New Jersey Courts

Staff from the Atlantic/Cape May Vicinage celebrated Adoption Day last week the adoptions of four children into their new families. Each child received a quilt and pillow made especially for them. The families stuffed their own teddy bears, participated in painting and craft projects, and had their professional portraits taken. A celebratory lunch capped off the event.

Eleven participants of the Union Vicinage’s recovery court program celebrated their graduation yesterday. Recovery Court Judge Paul Nieves presided over the ceremony as the graduates were recognized for their accomplishments and for satisfying the requirements of the program.

Camden Vicinage Assignment Judge Deborah Silverman Katz and Superior Court Judge Gwendolyn Blue yesterday administered the oath for new clerks who passed the New Jersey and Pennsylvania state bar exams.

Staff from the Monmouth Vicinage interacted with students from Neptune High School during a career fair at the school last week. The employees provided information about many topics, including employment with the Judiciary, internships, and criminal justice reform.

Atlantic/Cape May Vicinage Assignment Judge Michael J. Blee and other judges from the vicinage had lunch with 2024-2025 law clerks last week, providing an opportunity for the new law clerks to network with the judges and discuss their experiences during the clerkship so far.

#onthemove #njcourts

Before hearing oral arguments this morning, the Supreme Court held a memorial service for Justices Alan B. Handler and James H. Coleman Jr., who were remembered as “giants” of New Jersey jurisprudence. Retired Justice Gary Stein and former law clerk Paula Franzese, Peter W. Rodino professor of law and director of the Leadership Fellows Program, spoke about Justice Handler’s contributions. Retired Chief Justice James Zazzali and Chief Immigration Judge Steven C. Mannion, who clerked for Justice Coleman, recalled Justice Coleman’s “groundbreaking” judicial opinions that addressed discrimination issues. Both men challenged the high court to recognize the equal rights of all citizens, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said.

Union Vicinage Assignment Judge Lisa Miralles Walsh and Family Division Presiding Judge Thomas Walsh administered the oath of office to Superior Court Judge Heidi R. Weintraub today. Judge Weintraub will begin her judicial career on the bench in the Family Division.

Staff from the Probation Division at the Passaic Vicinage hosted a JOBS Fair at Passaic County Community College last week. The event gave probation clients the chance to engage with the college dean and the vocational training coordinator about technological programs and employment opportunities and social services from county agencies.

#onthemove #njcourts