Lowenstein Sandler has announced that Matthew Boxer has assumed leadership of the firm’s White Collar Criminal Defense practice as its new chair, effective January 1, 2024.
Michael B. Himmel, who has chaired Lowenstein’s White Collar group since 2004, remains as partner in the firm in active practice. He will continue to leverage his five decades of experience to defend companies and individuals in high-profile white collar criminal matters and bet-the-company litigation.
“It is an honor to succeed Michael Himmel as Chair of Lowenstein’s White Collar practice,” says Boxer. “Michael’s deep commitment to both his clients and his team has resulted in the growth of a formidable department. Under his leadership, our White Collar lawyers have gained renown across the region for their sophisticated counsel and courtroom accomplishments.”
Boxer continues: “I look forward to continuing to grow this talented team with recruits from the ranks of both government and private practice, and to providing Lowenstein clients with the highest levels of service and professionalism.”
Boxer also will continue to lead the firm’s Corporate Investigations & Integrity practice.
Christopher Porrino, Chair of Lowenstein’s Litigation Department and former Attorney General of New Jersey, adds: “Michael Himmel has been an incredible mentor to so many of us, and I look forward to practicing alongside him for many years to come. Matt Boxer is an experienced leader and tremendous advocate. With Matt’s leadership, I know that we will continue to grow our ever-expanding white collar practice.”
Himmel says: “Matt is highly respected here at Lowenstein, throughout the halls of government, and in judge’s chambers. His experience serving in the cabinets of two governors gives him the insight our clients need while navigating the legal and business challenges that accompany government investigations and criminal prosecutions.”
Boxer has litigated a wide range of criminal and civil cases and conducted numerous high-stakes internal investigations for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to state agencies. In 2021, he was commissioned by the state to investigate a use-of-force incident at New Jersey’s only women’s prison, resulting in the governor’s call for the institution’s closure. He also represented Rutgers University in a highly publicized investigation involving allegations of physical and emotional abuse by softball coaches, where he provided remedial recommendations subsequently adopted by the university.
Before joining Lowenstein in 2014, Boxer served for six years as New Jersey's State Comptroller. In that role, he supervised a staff of over 130 employees in scrutinizing government contracts and programs and investigating allegations of misconduct, leading to the uncovering of hundreds of millions of dollars in wasted taxpayer funds. Boxer spearheaded the passage of several remedial state laws, receiving praise from organizations throughout the state.
Prior to his appointment to Comptroller, Boxer spent two years directing the state Authorities Unit, where he monitored the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, the Economic Development Authority, and other independent agencies. He also served as federal prosecutor from 2001 to 2006, serving in the Terrorism Unit, the Criminal Division, and the Special Prosecutions Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office. As a federal prosecutor, Boxer led the successful prosecution of numerous public officials on corruption charges, including the "Monmouth 11"–a group that included three sitting mayors, four sitting councilmen, and a police commissioner, making it one of the largest single-day corruption takedowns in state history.
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.
