DAVID A. SMITH is a partner in the Princeton Public Affairs Group, is a veteran of the public affairs arena and has successfully managed public affairs campaigns impacting auto insurance, life insurance, tort reform and environmental legislative initiatives. Mr. Smith received national acclaim when he was honored with a ""Pollie Award"" by the American Association of Political Consultants and named to their United States ""Public Affairs Team of the Year." Mr. Smith was also named one of the most influential players in New Jersey's Healthcare arena by the Annual HealthSense Listing. Since 2005, Mr. Smith has been a Commissioner on the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (nominated by the Governor for two separate four year terms and confirmed by the NJ Senate) and currently serves as an Officer on the Commission (Secretary). Mr. Smith serves on the National Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Council, and was one of the few contract lobbyists in the Country to be appointed to a National Task Force charged with creating ethical standard for lobbyists throughout the United States. Mr. Smith is a founder and member of the Board of Directors of ProtectingAmerica.org, an advocacy organization Co-chaired by James Lee Witt, former Cabinet member under President Clinton and Admiral James Loy, Deputy Director of Homeland Security under President Bush. Mr. Smith also serves as an Officer (1st Vice President) of the New Jersey Hall of Fame Foundation Board of Directors and also serves on the Executive Committee (Secretary) of The Advocacy Group (TAG). Finally, Mr. Smith serves on the Board of Directors as an officer (Treasurer) of the State Capitol Insurance Company RRG, the first professional liability company for lobbyists headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mr. Smith has appeared on television and radio stations representing clients' interests, authored dozens of articles on politics/policy issues in New Jersey and is a frequent guest speaker/lecturer at national and state conferences, legislative hearings, meetings and seminars. He has been a consultant to statewide and legislative political campaigns and is a member of the Executive Finance Committee of the Assembly Democratic Leadership Committee as well as the New Jersey State Democratic Committee. Prior to joining the firm in 1995, Mr. Smith served as Director of Policy and Planning for the New Jersey General Assembly Democratic Office. In that capacity, Mr. Smith supervised the partisan staff of all Assembly Committees and Task Forces while serving as senior staff aide to the insurance and commerce legislative committees. He was a Director with the New Jersey Dental Association from 1985 to 1990 and served on several national and state health care and insurance advisory committees.

Mr. Smith was awarded a Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) Degree from the Richard D. Irwin Graduate School of The American College. He is a Graduate Fellow of the Public Affairs Institute, a three year educational program of the Public Affairs Council located in Washington, DC. Mr. Smith also graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science from Gettysburg College.

Monmouth County Young Dems, President

The Best Lawyers in America, Government Relations Practice, New Jersey, 2023-2027

Distinguished Alumni Award, Rutgers School of Law-Newark Alumni Association, 2025

INNOVATE100 New Jersey Innovation Leader, Innovation+, 2025

Cannabis Power 50 List, InsiderNJ

Best Hispanic Business Leaders List, BINJE, 2025

New Jersey Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2022-2023

Rising Star, Rutgers Law School Minority Student Program, 2023

New Leader of the Bar, New Jersey Law Awards, 2023

Dealmakers (Cannabis), New Jersey Law Journal, 2022

ROI Influencers Power List: Government Affairs, ROI-NJ, 2021-2024

ROI Influencers: People of Color List, ROI-NJ, 2019-2023

40 Under 40, NJBIZ, 2019

Advocacy Award, Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce Foundation, 2019

