In 2025, New Jersey’s expenditures on external legal counsel exceeded $53 million, with a significant portion allocated to litigation involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” This substantial outlay raises questions about potential shifts in legal spending under Governor Mikie Sherrill’s administration.
PFAS litigation has been a focal point for New Jersey, culminating in landmark settlements. In May 2025, the state reached a settlement with 3M valued at up to $450 million, addressing contamination from PFAS compounds. This agreement, pending court approval, includes an initial payment of $285 million, with additional payments over the next 25 years. The funds are earmarked for mitigating PFAS impacts and protecting public health and the environment. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/7368df7aa2fc8b81c768e3b9234ea5e3?utm_source=openai))
Subsequently, in August 2025, New Jersey secured a settlement with DuPont and related entities, valued at over $2 billion. This agreement, the largest environmental settlement ever achieved by a single state, aims to remediate contamination at four industrial sites and address statewide PFAS pollution. ([dep.nj.gov](https://dep.nj.gov/newsrel/26_0041/?utm_source=openai))
These settlements, while substantial, also entail significant legal fees. In December 2025, New Jersey sought court approval for $195 million in attorney fees for the special counsel team that facilitated these agreements. ([law360.com](https://www.law360.com/publicpolicy/articles/2417672/nj-seeks-195m-fee-award-in-2-5b-dupont-pfas-case?utm_source=openai))
Under Governor Sherrill’s administration, there is potential for a strategic reassessment of legal expenditures. The administration may prioritize internal legal resources or adopt alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to manage costs more effectively. Additionally, the substantial settlements secured may reduce the necessity for future litigation, potentially leading to decreased reliance on external counsel.
However, the complexity of environmental litigation and the ongoing need for enforcement actions suggest that external legal expertise will remain a critical component of New Jersey’s legal strategy. The Sherrill administration’s approach to balancing fiscal responsibility with environmental accountability will be pivotal in shaping the state’s legal expenditures in the coming years.