Two Gibbons Attorneys Chosen Among New Jersey Law Journal's New Leaders of the Bar

The firm and/or the attorneys referenced have been selected for the recognitions mentioned herein, which have been conferred by the corresponding publications and/or organizations noted. An overview of the award selection methodologies for these recognitions can be found at https://www.gibbonslaw.com/awards. Links to certain specific methodologies are embedded in individual entries. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

The New Jersey Law Journal has selected two attorneys from Gibbons P.C. – Robert Johnson and Uzoamaka N. Okoye – among its 2014 “New Leaders of the Bar.” Robert Johnson is an associate in the Gibbons Corporate Department, while Uzoamaka Okoye is an associate in the Gibbons Real Property & Environmental Department.

According to the publication, the 50 lawyers chosen for this list are “emblematic of a new wave of leadership in the New Jersey legal profession.” In order to be selected, attorneys must be under the age of 40 and must have demonstrated excellence in their practice area, leadership qualities, and a commitment to pro bono, charitable and professional volunteer work. Full profiles of this year’s honorees are appearing in the July 28th issue of the New Jersey Law Journal, and a celebratory event will be held in September.

“Rob and Uzo have distinguished themselves very early in their careers as talented lawyers who are trusted and respected by their clients and peers,” stated Patrick C. Dunican Jr., Chairman & Managing Director of Gibbons P.C. “We look forward to their futures as they continue to grow and advance in their careers.”

At Gibbons, Mr. Johnson represents public and private companies, commercial banks, and governmental agencies in connection with mergers and acquisitions, stock and asset purchase transactions, securities regulations, corporate governance matters, credit facilities, public finance, private placements matters for the New Jersey Division of Investment, contract drafting, cross-border transactions, and general corporate matters. He previously served a two-year term in the Assistant Counsel’s Office under New Jersey Governor Christopher J. Christie. In this role, Mr. Johnson was responsible for making recommendations to the governor pertaining to state legislative and regulatory issues. He was regularly involved in the daily activities of the Department of Banking and Insurance, Division of Consumer Affairs, Division of Alcohol and Beverage Control, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and the State Law Review Commission. He was also responsible for discussing legal issues with state legislators, proposed regulations with department commissioners, and special interest issues with lobbyist groups on behalf of the governor.

Ms. Okoye, a former law clerk to the Honorable Stuart Rabner, Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court, was selected for her demonstration of impressive leadership at a young age, showing exceptional foresight in parlaying an environmental engineering background into a promising environmental law career; engaging in extensive community/civic outreach, including work abroad through the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia; and displaying firm-wide leadership by co-chairing the Associates’ Committee. Ms. Okoye focuses her practice in all aspects of environmental law, representing clients in environmental actions under both federal and state laws. She also has extensive experience counseling and representing clients in complex commercial and intellectual property matters, applying her technical background in litigations involving construction, antitrust, and misappropriation disputes. Prior to practicing law at Gibbons, she was an environmental engineer for Metcalf & Eddy, Inc. (AECOM) and was involved in the design and construction management of upgrades to water and wastewater treatment facilities servicing the City of New York.