Listen to this articleThe basics:
- Esther Suarez named partner at Cleary Giacobbe Alfieri Jacobs
- Will chair white collar defense, corporate investigations practice
- Suarez was Hudson County‘s 1st female and Hispanic prosecutor
- Led major reforms, including DNA lab, cybersecurity unit & child advocacy center
After retiring from her longtime post as Hudson County prosecutor, Esther Suarez has joined Cleary Giacobbe Alfieri Jacobs LLC as a partner.
According to the law firm, Suarez will serve as chair of the firm’s white collar defense and corporate investigations practice. She will also maintain an active practice in the area of labor and employment law, Cleary Giacobbe Alfieri Jacobs said in a press release.
Matthew Giaccobe, managing partner, said the firm is “excited and honored” to welcome Suarez. Giaccobe added he believes she will be “an outstanding addition” because of her “experience, expertise and reputation.”
Joseph Lagana, principal partner as well as a Democratic state senator in the 38th legislative district, added, “Prosecutor Suarez is one of the most well-respected and admired legal professionals in the State. We are honored that she has chosen Cleary Giacobbe Alfieri Jacobs to continue her career.”
Founded in 2010, the full-service firm has more than 50 attorneys across its offices in Oakland, Matawan, Somerville and East Haddonfield. Its specialty areas include alternative dispute resolution, labor & employment law, education law, real estate, public practice, criminal defense, insurance defense, litigation, personal injury protection, corporate law, worker’s compensation law, election law and cannabis law.
A historic run
A nominee of then-Gov. Chris Christie, Suarez became the first Hispanic and first female to serve as prosecutor in Hudson County history in 2015.
As the county’s chief law enforcement officer, she led a staff of approximately 300 and had supervisory authority over more than 2,700 law enforcement officers across 17 agencies in 12 municipalities in Hudson County. Suarez also oversaw a $32 million annual budget.
Prosecutor Suarez is one of the most well-respected and admired legal professionals in the State.
– Joseph Lagana, principal partner, Cleary Giacobbe Alfieri Jacobs LLC
During her decade-long tenure, Suarez is credited with initiating several reforms and modernization efforts within the HCPO, including:
- Launching an in-house DNA laboratory to eliminate backlogs and improve investigative success
- Establishing a cutting-edge cybersecurity unit for digital forensics
- Developing multiple regional units, including collision investigation, arson and SWAT
- Creating a child advocacy center to serve a welcoming space for youngsters who were victims or witnesses in investigations involving violent crime
Changing it up
Suarez’s 25 years in public service also includes serving as Hoboken corporation counsel, Bergen County counsel and a Hudson County Superior Court judge. The Rutgers University and Rutgers School of Law alumna began her career as an associate attorney at Scarinci Hollenbeck LLC before moving on to serve in public sector roles.
Where it stands
Find out the latest on President Donald Trump pick Alina Habba and the position of U.S. attorney for New Jersey here.
Hudson County View noted that she initially pursued the post of U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey when it became vacant in 2021. She later withdrew her name from consideration. She was then sworn in for a second term at HCPO.
Following her Aug. 1 retirement, Suarez told New Jersey Globe she expects to seek a position outside of government — but hasn’t ruled out a future return to the public sector.
First Assistant Prosecutor Wayne Mello now leads HCPO. The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office tapped the Jersey City native to serve in an acting capacity.
Under state statute, the New Jersey attorney general may designate an acting prosecutor until the governor nominates a replacement with sign-off from Hudson County’s three state senators.
