John Jay Hoffman was interviewed by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Sept. 26, 2024, at the Statehouse in Trenton to become an associate justice on the state Supreme Court. (Photo by Mary Iuvone for New Jersey Monitor)
The New Jersey Senate unanimously confirmed former state Attorney General John Jay Hoffman to the state Supreme Court Monday.
Hoffman, 59, will fill the seat left vacant by Justice Lee Solomon, who retired last month after reaching the age of 70, the state’s mandatory retirement age for judges.
“The demeanor of a judge, the heart of a judge, is so very important to everyone in the courtroom. I know of no one who has a bigger heart or is more sensitive to mankind and man than John Hoffman,” Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Union) said following Hoffman’s confirmation vote.
Hoffman, a former federal prosecutor, began his career in public service as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey in 2004.
He joined the state comptroller’s office as director of investigations in 2010 before departing for the state attorney general’s office two years later. Gov. Chris Christie nominated him to lead that office in 2013.
He held that post until 2016, when he left to become general counsel at Rutgers University.
Hoffman’s confirmation maintains the high court’s tradition of partisan balance. Though he is registered as an unaffiliated voter, Hoffman served in a Republican administration.
“He went through a very rigorous screening process, as you all know,” said Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D-Union). “Mr. Hoffman not only came through with flying colors, but he did so with grace and dignity like he did with all of his other jobs and is truly a public servant looking to serve the public and truly sacrificing the opportunity to make lots and lots of money in the private sector.”
In New Jersey, judges are given a seven-year term after their initial confirmation and can sit until the age of 70 if they are later renominated and confirmed.
In a statement, Gov. Phil Murphy called himself “incredibly pleased” by the Senate’s action.
“As demonstrated by his unanimous confirmation today, John has earned universal respect on both sides of the aisle for his honesty, integrity, and intellect,” Murphy said.
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