Attorney General’s Message to Students: “Pursue Work that Matters”

October 22, 2025

by Emilia Koenigsmark ’29

A group of Ramapo College of New Jersey students had the opportunity to learn from the state’s top law enforcement official last week, when New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin made a special visit to the college’s Mahwah, NJ campus.

Platkin was on campus to share his experiences and insights with Roadrunners interested in pursuing law-related careers. He spoke to students in a course entitled, Law and the Legal System, taught by Associate Professor of Law and Society Dr. Jeffrey Ellsworth, as well as students in a course focused on the New Jersey gubernatorial race, taught by Patrick O’Connor, Ramapo’s vice president for government relations and business development.

“My meeting with Ramapo’s pre-law students left me extremely hopeful about the future of the legal profession,” Platkin said. “What a joy to meet with compassionate, driven young people who are eager to learn about the ways lawyers can serve their communities and improve the lives of others.”

Platkin, the youngest Attorney General in New Jersey history, opened up to the students about his career journey. He began his career as a policy advisor at the Brookings Institute in Washington D.C. He also worked in private practice before entering public service. He served as Chief Counsel to Gov. Phil Murphy, where he oversaw a team of attorneys who advised the governor on all legal matters.

Ramapo College President Cindy Jebb welcomed New Jersey  Attorney General General Matthew J. Platkin to campus.

Now, as Attorney General, Platkin leads the New Jersey Department of Public Safety. Among other responsibilities, the department is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes, representing New Jersey’s interests in court, and enforcing consumer protection and civil rights statutes.

During his talk, Platkin advised Roadrunners to pursue careers they are passionate about, work hard, but realize there will be bumps along the way. Platkin said that one of the most difficult parts of his current position is missing important moments with his family due to work. But he said he always reminds himself of his goal: keep people safe from harm.

Students had the opportunity to ask Platkin questions about his role as Attorney General and his career journey.

“How do you keep persevering and sticking to what you believe in?” asked Student Government Association president Elizabeth Mendicino ‘26, a double major in Law and Society and Communication Arts.

Platkin told her that his job is to do what is best for the people of New Jersey, and he is passionate about helping others and keeping New Jersey safe.

During Platkin’s tenure, the Attorney General’s office has prioritized public safety – achieving all-time recorded lows in gun violence for three years running – and taken on powerful interests on behalf of the people of New Jersey, including social media companies that allegedly misled consumers and harmed New Jersey children, landlords and software companies that allegedly colluded to drive up rents, and corporations that misclassified employees in ways that shortchange workers and state benefits programs. Platkin has also led multistate coalitions in federal lawsuits to defend birthright citizenship, prevent rollbacks of Affordable Care Act protections, and preserve federal funding for numerous education and social services programs.

New Jersey  Attorney General General Matthew J. Platkin met with members of the Ramapo College community.

Platkin hoped his talk resonated with and inspired students to pursue careers in public service.

“Serving the people of New Jersey has been an honor, and I hope many of Ramapo’s students pursue public service as they move forward in their careers,” Platkin said.

The Attorney General’s visit is one example of the ways Ramapo students have access to civic leaders, state leaders, alumni and others who are excelling in career fields they desire to pursue.