Two Women District Judges Unanimously Appointed To The District of New Jersey

Recently, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the nominations of Magistrate Judge Esther Salas and Magistrate Judge Claire Cecchi as District Judges for the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Both Judge Salas and Judge Cecchi have served as United States Magistrate Judges for the District of New Jersey since 2006.

Judge Salas, 42, earned her bachelor’s and law degrees from Rutgers University and then worked for nearly 10 years as a federal public defender. While a magistrate judge, she drafted often-cited opinions regarding discovery disputes. She is known for her commonsense approach to litigation and her tough stance on ethics. Judge Salas is also a married mother of one child.

Judge Cecchi, 46, earned her law degree from Fordham University. Judge Cecchi practiced law in New York and then New Jersey for 17 years. While a magistrate judge, she drafted fair and thorough opinions. She is known for her preparation and detailed analysis. Judge Cecchi is also a married mother of one child.

The new district judges are an asset to the District of New Jersey which is one of the busiest district courts in the nation.

_{Sheila Rafferty Wiggins works at Duane Morris LLP.}

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