LAW
LAW
Noriega Sworn in as Newest NJ Supreme Court Justice
By Diane C . Walsh Editor , COMMERCE
Michael Noriega ’ s dad started calling him “ Judge ” when he began law school . The “ courtroom ” was their nickname for his study space in their home on the second floor above the family business in Union City .
Through the years , after Noriega graduated from Seton Hall University Law School and became a public defender , and later entered private practice , the father and son continued to talk about him someday going on the bench . They considered it a natural evolution to his career .
“ My father had a long-standing vision of me becoming a judge ,” Noriega said . His father , Carlos , died in 2011 . But his words were prophetic because Noriega was sworn in as the newest justice on the New Jersey Supreme Court in July .
Gov . Phil Murphy appointed him to fill the vacancy created when Justice Barry Albin left after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70 . Noriega is the only Hispanic on the court and the third to serve there in the state ’ s history . His tenure will have a profound impact since his joining at age 45 .
“ As a former public defender and one of New Jersey ’ s most respected criminal defense and immigration law attorneys , Michael Noriega will bring extensive trial experience and a career path throughout our legal system to the judiciary ,” the governor said . “ In addition to this professional profile , Michael ’ s character , integrity and commitment to serving the cause of justice make him the best choice to serve on our state ’ s highest court .”
While Noriega said the appointment was a “ wonderful surprise ,” he quickly added the enormity of responsibilities has not been lost on him . As a trial advocate he always approached cases with an open mind to understand all the different facets and reach the best solution for his client . In his new role , however , the dynamics have intensified . “ It ’ s no longer that one client or their family . It ’ s now the millions of people in New Jersey and how it will affect them ” he said .
Noriega ’ s former law partner , Jon Bramnick , said the new justice is more than ready for the challenge . Bramnick is the founding partner of the Scotch Plains law firm , Bramnick , Rodriguez , Garbas , Arnold & Mangan LLC , where Noriega worked for the past nine years . Bramnick is also a state senator and wholeheartedly supported his former partner ’ s
NJ Supreme Court Justice Michael Noriega
Michael Noriega repeats the oath of office at his swearing in ceremony . appointment to the bench . “ Mike is a person of the highest integrity . He ’ s a terrific lawyer and deeply committed to mankind ,” the state senator said .
Before joining Bramnick ’ s firm , Noriega ran his own and focused on immigration and criminal law . He had begun his career as a public defender in Essex County and said the head of the office , Michael Marucci had been a great mentor .
Noriega described his old boss as an extremely calm , yet strong leader , whose gentle gravitas could inspire others to follow him into fire . The new justice sees many of those same attributes in Chief Justice Stuart Rabner and is eager to work with him .
Retired Superior Court Judge Camille Kenny is also among Noriega ’ s mentors . As a law student , he interned for her when she was in the criminal division and later clerked for Kenny in the civil part . A former newspaper reporter , the judge was not afraid to mark up the orders and other writing Noriega submitted for approval . He credits her for improving his skills .
“ He is one of the most remarkable and wonderful people , I know ,” Kenny said . “ He will do
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