Joel H. Sterns *58

Joel Sterns, a New Jersey attorney who had been a prime mover in bringing casino gambling to Atlantic City, died Feb. 21, 2011, after heart surgery. He was 76.

Sterns graduated from Northwestern in 1956, and in 1958 received a master’s from the Woodrow Wilson School. He first worked in New Jersey Gov. Robert B. Meyner’s administration. He later worked in John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign, after which he held positions in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations.

In 1965, Sterns returned to Trenton to work for Gov. Richard J. Hughes. He commuted to NYU Law School, earning a law degree in 1967, and became Gov. Hughes’ chief legal counsel in 1968 and 1969.

After New Jersey passed a referendum in 1976 allowing gambling in Atlantic City, Resorts International, a Bahamian casino operator, hired Sterns and his law firm to help it become the state’s first casino operator. Sterns worked with the legislature and the office of Gov. Brendan T. Byrne ’49 to pass the New Jersey Casino Control Act. Resorts International had purchased the Chalfonte-Haddon Hall Hotel, and in 1978 became the first licensed casino operator.

Sterns is survived by Joanne, his wife of 48 years; three children; and five grandchildren.  

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.