Catherine Tung, a senior advisor to New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and a highly-respected leader of the Democratic Majority staff in Trenton, has joined McCarter & English as a member of its noted Government Affairs practice.*
“We are excited to add Catherine to our growing team,” said Government Affairs practice chair Guillermo Artiles. “She is well-known in Trenton and beyond, and her strong reputation and experience at the highest levels of the state Legislature make her an invaluable resource. Our clients will benefit greatly from her experience and insight into working with legislators and policymakers.”
According to Bill Palatucci, a partner with McCarter & English, “With Catherine, we increase the diversity of our already impressive Government Affairs team. She has been an incredible asset to the New Jersey Assembly, and we could not be more thrilled to have her bring her experience and strategic acumen to our practice.”
Before joining the firm, Tung was the associate executive director of the New Jersey Assembly Majority Office.
“I am honored to join such a talented and respected group at McCarter,” said Tung. “This firm has long been the standard against which others have been measured, and I am excited to have the opportunity to leverage my experience to help the firm’s clients.”
“Catherine is an integral part of the ongoing expansion of our government affairs capabilities,” said Firmwide Managing Partner Joseph Boccassini. “Her unique understanding of the New Jersey legislative and regulatory landscape will be a great asset to our clients.”
Tung began her career in government as a policy analyst and quickly moved up in the ranks, earning a reputation as a skilled advocate. In her role as the associate executive director, Tung worked closely with legislators and stakeholders on both sides of the aisle to develop sound and inclusive public policy pertaining to a multitude of areas, such as sports betting, tax incentive programs, liquor license reform, and water infrastructure. She also represented members in meetings with advocates, community leaders, interest groups, the Senate, and the executive branch, and advised about policy initiatives, legislation development, and strategic messaging to advance caucus priorities.
New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal noted, “As the only AAPI member of the state Senate, I am pleased by the announcement that Catherine Tung will be joining McCarter & English, as it demonstrates the firm’s commitment to a diverse government affairs team. Catherine is a well-respected professional with a wealth of knowledge, and her unique perspective will certainly be an asset to the firm.”
“From advancing key economic development legislation to helping me prepare for state budget hearings, Catherine has been a valued member of the team—not only to myself but to all members of the Assembly Democratic caucus. It has been an absolute pleasure to watch her grow from a young policy analyst to a senior adviser, and I am thrilled for her to be taking this next step,” said Assembly Budget Chair Eliana Pintor Marin.
During her tenure in the Assembly, Tung served as a staff member on the Commerce and Economic Development; Environment and Solid Waste; Community Development and Affairs; Budget; Housing; Natural Resources and Infrastructure; Telecommunications and Utilities; Science, Technology and Innovation; and Tourism, Gaming and the Arts committees.
Earlier in her career, Tung gained valuable experience by serving as education and government affairs coordinator for the New Jersey Apartment Association. She worked with developers, managers, and owners and was responsible for professional development and advocacy efforts on behalf of association members.
Active in civic organizations in New Jersey, Tung is the current secretary of the New Jersey Young Democrats, vice president of the Monmouth County Young Democrats, and a board member of PAM’s List. For the past three years, she has been named to Insider NJ’s Insider 100: Policymakers Power List.
Tung received a bachelor’s degree in political science, cum laude, from the College of New Jersey.
*Catherine Tung is a government affairs professional and is not licensed to practice law.
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