Murphy has selected Fabiana Pierre-Louis, a partner at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads, to serve as the next associate justice of the state’s Supreme Court -- the state's highest.
If confirmed by the Senate, Pierre-Louis, 39, will be the first black woman to sit on the court.
Pierre-Louis, who has experience with both public and private practice, is the daughter of Haitian immigrants, Essence reports. She graduated with high honors from Rutgers Law School in Camden and worked as clerk for Justice John Wallace Jr. during the 2006-07 court term.
Pierre-Louis then went on to Montgomery McCracken, and in 2010, she moved to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
Two years later, Pierre-Louis moved to the office in Trenton. She later became the first woman of color to be Attorney-in-Charge, where she oversaw all criminal matters taken on by the office.
“Words truly cannot express what a tremendous honor it is for me to be nominated to the Supreme Court of New Jersey,” said Pierre-Louis during the nomination.
“It is extremely humbling to be nominated, and I am beyond excited and enthusiastic at the opportunity to continue the proud tradition of the Supreme Court’s commitment to justice, equality and fairness.”
Click here to follow Daily Voice Ridgewood and receive free news updates.