New Jersey Globe Power List, 2022-2023

NJBiz Next Generation of Leaders, 2021

2023 Latinos 40 Under 40, Tri-State NYC, Negocios Now

Essex County's Top Lawyers, Government and Administration, 2023

First Tee of Metropolitan New York, Board Member

New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Board Member

Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, Board Member

Law360 New Jersey, Editorial Advisory Board

NJ Legal Education & Empowerment Project, Advisory Board Member

The Waterfront Project, Board Member

Full Court Peace, Board Member

Cuba Study Group, Board Member

Americas Society/Council of the Americas, Cuba Working Group Member

Cuban American Alliance for Leadership & Education, Board Member

Hamilton College, Alumni Recruiter

U.S. District Court, Merit Selection Panel

U.S. District Court, Newark, Chairman, Merit Selection Panel

Having worked in the administrations of the last two governors of New Jersey and for a New Jersey federal judge, Guillermo brings a deep understanding of the political and legal landscape of the state to his work with clients. Focusing his practice on government affairs and complex business litigation, he advocates for individual clients and trade associations across multiple industries, including, telecommunications, technology, healthcare, pharmaceutical, alcohol, automotive, construction, long-term care, education, energy, advertising, and fintech. Guillermo chairs McCarter's bipartisan Government Affairs practice, leads the firm's Cannabis Group, is the managing partner of the Trenton office, and is a member of the firm's Executive Committee.

A registered Government Affairs Agent in New Jersey, Guillermo helps clients achieve their governmental, media, and business development objectives. He helped to launch the firm's Trenton office in 2019 and, under his leadership, the Government Affairs group has grown to be the second largest lawyer-lobbying firm in New Jersey. He is widely recognized as a political leader in the state, with ROI-NJ noting "He's a force in Trenton and around the state, as he has mastered the ability to match top-notch legal knowledge with political intuitiveness and polish." Guillermo is active in state and national politics, and served as co-chair of President Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign in New Jersey.

As Associate Counsel to Governor Philip D. Murphy, Guillermo handled legislative initiatives, overseeing a portfolio of departments and agencies that included Treasury, Banking & Insurance, Transportation, Economic Development, Environmental Protection, Motor Vehicle, and the Board of Public Utilities. He was also responsible for appointments in Counsel's Office and oversaw the Governor's vetting process for judicial and prosecutorial candidates across the State.

Previously, Guillermo served as Corporate Counsel at Greenskies Renewable Energy, the largest commercial and industrial solar energy developer in the United States.

After law school, Guillermo served as a law clerk to the Honorable Esther Salas, United States District Judge, District of New Jersey. He draws on this experience to provide local counsel services to clients involved in Hatch-Waxman and other complex litigation in the United States District Court of New Jersey.

During law school, Guillermo worked in the Intergovernmental Affairs Group of Governor Chris Christie, as the Governor's Executive Fellow from Rutgers University's Eagleton Institute of Politics.

In the community, Guillermo serves on the boards of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, First Tee of Metropolitan New York, and the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He is also active in the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, the Hispanic National Bar Association, the New Jersey Legal & Education Empowerment Project, the Cuban American Alliance for Leadership & Education, Waterfront Project, Cuba Study Group, and Full Court Peace.

New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus, Treasurer

NY/NJ Baykeeper, Board Member

PAM's List, Board Member

Union County Democrats, Senior Advisor, Past President

InsiderNJ Powerful Women of NJ List, 2023?2026

InsiderNJ Top 11 Lobbyist Power List, 2024?2025

African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey Women Who Empower Award, 2026

ROI-NJ Influencers: Women in Business, 2023, 2025

ROI-NJ Influencers: People of Color, 2023?2025

NJBiz 40 Under 40

Regina is an experienced government affairs professional with deep knowledge of New Jersey's political and legislative landscape. She advocates for clients across a broad range of industries, providing strategic counsel and guiding them through the complex processes and regulatory frameworks of government.

Widely respected in Trenton, Regina brings extensive public and private sector experience to her work. Prior to joining McCarter, she served as a Strategic Advisor and Government Affairs Professional at a leading Trenton-based lobbying firm, where she represented clients in the technology, education, transportation, healthcare, and social services sectors.

