Garden State Times

U.S. Congressman Rob Menendez: “Congratulations to Union City native Michael Noriega on being nominated to the New Jersey Supreme Court. Outstanding pick by Governor Murphy that recognizes the importance of Latino representation on our state's highest court.”

Carlos Medina, President & CEO, Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: “The Board of the SHCCNJ is thrilled that Governor Murphy will nominate Michael Noriega to the State Supreme Court. One of the Chamber’s missions is to support diversity and ensure that Diverse individuals are represented on Boards of Directors, C-Suites and in senior roles such as this prestigious role on the State’s top court.”  

Chairman Luis O. Delahoz, Chairman, Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: “As a qualified and local New Jersey talent, so we are very happy to hear about this nomination.”

Senator Joe Lagana: “This nomination comes at a crucial time when New Jersey has been facing the need to fill judicial vacancies across all levels of our court system. By filling the last seat of our highest court with a nominee as qualified and committed to equality and justice as Michael Noriega, we are taking a significant step forward in ensuring the smooth functioning of our judicial system. It is essential that our judiciary reflects the rich, diverse tapestry of our population, and Mr. Noriega’s efforts defending the rights of the most marginalized members of our society has garnered him the respect of the legal community and beyond. I look forward to meeting with him and supporting his nomination, and I am confident that Mr. Noriega will serve with integrity, wisdom, and dedication.”

Senator Gordon Johnson: “Michael is an experienced attorney who has demonstrated his commitment to public service through his time as a public defender and his extensive pro bono work. I look forward to seeing him confirmed and once again having representation from the Hispanic community on the Supreme Court.”

Senator Vincent Polistina: "Michael Noriega is an excellent choice as a nominee to the New Jersey Supreme Court. During his 20-year legal career, he has earned widespread respect throughout the legal community, as shown by his election as President-elect of the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is a person of character and integrity and the bipartisan support for his nomination is a strong signal that our judiciary must remain above politics."

Senator Robert Singer: "I support the nomination of Michael Noriega to the New Jersey Supreme Court. Michael has earned the respect of his peers throughout legal career, where he has been a prominent criminal defense attorney at both the trial and appellate levels. I am also glad that our State's highest court will once again have representation in the Hispanic community, which makes up 22 percent of our State."

Arlene Quinones Perez, Esq.: "Michael Noriega and I have worked together in the legal profession and in the Latino community for many years. Michael is not only an attorney who is experienced in the courtroom, but also understands the practical needs of people. Thank you Governor Murphy for this nomination!"

NJ Working Families Party: "Mr. Noriega is not only a skilled attorney, he is also a passionate advocate for social justice who has dedicated his career to protecting some of our society's most vulnerable. His experience defending the rights of all people in New Jersey, no matter their background, and ensuring that they are treated with dignity in a court of law, have given him a perspective that will bring immeasurable value to our Supreme Court. We applaud this nomination by Gov. Murphy and look forward to seeing Mr. Noriega serving on our highest court."  

Sanar Institute: "Today, the Sanar Institute is proud to witness Michael Noriega's nomination into the New Jersey Supreme Court.  Michael has served as Board Chair for the Sanar Institute's volunteer Board of Directors since 2015, where he consistently brings leadership, compassion, empathy, and integrity to support Sanar and its mission, to heal the impact of trauma caused by interpersonal violence through cutting edge, trauma specific services, education, and support.  Throughout his tenure as Chair, Michael has utilized his legal expertise to advocate on behalf of marginalized communities and individuals served by Sanar.  He is a role model that the Sanar leadership strives to model.  We are grateful to Governor Murphy for nominating Michael Noriega as the next State Supreme Court Justice."  

Ron Chen, professor of Rutgers Law School: “Adding someone who has that perspective, given the number of criminal matters that come before the court, really can only enhance the breadth of the perspective the court has." 

Original source can be found here.