On June 3, 2021, the Senate Judiciary Committee of New Jersey confirmed Fabiana Pierre-Louis as the new Chief Justice of the state’s Supreme Court. Along with this confirmation, the committee also confirmed Rachel Wainer Apter and David Noriega as associate justices.
David Noriega, a former federal prosecutor, was nominated by Governor Phil Murphy in April 2021 to fill the vacancy left by Justice Jaynee LaVecchia, who retired in August 2020. Noriega’s nomination was met with praise from legal experts and advocacy groups, who cited his extensive experience in criminal law and civil rights.
Noriega earned his law degree from Columbia Law School and began his legal career as a clerk for Judge Julio M. Fuentes of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He then worked as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, where he prosecuted cases involving organized crime, public corruption, and civil rights violations.
After leaving the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Noriega worked as a partner at the law firm of Stern & Kilcullen, LLC, where he focused on complex civil litigation and white-collar criminal defense. He also served as a commissioner on the New Jersey State Ethics Commission from 2018 to 2021.
Noriega’s confirmation as an associate justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court is significant because it will bring a fresh perspective to the court. He is known for his commitment to justice and fairness, and his experience in both criminal law and civil rights will be valuable in shaping the court’s decisions.
The New Jersey Supreme Court is one of the most influential state courts in the country, with a reputation for being progressive and innovative. Its decisions have often been cited as models for other state courts and even the U.S. Supreme Court.
With Noriega’s confirmation, the court will continue to be a leader in advancing civil rights and social justice issues. His appointment is a testament to Governor Murphy’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the judiciary, as Noriega is the first Latino to serve on the New Jersey Supreme Court.
In conclusion, the confirmation of David Noriega as an associate justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court is a significant development for the state’s legal system. His extensive experience in criminal law and civil rights, combined with his commitment to justice and fairness, will make him a valuable addition to the court. His appointment is a testament to the state’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the judiciary, and it is expected that he will help shape the court’s decisions for years to come.