Lowenstein Sandler counsel Robert J. Menendez and three others nominated by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy have been unanimously confirmed by the New Jersey State Senate to serve on the Board of Commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Founded in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. The agency’s network of aviation, ground, rail, and seaport facilities is among the busiest in the country, supporting more than 550,000 regional jobs and generating more than $23 billion in annual wages and $80 billion in annual economic activity. The governors of New York and New Jersey each appoint six members of the agency’s Board of Commissioners, subject to state senate approval. Commissioners serve as public officials without pay for overlapping six-year terms. 

Menendez says, “I am honored to join the Board of Commissioners for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and to play a role in shaping the future of public transportation and infrastructure for generations to come. As we rebuild the region’s economy, strategic investment in critical infrastructure will make an essential difference for all commuters, employers, and businesses in both states–and beyond.” 

As a member of the firm’s Investment ManagementFund Formation & Structuring, and Fund Regulatory & Compliance groups, Menendez represents a diverse group of investment firms, from institutional advisers to emerging managers, helping them launch and operate their businesses. He advises clients on a wide array of legal, regulatory, and compliance issues, including matters involving the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and other governmental agencies. Menendez has particular experience counseling clients on transactions involving equity positions in complex corporate structures, as well as ongoing adjustments to their management and ownership arrangements. In addition to his corporate practice, Menendez has extensive experience representing pro bono clients and served as part of a legal team that submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter of Arizona v. The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc., a case involving voter registration requirements.

Prior to joining the firm, Menendez served as an Eagleton Executive Fellow in the Port Authority’s Port Commerce Department, where he worked on various port initiatives and legal matters. He began his career as a judicial intern for the Hon. William J. Martini, U.S.D.J. Menendez received his J.D. from Rutgers Law School and his B.A. in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a trustee of the Hudson School in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Gary M. Wingens, Chair and Managing Partner of the firm, says, “We are thrilled that Rob is following in Lowenstein’s strong tradition of public service. As our economy recovers from the pandemic, the Port Authority will continue to play a critical role in our region, and Rob will be in an important position to help guide the organization’s efforts.”

About Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Lowenstein Sandler is a national law firm with over 350 lawyers based in New York, Palo Alto, New Jersey, Utah, and Washington, D.C. The firm represents leaders in virtually every sector of the global economy, with particular emphasis on investment funds, life sciences, and technology. Recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and high standard of client service, the firm is committed to the interests of its clients, colleagues, and communities.