THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY SUPPORTS GOVERNOR MURPHY’S HISTORIC NOMINATION OF FABIANA PIERRE-LOUIS TO THE NEW JERSEY SUPREME COURT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 5, 2020
The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) proudly supports Governor Murphy’s historic nomination of Fabiana Pierre-Louis as an Associate Justice for the New Jersey Supreme Court and urges the Senate to confirm her nomination. If confirmed, Fabiana Pierre-Louis would be the first Haitian-American woman to sit on New Jersey’s highest court.
Diversity in New Jersey’s highest court is necessary to ensure that the Supreme Court reflects the diverse population it serves. Ms. Pierre-Louis’s nomination and anticipated confirmation will diversify our judiciary, helping to ensure that diverse perspectives and backgrounds are adequately represented. The HBA-NJ enthusiastically supports her nomination and applauds Governor Murphy for recognizing the importance and need for such diversity on the State’s highest bench. As quoted in Essence, Governor Murphy acknowledged, “[G]iven the challenges which are being brought to the forefront of our society, and the questions which will undoubtedly rise to reach our Supreme Court – core issues of socioeconomic equality and equity – there is no better meeting of an individual and the times.” The HBA-NJ agrees.
Most importantly, Fabiana Pierre-Louis’s extensive experience makes her well-qualified and especially deserving of this appointment. She is a graduate of Rutgers Law School, clerked for Justice John Wallace, Jr. (ret.) and practiced in private law for several years before joining the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. While in the Department of Justice, Ms. Pierre-Louis was the first woman of color to hold the title of Attorney-in-Charge in the Camden and Trenton offices, overseeing and prosecuting criminal trials and matters on a range of issues, including child exploitation offenses, national security matters, and public corruption, among others. She is the daughter of Haitian immigrants and a first-generation American citizen. She was the first in her family to attend law school and to become a lawyer.
HBA-NJ President Melinda Colón Cox said: “I commend Governor Murphy for his decision to nominate Fabiana Pierre-Louis to the highest court of our state and for recognizing the importance of diversity on our bench. Ms. Pierre-Louis would be the first Black woman and, in fact, the first woman of color, to serve on the state’s highest court. Her nomination is a crucial step in the much needed direction of our state and country. New Jersey is a diverse state and our courts should reflect its constituents. Ms. Pierre-Louis is not only a highly-qualified candidate, but she is known for her honesty, candor and integrity and has a history of upholding justice, which she would undoubtedly do as an Associate Justice on the New Jersey Supreme Court. We urge the Senate to confirm her nomination.”
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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community.
The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers.
Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101
