Chen sworn in as public advocate Archived article from Apr 10, 2006 By Janet Donohue

Credit: Shelley Kusnetz Gov. Jon S. Corzine administered the ceremonial oath of office to New Jersey public advocate Ronald K. Chen (Newark-Law ’83) at the School of Law-Newark on March 27. Linda Garbaccio, assistant dean for academic services, held the Bible for Chen, who until his appointment as public advocate had been the law school’s associate dean for academic affairs. More than 250 members of the legal community, representatives from public interest organizations, friends, alumni, former colleagues and students attended the ceremony. Former Gov. Brendan T. Byrne, who established the department of the public advocate in 1974, and Professor Frank Askin (Newark-Law ’66) praised Chen, citing his integrity, energy and commitment to social justice. In his remarks, Chen spoke about the legacy of his predecessors in leading what was once described as “the strongest public advocacy office in the country,” and proudly noted that he is one of four of the six people appointed public advocate to have graduated from the Newark law school. Charged with recreating the department, which was abolished in 1994, Chen pledged to “do my utmost to revive that legacy as quickly and as fully as possible.” He announced that the department’s first initiative will be to examine the use of eminent domain for private development.

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