Regina also previously served as Chief of Staff for Assemblywoman Angela McKnight. In this role, she played a pivotal role in the passage of landmark legislation including the creation of a separate hair braiding license in New Jersey; financial literacy requirements for students in grades 6 through 8; and the CROWN Act, which bans discrimination based on hair texture and style. These measures gained national attention and are now state law.

Regina began her career as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to Assemblyman John Wisniewski, Chair of the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee, and Co-Chair of the New Jersey Legislative Select Committee on Investigations.

A graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Regina currently serves as Treasurer of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation and as a Board Member of NY/NJ Baykeeper, and PAM'S List.

New Jersey Law Journal, In-House Impact Award

Brian is a seasoned legal and political professional with more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of government, law, and business. With a deep understanding of policy and governance, and a unique knowledge of New Jersey's political and legal landscape, Brian provides strategic advice and counsel to clients across industries with a focus on infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, and energy.

Before joining McCarter, Brian served as the first-ever General Counsel of NJ Transit, the largest statewide public transit system in the United States. In this role, he built the agency's legal department and advised on all company legal matters, including labor and employment issues, commercial contracts, real estate matters, litigation, investigations, corporate governance matters, and insurance issues.

Brian also served as Deputy Chief Counsel & Director of Authorities for the State of New Jersey under Governor Phil Murphy, providing legal counsel to the governor and his staff to inform policy decision-making in areas including higher education, transportation, healthcare, energy, and the environment. He oversaw and advised more than 50 independent authorities, boards, and commissions, including NJ Transit, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, New Jersey Healthcare Facilities Financing Authority, the Delaware River Basin Commission, and the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. He also previously served on the board of directors for NJ Transit, NJEDA, and the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority.

Brian's public service experience includes serving on Governor Sherrill's Transition Team, a term as Mayor of the Borough of Lake Como following his service as a council member, and serving as a prosecutor for the boroughs of Freehold and Red Bank.

Top Lobbyist, The Hill, 2022-2025

The Chief of Staff Association

American-Swiss Foundation Young Leaders Conference, 2015 Fellow

Leadership New Jersey, 2007 Fellow

A consummate government affairs professional, Michael Maitland has more than 15 years of experience in all levels of government, successfully working with public officials and the business community on a broad swath of issues including defense, energy, infrastructure, and pharmaceuticals at the state and federal levels. He has spent his career working on behalf of public officials in New Jersey and in the nation's capital and now uses this experience to help clients with all of their government affairs needs.

Michael has built solid relationships with Members of the United States House of Representatives and Senate, congressional committees and staff, as well as officials at the White House and throughout the federal government, gaining deep and invaluable experience with the inner workings of government that will benefit clients as they work to affect change at the legislative and regulatory levels.

Michael most recently served as chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-1). Prior to that, he was deeply involved in New Jersey state politics. Michael served as chief of staff and campaign manager for multiple members of the New Jersey State Legislature and was involved in a number of major legislative victories, including the state's higher education reorganization, groundbreaking economic and public safety reforms, and visionary clean energy initiatives. He was also the Southern New Jersey Director for the late US Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg.

American Bar Association, Section of State and Local Government Law Member

New Jersey State Bar Association, Civil Trial Bar, Member

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, Member

Drumthwacket Foundation Board of Trustees, Member

Christian Callegari draws on his experience in government and deep knowledge of New Jersey's political landscape to help clients advance their business goals. Working with clients across a variety of industries, he provides strategic advice on legislative issues and guidance on how they can best participate in and navigate government.

Christian recently served as Deputy Political Director to Mikie Sherrill's successful gubernatorial campaign, where he helped shape statewide strategy and cultivate key relationships with stakeholders, elected officials, and community leaders across New Jersey. Following the election, Christian was tapped to serve as a Senior Advisor to Governor-elect Sherrill's Transition Team, working closely with senior leadership to help prepare the incoming Administration.

