TOMS RIVER, NJ – The New Jersey State Senate Judiciary Committee interviewed Toms River Township Attorney Anthony Merlino and has approved him for a vote in the senate to become a Superior Court Judge.
Merlino, if selected, will succeed the Honorable Patricia E. Carney following her retirement for the term prescribed by law, ending seven years from the date of appointment.
Merlino, currently serving as Toms River’s assistant township attorney, was nominated last year by Governor Phil Murphy to become a Superior Court judge.
Merlino, who has a 20-year legal career, has been a key figure in Toms River’s legal department since 2009. His journey in the legal field began with a pivotal clerkship under former New Jersey State Supreme Court Chief Justice Deborah T. Poritz during the 2002-2003 court session.
This experience laid the groundwork for his substantial contributions to the field.
Merlino’s application and extensive background checks initiated the nomination process, which advanced to the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee for review. This phase includes potential interviews and evaluations by committee members, culminating in a vote by the state Senate. A two-thirds majority is required for confirmation.