JANUARY 16, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Wendy Johnson Lario, Esq.
NJWLA President
973-443-3274
E-mail: lariow@gtlaw.com

NJWLA CONGRATULATES SENATOR MENENDEZ
ON HIS DECISION TO SUPPORT JUDGE SHWARTZ FOR THE THIRD CIRCUIT

The NJWLA congratulates Senator Robert Menendez for his willingness to reconsider his position on the nomination of Judge Patty Shwartz to the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The Senator’s agreement to meet for a second time with Judge Shwartz and his ultimate decision to support her nomination demonstrate a level of professionalism and commitment to the promotion and advancement of qualified women to the highest levels of the judiciary. This decision is consistent with the Senator’s advocacy on behalf of many women’s issues and his endorsement of diversity on the bench.

Like Senator Menendez, the NJWLA fully supports President Obama’s nomination of Judge Shwartz for the Third Circuit vacancy created by Judge Maryann Trump Barry’s transition to senior status. The Association recognizes that since becoming a Magistrate Judge in 2003, Judge Shwartz has issued opinions in connection with all aspects of pretrial matters and presided over a number of trials. She has handled thousands of cases, both civil and criminal, and 73 litigants have consented to her trying their cases. In addition, Judge Shwartz has an exceptional judicial temperament and has demonstrated that she is a thoughtful, smart and practical judge. Her experience on the bench, coupled with her background in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, make her eminently qualified for the appellate position.

The NJWLA is an independent bar association with over 500 members committed to the advancement and promotion of qualified women to the highest levels of the legal profession.  The NJWLA is also active in the judicial appointment process and has successfully endorsed several candidates for the federal and state judiciary.