New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport’s path to public service began long before she became the state’s top law enforcement officer. During a fireside chat at the New Jersey State Bar Association Annual Meeting and Convention in Atlantic City this week, Davenport reflected on the experiences that shaped her career, the values that guide her leadership and her priorities for keeping New Jersey safe. She spoke with former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino, now a partner at Lowenstein Sandler.
Davenport talked about growing up and spending summers working at the beach. Her path to the legal profession began in earnest when Davenport worked full time at the federal Drug Enforcement Administration while also a night student at Seton Hall University School of Law. As she began her law school journey, Davenport spent six months assisting with the investigation into the 9/11 terrorist attacks. That experience helped shape her plans to be a prosecutor. After a stint in private practice, she became an Assistant U.S. Attorney and worked in Trenton; worked at the Attorney General’s Office and at PSEG.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill tapped Davenport as the Acting Attorney General of New Jersey in January and was confirmed the following month.
Davenport spoke of priorities including fighting human trafficking, sentencing reform, and keeping the state safe for all its residents. While the office has often challenged the current federal administration's policies and actions, the Office of the Attorney General also works with the federal government.
She said she is guided by a straightforward approach: “You do what is right and you are doing it for the right reasons. (You ask) how are we making sure we are doing the best possible thing we can for the people of New Jersey?”
What is Davenport’s greatest hope for New Jersey?
“To make New Jersey safer. We are already one of the safest states in the country,” she said. “Everything we are doing and everything we think about all day long is to keep folks safe. The hope is that everyone, every kid can reach their full potential … to make it such that people can live in a safe and fulfilling way, whatever dreams they have.”