McCarter & English, LLP: Company Profile

Background

Founded in 1845, McCarter & English, LLP is one of the oldest law firms in the United States. Headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, the firm has expanded to approximately 400 attorneys across 12 offices along the East Coast, including locations in Boston, East Brunswick, Hartford, Indianapolis, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Stamford, Trenton, Washington, D.C., and Wilmington.

The firm's mission is to provide client-oriented legal services that pragmatically address clients' business objectives, fostering partnerships grounded in candor, competence, efficiency, and mutual respect. McCarter & English serves a diverse clientele, including Fortune 100 companies, mid-cap businesses, closely held enterprises, and emerging companies across various industries such as financial services, industrial sectors, pharmaceuticals, education, healthcare, government, and nonprofit institutions.

Key Strategic Focus

McCarter & English offers a comprehensive range of legal services, with key practice areas including:

Bankruptcy & Restructuring

Corporate and Securities

Environment & Energy

Government Affairs

Government Contracts & Global Trade

Healthcare

Intellectual Property

Labor & Employment

Litigation

Real Estate

Tax & Employee Benefits

Trusts, Estates & Private Clients

Venture Capital & Emerging Growth Companies

The firm has demonstrated a strategic focus on expanding its Government Affairs practice. Launched in 2019, this practice has rapidly ascended in prominence, ranking second among lawyer-lobbying firms in New Jersey with lobbying revenue exceeding $2.6 million in 2023—a year-over-year increase of more than 20%. The team represents clients across various sectors, including alcohol, cannabis, construction, cybersecurity, energy, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, real estate, technology, telecom, transportation, and waste management.

Financials and Funding

McCarter & English's annual revenue is estimated to be between $120 million and $423 million, with approximately 900 to 1,119 employees. The revenue per employee ratio is estimated between $133,333 and $378,000.

Leadership Team

The firm's leadership comprises experienced professionals dedicated to guiding McCarter & English's strategic direction:

Joseph Lubertazzi, Jr.: Chairman

Joseph T. Boccassini: Firmwide Managing Partner

In 2024, the firm expanded its leadership by adding key personnel to its Government Affairs practice, including:

Christian Callegari: Former Chief of Staff to Mayor Andre Sayegh in Paterson, New Jersey, and former Chief of Staff to New Jersey Assemblyman Gary S. Schaer.

Catherine Tung: Former senior advisor to New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin.

Vincent Mauro Jr.: Former Chief of Staff for Connecticut’s Senate Democrats in Hartford.

Michael Murphy: Former prosecutor of Morris County, New Jersey, and Government Affairs Advisor in the firm’s subsidiary, McCarter Government Solutions.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The legal industry is highly competitive, with firms vying for market share across various practice areas and geographic regions. McCarter & English operates in a landscape where differentiation through specialized services, client relationships, and strategic growth is crucial.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP: Offers a broad range of legal services with a strong presence in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Lowenstein Sandler: Focuses on corporate law, litigation, and technology, serving a diverse client base.

Fox Rothschild: Provides comprehensive legal services with a national footprint, emphasizing client-centric solutions.

In a comparative analysis, McCarter & English ranks second in overall culture score among its competitors, with a score of 65 out of 100, trailing Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, which scores 71. The firm leads in pricing and customer service scores, both at 4.5 out of 5.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

McCarter & English has strategically expanded its capabilities through acquisitions and partnerships:

Acquisition of Miller, Balis & O’Neil (2014): Enhanced the firm's energy law practice by integrating a Washington, D.C.–based boutique firm specializing in energy law.

Integration of Burns & Levinson Lawyers (2024): Following the dissolution of Burns & Levinson, McCarter & English acquired seven partners and nine professional staffers, bolstering its trusts and estates, real estate, and business litigation practices.

Operational Insights

McCarter & English's strategic growth, particularly in the Government Affairs sector, positions the firm as a formidable competitor in the legal industry. The firm's commitment to diversity, as evidenced by its diverse lobbying team, enhances its ability to address varied client needs effectively.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The firm is poised to capitalize on its strengths in Government Affairs, Intellectual Property, and Corporate/M&A practices. Continued expansion through strategic acquisitions and talent integration will further solidify its market position. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion remains a priority, reflecting the firm's commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace.