Genova Burns Remembers Gregory E. Nagy

The staff of Genova Burns LLC is remembering distinguished attorney, lecturer, colleague and former administrator, Gregory E. Nagy, who passed away on January 25, 2019 at age 78.

Greg was a well-respected and dedicated legal expert who served as Deputy Attorney General for the State of New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety from 1974 to 1978. He then joined the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC), serving as the Legal Director from 1978 to 2002. While there, his steadfast work ethic and professionalism earned the respect and admiration of many of his colleagues, and resulted in him receiving a lifetime achievement award.

In 2004, Greg joined Genova Burns, serving Of Counsel at Genova Burns and working in the Corporate Political Activity Law Practice Group. Much of his practice work concentrated on corporate political activity, campaign finance law, lobbying law, election law, government ethics and New Jersey’s regulated-industry ban. While at Genova Burns, Greg was a go-to resource for clients and colleagues alike. Greg was often a sounding board because of his invaluable experience, calm demeanor and inquisitive nature.

“Greg was a gentleman in the truest sense and always expressed interest in others,” said Angelo J. Genova, Chairman & Managing Partner of Genova Burns. “We were so lucky to have benefited from his sage wisdom, spot-on judgment and institutional knowledge about campaign finance law, government ethics, and the ways of state government. He made us a better law firm and he contributed greatly to the present-day prestige we enjoy in the election law space.”

Rebecca Moll Freed, Partner and Chair of the Corporate Political Activity Practice Group at Genova Burns, said, “Since learning of Greg’s passing, many of my colleagues have shared stories with me about their interactions with him. Although the stories have varied, there have been two constants – Greg was a wonderful attorney and a fine man.”

“Greg was a prime architect of the laws and policies that have defined ELEC since its inception, touching two generations of lawyers and public officials,” Genova added. “His legacy lives in the pages of countless opinions, cases and advice related to the enforcement of the New Jersey Campaign Contributions & Reporting Act.”

Away from his legal work, Greg’s passions included classical music, concerts and traveling the world. According to his obituary, family, friends and others whose lives have been touched by Greg are invited to make a memorial contribution to the young musicians’ charity at trentonmusicmakers.org.