That’s how Paula Dow spent her final days last week as New Jersey’s attorney general — holed up in her eighth-floor office in Trenton, juggling the last demands of one of the more powerful jobs in state government.
Dow leaves today after nearly two stressful, and sometimes frustrating, years as the state’s top cop and chief lawyer. And despite her share of critics, there were real achievements, from prosecuting corruption and indicting gang members to formulating new police policies and mentoring students.
“It’s a 24/7 type job, requiring you to reach out to all corners of the state, daytime and nighttime,” said Dow, a 56-year-old former Essex County prosecutor from Maplewood. “The people expect and deserve that kind of attention. There were times the family didn’t get enough attention. But I’ve always had a hands-on, personal approach as a leader. I liked the job a lot.”
Still, rumors of her departure swirled for months, and it was no secret that she wanted to be a judge. In December, Gov. Chris Christie granted her wish, choosing her for the Superior Court in Essex County. But her place on the bench will have to wait until the governor and the county’s Democratic senators agree on her and other nominations.
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