Politics & Government
Free Legal Representation Now Allowed For NJ State Agencies
Separately, two NJ state Senators are working on a bill that would give military members and veterans free legal aid on civil matters.
NEW JERSEY — On Aug. 25, Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order that expands pro bono legal representation, and basically allows state agencies to hire lawyers on a pro bono basis.
The order states that any executive branch department, agency, authority or independent state authority that is authorized to retain outside counsel may do so on a pro bono basis. To prevent the appearance of impropriety, any outside counsel providing legal services on a pro bono basis to the State is disqualified from again providing legal services to the state for the next six months after.
Separately, two Republican New Jersey state Senators are working on a bill that would allow military members and veterans to get free legal representation on civil issues. Those lawmakers are Senator Robert Singer (R-30) and Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25). However, Murphy's order on Aug. 25 does not include that.
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However, the governor said that allowing state agencies to get free legal representation will "significantly" save taxpayer money.
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