Former New Jersey Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, who served as Chris Christie’s second-in-command for eight years and last year lost a bid to succeed him, has joined Connell Foley as a partner and practice group chairwoman.

She already has a profile on the Roseland-based firm’s website, but her official start date is May 1, according to a firm announcement Thursday. She will be based in the firm’s Jersey City office.