Michael J. Herbert also served on Gov. James E. McGreevey’s transition committee.
By: Jennifer Potash
Michael J. Herbert, the municipal attorney for Princeton Borough and West Windsor, will serve in a leadership role for Mercer County Executive-elect Brian Hughes’ transition team.
Mr. Hughes, a Democrat and Princeton Township resident, defeated Mercer County Clerk Catherine DiCostanzo, a Republican, Nov. 4.
A senior partner in the Princeton Borough law firm of Herbert, Van Ness, Cayci & Goodell, Mr. Herbert will be the chairman of the transition team’s personnel committee.
The committee is charged with evaluating the personnel practices and positions in a county government that has about 1,100 employees, Mr. Herbert said.
"It’s a real challenge and I’m looking forward to it," he said.
Mr. Herbert also served on Gov. James E. McGreevey’s transition committee on personnel.
For Mr. Herbert, the assignment comes full circle.
"I started my career working for Gov. Richard J. Hughes and I’m pleased that 30 years later I’m working with his son," Mr. Herbert said. He served as secretary for Gov. Hughes. He also was the executive assistant for Ralph Dungan, the first chancellor of higher education, and served on the staff of the state’s first commissioner of community affairs, Paul Ylvisaker.
A specialist in employment, land use and municipal law, Mr. Herbert has represented a number of municipalities and public employee unions during his 33-year career.
Mr. Herbert received his bachelor’s degree with honors from Jersey City State College and was an Eagleton Fellow at Rutgers University, where he earned a master’s degree.
He lives in the Titusville section of Hopewell Township with wife, Mary Jo, and his family. His eldest son, Michael W. Herbert, is also a partner in the law firm.

