NJ spent $54M on outside lawyers last year, prompting lawmaker’s concern

New Jersey paid $54 million last year for outside attorneys, a cost that has risen in recent years. One lawmaker says the spending warrants a closer look.

By: Dana DiFilippo

Outlets: New Jersey Monitor

Published: April 10, 2026

Words: 719

Last Updated: 5 hours, 27 minutes ago

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New Jersey’s law division spent almost $54 million on outside counsel last year, even though it’s the single largest employer of lawyers in the state, with about 550 on staff.

The state’s bill for farming out legal work has spiked 140% since 2019, when the division — which acts as the government’s law firm — paid outside counsel $22.3 million, according to budget documents.

The state’s outside counsel costs have raised eyebrows …

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