Department of Law

The Department of Law is headed by the County Counsel, a position created by State Statute and appointed by the County Executive. The County Counsel is the Chief Legal Advisor for the County and the attorney of record for all civil court proceedings involving the County. The Department of Law also advises every other Department and creates or reviews all documents of legal nature prior to execution by the County Executive or appropriate County officials. The County Counsel also coordinates the activity of any independent legal counsel retained by the County in areas including tort defense, general liability, labor, and bonding. The legal activities related to Welfare and Child Support are also under the supervision of the County Counsel.

The Hudson County Department of Law is dedicated to serving the public interest by providing clear and transparent information regarding County initiatives, ensuring robust legal defense against litigation, and offering impartial legal guidance to County government. Pivotal to this mission is navigating the legal landscape, ensuring compliance, managing risks, and safeguarding the County’s interests. Through these efforts, we strive to contribute to a more resilient, equitable, and prosperous future for Hudson County and its residents. 

Office of Consumer Affairs

The Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA), within the Department of Law, is committed to ensuring the fair and equitable treatment of consumers in all transactions involving goods and services. Through its Consumer Protection Unit and Weights and Measures Unit, the OCA protects the public from fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair practices; serves as the voice of the County’s consumers by addressing complaints, resolving constituent concerns, and referring unlawful conduct to appropriate enforcement agencies; and promotes integrity and accountability in the marketplace. Through proactive enforcement, education, and unannounced inspections using highly accurate equipment, the Office safeguards fair pricing, accurate measurements, and honest competition, helping to prevent fraud, eliminate misrepresentation, and maintain equity for both consumers and businesses.

Office of Risk Management

The County Counsel also administers the Office of Risk Management and provides legal guidance to the Insurance Fund Commission. Risk Management identifies and abates County exposure in various areas including Tort Liability, Worker’s Compensation. The Insurance Fund Commission is the statutory vehicle through which the County manages financial issues associated with risk management and general liability.

Public Safety Training Center

The Hudson County Public Safety Training Center (the “Center”) is located in Secaucus, at the County’s former juvenile detention site. The Center serves as an in-county training option for municipal police, sheriff’s officers, corrections officers, and prosecutor’s office personnel. In addition, the Center also serves as an out-of-county training option for law enforcement agencies throughout the State of New Jersey.

Compliance Office

County Adjuster

Within the Department of Law is the County Adjuster, who is responsible for the commitment, care and cost monitoring and collection for services rendered to the hospitalized mentally ill, for which the County may be responsible. The County Counsel provides administrative support for this office, and in the event of a vacancy in the position, shall serve temporarily as County Adjuster.

County Records System and Operations Unit

This Unit, is responsible for the storage, and maintenance of records from various County offices, which includes providing inventory tracking services, electronic documents management systems, file retention recommendations, and administering the State-mandated record disposal program.