Walsh Humbled by Judicial Nomination

Westfield resident Tom Walsh will most likely be making a slight career change in the coming weeks, one that will likely to last the remainder of his career.

Walsh, an attorney in Cranford, has been nominated by Gov. Jon Corzine to serve as a judge of the state Superior Court. The nomination is currently pending before the state Senate, which must approve the choice before Walsh can don judicial robes. The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider Walsh's nomination during a meeting today in Trenton.

Walsh, a graduate of Kean College and CUNY Law School, said he is excited about the chance to become a judge and continue his legal career in the new venue.

"I am a trial attorney," he said. "I do all areas of law. For the last half dozen years it's been with an emphasis on family law."

A former assistant prosecutor in Union County, Walsh has harbored judicial ambitions for a number of years. The process of getting to the bench started with gaining the support of (R-Westfield) who recommended him to the governor's office. The process continued with meetings with the governor's legal advisors and then before a judicial screening committee which advises Corzine on Superior Court nominees. The nomination was made by Corzine in November on the same day the outgoing governor nominated his chief of staff, Ed McBride, to a judgeship in South Jersey.

Under the tradition of senatorial courtesy where all state senators who reside in a county have veto power over nominees who live in their county, Walsh also reached out to Sen. Ray Lesniak (D-Elizabeth) and Nick Scutari (D-Linden), for their support in the process. He indicated the two Democratic senators have approved of his nomination. Both Lesniak and Scutari serve on the judiciary committee which must approve of Walsh's nomination before the full Senate.

Walsh's nomination is running against the clock, as it will expire at Noon on Jan. 12, when the current legislative term ends, if not confirmed by the Senate. Senate Republicans, led by Kean, have indicated a desire to block Corzine's lameduck nominations, preferring to give the choice to Gov.-Elect Chris Christie. Kean's sponsorship of Walsh's nomination and Walsh's standing as one of Corzine's Republican nominees will likely allow the nomination to head through the Senate before the Jan. 12 deadline.

Walsh said he remains optismistic based on the conversations he has had in Trenton.

"Everyone I've spoken to seems optimistic that they'll get it done in a few weeks," he said.

Walsh will likely take the oath of office two to three weeks after his Senate confirmation. He is not sure where county Assignment Judge Karen Cassidy will assign him to serve if he is confirmed. Cassidy has the option of assigning him to hear criminal, civil or family law cases.

"I'd be honored to serve wherever they choose to put me," Walsh said.

As a state judge, Walsh can also be designated by state Chief Justice Stuart Rabner to serve as an appeals court judge or to take on administrative roles in the judiciary. Walsh's term will run for seven years and then he will be eligible for renomination, by the governor at that time, to a tenured term which would allow him to serve as a state judge until he turns 70. Most state judges are routinely renominated by the governor and reconfirmed by the Senate for tenured terms.

Walsh has been active in several community activities including the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and as a coach in the PAL league. He and his wife Diane, the chief of staff to Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield), live in Westfield with their son.

Walsh said that while he excited to join the bench, he is finding it strange to change his approach to law for the rest of his career.

"I'm incredibly excited for the opportunity and honor," he said. "It will be a little strange not being in front of the bench, being an advocate. That's what I've done for 20 years. It will be an adjustment."