Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced updates to his executive leadership team in the Department of Law and Public Safety. Angela Cai has been named Executive Assistant Attorney General, Daniela Nogueira as Chief Counsel, and Miae Park as Interim Chief of Staff.

“Since being appointed as Attorney General in February 2022, I have worked with some of the most talented attorneys and dedicated public servants that I have ever known. Together, we have accomplished much to make New Jersey a safer place – but there is also more work to be done. That’s why I’m excited to announce promotional appointments to existing members of my staff, and welcome new members of the team. Together, they bring a host of experience as tested litigators, thought leaders, and policy experts to our office,” said Attorney General Platkin.

The announcement comes as two longtime members of Platkin's leadership team depart for other opportunities. Shirley Emehelu will leave her position as Executive Assistant Attorney General at the end of September. Jonathan Garelick will join the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney starting in October.

Emehelu has coordinated civil litigation and regulatory units through various divisions since May 2022. “I want to thank them for their leadership, service, and dedication to the Department and people of New Jersey," said Platkin.

Angela Cai will step into Emehelu's role after serving as Deputy Solicitor General since 2021. Cai has previously worked at Wilkinson Stekloff LLP in New York and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison in Washington, D.C., among other positions.

Daniela Nogueira will be promoted from Senior Counsel to Chief Counsel. She joined the Office from the World Bank and has handled matters involving consumer protection and reproductive rights.

Miae Park will take on the role of Interim Chief of Staff after joining the Office in November 2022.

Nicholas Kormann will be appointed Deputy First Assistant Attorney General after serving as Director of Investigations of Fatal Police Encounters within the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.

Hannah Butler will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations while Alessandra Baldini becomes Senior Counsel to the Attorney General.

Benjamin Notterman joins from ZMO Law PLLC as Senior Counsel to the Attorney General. Jordan Shub will serve as Advisor to the Attorney General following her tenure at the U.S. Department of Justice.

Other senior members who remain include Lyndsay V. Ruotolo (First Assistant Attorney General), Jeremy Feigenbaum (Solicitor General), Stephan Finkel (Director of Legislative Affairs), Lora Fong (Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer), Sharon Lauchaire (Communications Director), Yolanda Melville (Senior Counsel/Director Community Engagement), Tiffany Wilson (Senior Counsel/Director Alternative Community Responses), Michael Zuckerman (Deputy Solicitor General), Zoe Magid (Senior Advisor), Melanie Armstrong (Senior Counsel), Christina Brandt-Young (Senior Counsel), Daniel Hafetz (Senior Counsel), Melina Meneguin Layerenza (Senior Counsel), Marihug Cedeño Peña (Senior Counsel), Sara Quigley (Senior Counsel), Sarah Rizk (Counsel) Whitney Lewis (Deputy Director Communications) Michael Symons (Deputy Director Communications/Press Secretary) Raymond Royster (Deputy Director Community Engagement).