By Joshua Burd
A top environmental attorney and longtime leader at Connell Foley LLP is set to become the firm’s next managing partner.
Timothy E. Corriston, who joined the Roseland-based firm in 1987, will assume the role effective Jan. 1, expanding his focus on key initiatives related to growth, technology and diversity and inclusion. He will succeed Philip F. McGovern Jr., who is completing a maximum six-year term as permitted by the practice but will continue to lead its Jersey City office.
“I am truly honored to be elected Connell Foley’s managing partner,” Corriston said. “There is a reason I have devoted my career to the firm, and that is the excellence of our practitioners and the common goal of providing exceptional counsel to our clients. Furthermore, at our foundation is a dedication to the people and communities that have made the firm the welcoming, supportive environment it is.
“Although the world has faced unprecedented challenges for the past two years, I am excited to lead Connell Foley in its next chapter and could not be more proud to have the opportunity to do so. I have big shoes to fill, coming on the heels of Phil McGovern’s exceptional leadership, but I am confident about the direction we are going.”
Corriston, a member of the firm’s executive committee and co-chair of the environmental law group, has spent his entire legal career at Connell Foley. The practice said he has been integral in helping guide many of its strategic initiatives and will now be the full-fledged leader of those efforts, while continuing to defend clients in state and federal courts as well as in alternative dispute resolution forums.
“I can think of no one better equipped than Tim to take the helm at Connell Foley,” McGovern said. “I’ve had the pleasure of working side by side with Tim for many years. His keen business sense and objectivity in analyzing and solving problems are traits that are important to his new role. My time as managing partner was a personal and professional accomplishment for which I will be forever proud and grateful. We are in good hands with Tim and I am excited to continue working with him and the rest of the members of our executive committee to ensure a seamless transition.”
Corriston joined Connell Foley after clerking for New Jersey Superior Court Judge William C. Meehan, sitting in Hackensack. He received his law degree from Fordham University School of Law, his bachelor’s from Hobart College and a master of laws in environmental law from Pace University School of Law.
Connell Foley cited Corriston’s track record handling commercial, environmental, product liability and land use disputes in state and federal courts. He also advises businesses as an outside general counsel, providing guidance on contracts, leases and other day-to-day legal issues.
Having been recognized in several leading legal directories and publications, Corriston is also a member of the Fordham University School of Law Board of Directors and president of the New Jersey Alumni Chapter. Additionally, he serves as pro bono counsel for the Highlands Lacrosse Association.
McGovern will continue to serve as managing partner of the Jersey City office, according to a news release. He concentrates primarily on commercial real estate and corporate transactions, real estate development, land use, complex commercial financing and commercial leasing.
