation to attract and manage complex cases. His work will also encompass government investigations, commercial disputes, and public policy matters, drawing on his nearly decade-long background in state government leadership roles. The firm anticipates that Feigenbaum's expertise in navigating multi-state litigation and civil enforcement will be crucial for clients dealing with various regulatory and enforcement challenges. His collaboration with Matthew Klapper, who co-chairs the firm's Congressional Investigations and Global Crisis Management and Strategic Risk practices, suggests a concerted effort to address intricate legal issues at the intersection of government and business.
Beyond the Headlines
Feigenbaum's career trajectory highlights a growing trend of highly accomplished public sector legal professionals transitioning to private practice, bringing with them invaluable insights into governmental operations and regulatory frameworks. This movement enriches private firms with a deeper understanding of how government agencies function, which can be a significant advantage in complex litigation and policy-related matters. His experience in establishing and expanding the New Jersey Solicitor General's office underscores the increasing importance of state-level appellate litigation in the national legal landscape. The ability to effectively navigate both state and federal legal systems, as demonstrated by Feigenbaum, is becoming a critical asset for firms advising clients on issues ranging from consumer protection and data privacy to healthcare and energy. This trend also reflects the evolving nature of legal practice, where expertise in government relations and public policy is as crucial as traditional litigation skills.