Prior to joining McCarter, he served as Chief of Staff to Mayor Andre Sayegh in Paterson, NJ. In this role, Christian led several key initiatives, including communications efforts, government and private grant funding opportunities, and sustainability programs. Christian also served as acting Director of Economic Development, where he helped cannabis businesses maneuver through government rules and regulations, and worked with developers on site acquisition, development, and the utilization of state tax credits.

Christian's experience also includes serving as Chief of Staff to New Jersey Assemblyman Gary S. Schaer, where he worked on a number of transformative issues, including criminal justice reform, a comprehensive statewide lead service line replacement plan, and re-establishing the Urban Enterprise Zone program for municipalities and businesses. Christian also has significant experience with various Assembly Committees, including Budget, Appropriations, Financial Institutions and Insurance, and Education.

Christian has been involved in various federal, state, and local elections over the years. Through his work, he has developed a broad network of government leaders and entrepreneurs throughout the state.

Christian currently resides in Totowa, NJ with his wife, family, and dog.

Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey Fellowship, Class of 2027

Eagleton Graduate Fellowship, 2026

Emily Evers assists clients across a broad range of industries participating in government. She regularly monitors and analyzes legislative developments and provides updates to clients on issues that affect their business or industry.

Prior to joining McCarter & English, Emily served in numerous positions within New Jersey politics and government, including as an analyst intern with the New Jersey Department of Treasury; a graduate assistant at the Rutgers Center for Urban Policy Research; a community development associate at Strategic Communities; a policy intern for New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy; and an economic security intern at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

Emily is an alumni of the Eagleton Graduate Fellowship Program at Rutgers University where she earned dual master's degrees in Public Policy (MPP) and City & Regional Planning (MCRP) at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.

The Best Lawyers in America, Corporate Law, New Jersey, 2024?2027
ROI-NJ, Influencers Power List: Government Affairs, 2021-2024
NJBIZ, "Law Power 50" 2019-2021
NJBIZ, "100 Most Powerful People in New Jersey Business," 2011-2017
John J. Heldrich Distinguished Leadership Award from Rutgers University's Heldrich Center for Workforce Development
The Christie Institute for Public Policy, Inc., Chair
Republican National Committeeman for New Jersey
University of Phoenix Board of Trustees, Jersey City, NJ campus, Chair
Seton Hall University School of Law, Board of Visitors
John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, National Advisory Board Member
Turning Point, Inc., Board of Trustees

Bill has earned a reputation as a trusted business counselor to clients, delivering strategic advice on complex public policy, economic and communication initiatives. Bill has extensive experience with legal and legislative issues that impact private and public sector clients at both the federal and state levels. He has deep knowledge of how public policy decisions may impact clients' businesses. Bill counsels clients in a wide range of industries, often focusing on the regulatory aspects of transactions, land use matters or state licensing requirements. He continues to be a trusted advisor to New Jersey policymakers on issues including health care, gaming, public utilities, and education law.

Over the course of his career, Bill has served in various general counsel roles and supported numerous elected officials and the Republican Party. He was elected as New Jersey's Republican National Committeeman, a position he has held since 2010. In 2016, Bill served as general counsel to the Trump Transition Committee; he also served as general counsel to Governor Chris Christie's presidential campaign. Bill has been involved in many federal and state elections, with roles in the political campaigns of Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump, along with New Jersey Governors Tom Kean, Christine Todd Whitman, and Chris Christie.

Prior to joining McCarter, Bill spent almost eight years at Gibbons, P.C. in the firm's Corporate Practice. He also served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Public Affairs at Community Education Centers. In 2005, Bill earned an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Talk Program series in the Mid-Atlantic region for "The Battling Bills," a program he created with Bill Pascrell, III.

Active in the community, Bill currently serves as a member of the Seton Hall Law School Board of Visitors, as well as a member of the National Advisory Board for the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, and Chair of the University of Phoenix Board of Trustees for its Jersey City, NJ campus.

Bill and his wife, Laura, have been married for 40 years and together have raised three adult daughters.