The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey today issued the following statement in support of Governor Phil Murphy's nomination of Michael Noriega to serve on the New Jersey Supreme Court: 

"The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) congratulates its member and supporter, Michael Noriega, Esq., on his nomination to sit as an Associate Justice on the New Jersey Supreme Court. This is an important nomination. Although Latinos represent the largest minority population in this State, no Latino sits on the Court today and no Latina has ever sat on the Court.  Once confirmed, Michael will bring much needed Latino representation to one of our State’s most important and respected institutions. 

Michael is extraordinarily qualified to be an Associate Justice and we expect him to proudly promote and serve justice for all New Jerseyans.  As part of his practice, Michael represents core members of New Jersey’s underrepresented communities, including immigrants fighting for their right to stay in this country.  He previously worked as a public defender.  He has devoted his career to ensuring that everyone has a voice, irrespective of their race, color, religion, or socioeconomic status.  And we are confident that, if confirmed, he will bring that same ideology to the Court and advance the HBA-NJ’s mission of a more inclusive and diverse legal system. 

About Michael’s nomination, President of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, Albertina Webb, remarked: 'The HBA-NJ is very proud of Michael and knows he will represent our community with honor and distinction.  He sat on our public policy committee for many years, where he helped us navigate important issues that our community faced.  His appointment will ensure that the New Jersey Supreme Court will have Justices who are not only qualified, but also representative of the communities they serve. Although we are thrilled about Michael’s appointment, we strongly believe that the New Jersey Supreme Court should also have a qualified Latina sitting on it. Michael’s appointment is a step in the right direction, and we look forward to his speedy confirmation by the Senate.”