New Jersey Chief Justice Stuart Rabner signed an order appointing Jackson resident Joseph H. Orlando clerk of the Appellate Division of the Superior Court. The appointment was announced by Judge Edwin H. Stern, presiding judge for administration of the Appellate Division.
As clerk of the division, Orlando’s responsibilities will include managing the central office operations of the Appellate Division as well as providing support for Appellate Division judges and their staff located in chambers both in the Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton and around the state. The clerk’s office files more than 7,000 appeals each year. Orlando will oversee case management; administrative services, including facilities, personnel, information technology and budgeting; and central appellate research.
“Joe brings to the Appellate Division a wealth of legal and managerial experience. He has a deep understanding of the important role our judges and staff play in maintaining the public’s trust and confidence in the courts. As clerk, he will lead a seasoned team of dedicated professionals to maintain excellent customer service for attorneys and litigants. I am confident that we will experience a smooth transition under his leadership,” Stern said.
Orlando graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science degree and from the Rutgers School of Law- Newark with a Juris Doctor degree. During law school, he was a research editor for the Rutgers Computer and Technology Law Journal.
After graduating from law school, Orlando worked in private practice from 1989 to 1995. He was named the business administrator for Marlboro Township in 1996 and served in that capacity until 2001.
In 2001 Orlando joined the Judiciary as the chief of labor and employee relations, where he was responsible for labor relations, negotiations, discipline, performance management, contract administration, training and counseling regarding labor, employment, disability law and related litigation.
The chief justice’s order, which was signed on Dec. 10, calls for Orlando’s appointment to be effective Jan. 2.
“In my time with the Judiciary, I have developed an enormous respect and admiration for the work of our judges and staff to resolve disputes fairly and efficiently. This appointment is a wonderful opportunity for me to develop new relationships with my colleagues in the Appellate Division,” Orlando said. “I am grateful for this chance to serve the public in a new capacity.”
Orlando, 45, and his wife, Cathy, who works for the Jackson Board of Education, have a daughter, Stephanie Rose, and a son, Brennan, at home.