Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP is pleased to announce that partner and former Attorney General of the State of New Jersey, Peter C. Harvey, has been named Private Practitioner of the Year by the Metropolitan Black Bar Association of New York City (MBBA). The only honoree from a law firm, Peter will be recognized at the MBBA’s 28th Anniversary Awards Gala on May 18, 2012 in New York. The MBBA comprises African American and other minority lawyers and judges dedicated to advancing equality and excellence in the pursuit of justice, aiding the progress of minorities in the profession, addressing legal issues affecting the citywide community, and fostering the personal and professional development of young lawyers and law students.
Mr. Harvey stated, “I am truly honored and humbled by this recognition. The MBBA has consistently advanced the cause of justice and promoted high-quality legal practice in law firms, corporations, government agencies and the judiciary. The MBBA is also an important forum for mentorship, training and educational opportunities for its members. I intend to continue the work of the MBBA.”
Co-Chair of the Firm and Managing Partner Robert P. LoBue said, “We congratulate Peter on this honor. His dedication to the profession and the continued advancement of minority lawyers has made him a role model for attorneys at Patterson Belknap and the legal community at large.”
As the first African-American to serve as Attorney General of New Jersey, Peter served as Chairman of the cabinet-level New Jersey Domestic Security Preparedness Task Force, and had principal responsibility for coordinating New Jersey’s homeland security strategy for both law enforcement and the private sector. Among the ten agencies that he supervised, Peter oversaw all New Jersey county prosecutors, about 750 lawyers representing New Jersey in civil and criminal matters, and the State Police. His office comprised about one-third of the state government with 9,600 professionals and a budget of approximately $1 billion. As a former federal prosecutor, Mr. Harvey has been a central player in civil and criminal trials, government investigations and consumer fraud matters for many years.
With more than 25 years of courtroom experience, Peter advises corporations and individuals in business disputes throughout the nation. He is also Co-Chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee and a member of Patterson Attorneys of Color, one of the firm’s three affinity groups.
Mr. Harvey received his J.D. from Columbia Law School in 1982 and his B.A. cum laude from Morgan State University in 1979, where he was a member of Pi Sigma Alpha. Following law school graduation, he served as law clerk to the Hon. Dickinson R. Debevoise, United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey.