FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 26, 2022

The Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALA-NJ) and the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Pennsylvania (APABA-PA) are thrilled to congratulate Rahat N. Babar on his historic confirmation as Judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey. Mr. Babar was unanimously confirmed by the New Jersey Senate today. Mr. Babar will now become the first Bangladeshi-American on the New Jersey Superior Court.

Qing H. Guo, President of APALA-NJ, stated, “Rahat is a shining example of the American Dream and a staunch advocate for justice and equality. His humility, willingness to listen, and understanding of different cultures and ability to connect with everyone will serve him well as a jurist. We at APALA-NJ are grateful for his service as a former APALA-NJ board member and for his continued efforts to welcome all and open doors for the people in New Jersey and beyond. What a truly fantastic way to close out AAPI Heritage Month, and we look forward to the historic day when New Jersey will have its first Asian Supreme Court Justice in its 200+ year history.”

“APABA-PA is incredibly proud of Rahat and optimistic for the people of New Jersey,” said APABA-PA President Chi-Ser Tran. “He is a person with unquestionable ethics and a strong drive for justice. We are confident that he will make tremendous contributions to the administration of justice as a Judge of the Superior Court.”

Mr. Babar has dedicated the vast majority of his legal career to public service and has a proven history of professional achievement, leadership, and measured temperament. Most notably, Mr. Babar is Special Counsel to Governor Philip D. Murphy, leading and overseeing all high-profile litigation for the Governor of New Jersey. Previously, he was the Director of Community Engagement at the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, where as part of Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal’s Executive Leadership Team, he led the Attorney General’s efforts to strengthen the office’s relationships with community leaders, faith leaders, and the public. Mr. Babar also served as a Special Assistant to Attorney General Christopher Porrino, led a litigation team that handled hundreds of cases, practiced in a boutique corporate law firm, and served as a Deputy Attorney General in the Division of Law’s Litigation Practice Group. He taught at Temple University Beasley School of Law as an Adjunct Professor. Mr. Babar clerked for Judge Renée Cohn Jubelirer of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, and during his last year in law school, externed for Chief Justice Myron T. Steele (ret.) of the Supreme Court of Delaware. He graduated from Drexel University and Delaware Law School.

Mr. Babar has not only shown his commitment to public service, but also his passion to serve the community. He was a member of the New Jersey Attorney General’s Diversity Council and a member of the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Minority Concerns. He was the president of APABA-PA in 2014, a longtime former member of its Board of Directors, and a leader in several of its committees. He also served on the Board of Governors of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), including as a chair of NAPABA’s Civil Rights Committee, and a Director of APALA-NJ. He has been both a moderator and presenter at countless CLEs and community presentations. His dedication to the community is clear.

Mr. Babar’s professional work and commitment to New Jersey is also represented in the various awards and recognitions he has received, including the Diverse Attorney of the Year and Lawyer on the Fast Track Awards (The Legal Intelligencer, 2013), Best Under 40 Award (NAPABA, 2018), and Honoree for Commitment to Diversity (Rutgers Law School APALSA, 2019).

Due to Mr. Babar’s impressive legal credentials, noteworthy litigation experience, and a remarkable commitment to public service, APABA-PA and APALA-NJ are confident that Mr. Babar will make an excellent jurist. We look forward to his service on the bench in the State of New Jersey. We thank Governor Philip D. Murphy for nominating him, and we thank the New Jersey Senate for its confirmation.

APABA-PA, an affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, represents the interests of the Asian Pacific American law students, lawyers, and judges and the Asian Pacific American community across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by supporting the advancement of Asian Pacific American attorneys and promoting justice, equity, and legal access, especially for all Asian Pacific American communities.

APALA-NJ, founded in 1985 and incorporated in 1993, is the largest specialty bar association that collectively represents the interests of Asian and Pacific American lawyers in the State of New Jersey.

Statement from Governor Murphy Applauding the Confirmation of 11 Superior Court Judges

05/26/2022

“The exemplary and highly qualified judges confirmed by the Senate will make significant contributions to our state’s judiciary, and I am especially proud that the majority of today’s slate of 11 new judges are from diverse communities. Across the past four years, we have remained committed to ensuring vacancies in our courts are filled by highly qualified individuals who demonstrate unwavering integrity and a dedication to service, and who look like the residents of New Jersey that they are sworn to serve. I look forward to continuing to make progress on filling vacancies at the Superior Court, and I am hopeful that the 15 additional Superior Court nominations that I have made will move through the Senate swiftly.

I am especially honored that Rahat Babar, who serves as Special Counsel for Litigation in my Counsel’s Office, was confirmed as a Superior Court Judge today. Rahat’s contributions to my office over the last three years have been invaluable, and his strength of character and intellect will continue to serve New Jersey well in his new role.”