NJBIZ Names William Palatucci and Patrick Dunican Among the 2016 “Power 100”

News

January 28, 2016

William J. Palatucci, Special Counsel at Gibbons P.C., and Patrick C. Dunican Jr., the firm’s Chairman and Managing Director, were named by NJBIZ to its annual “Power 100” list of the most influential people in New Jersey business.

Mr. Palatucci and Mr. Dunican make their sixth consecutive appearances on the list, having been named every year since its inception in 2011. This year, Mr. Palatucci ranked 18th, while Mr. Dunican ranked 52nd. Their continued inclusion on the list is especially impressive, given that more than 20 people listed in 2015 fell off the list in 2016. Mr. Dunican is also the highest ranking law firm leader among the Power 100.

NJBIZ notes of Bill Palatucci: People who think his stock rises and falls with Gov. Christie are mistaken, and certainly not students of history. The governor is not the first (Republican) politician he’s been close with – and he won’t be the last. “He’s incredible in three ways,” one insider said. “As a fundraiser, as a strategist and as an adviser. And don’t forget, he’s a pretty good lawyer, too.” A partner at Gibbons, Palatucci figures to be a regular on this list for years to come.

Of Patrick Dunican, NJBIZ writes: He is the managing partner of Gibbons, but his role doesn’t stop there. Dunican is active in the business and higher ed communities, all while running one of the state’s biggest and most influential firms. “Dunican really is mixing it up,” one insider said. “You’ve got managing partners in some law firms that you rarely hear from,” another insider said. “Dunican should be on the list because not only is he the managing partner, but he’s actually hands-in.”

In addition, William J. Castner, Jr., former Chair of the Gibbons Government Affairs Department and current Senior Vice President of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, was ranked 55th on this year’s list.

To compile the “Power 100” list, NJBIZ editors spoke to many connected sources over several months to highlight the high-level officials in the state, county, and federal governments, as well as executives from some of New Jersey’s largest employers and organizations, who most help to strengthen New Jersey businesses.