Chief Justice Names Rudolph A. Filko to Lead Passaic Vicinage

Chief Justice Stuart Rabner today announced that Superior Court Judge Rudolph A. Filko will lead the Passaic Vicinage, effective May 31.

Judge Filko will succeed Assignment Judge Ernest M. Caposela, who is retiring after nearly 24 years on the bench, more than eight as assignment judge.

“Judge Caposela played an invaluable role the early success of Criminal Justice Reform in New Jersey, shepherding its first pilot program and helping both fellow judges and the public understand its benefits. He also served as co-chair of a committee to reduce gun violence in our communities. His thoughtful leadership will be long felt in both the Passaic Vicinage and throughout New Jersey. Fortunately, Judge Filko’s broad experience will enable him to lead the vicinage with skill and insight in the years ahead,” Chief Justice Rabner said. 

Judge Filko was nominated by Gov. Jon Corzine and joined the bench on Jan. 30, 2008. He received tenure in 2015. Judge Filko began his judicial career in the civil division and two months later moved to the family division, where he served for two years before being assigned to the criminal division in 2010. Beginning in September 2014, he served a year in the civil division before again moving to the family division, where he has been the presiding judge since June 2016. He served as the juvenile drug court judge for two years and presided over the adult recovery court program in the Passaic Vicinage for five years.

“I would like to thank Chief Justice Rabner for his strong leadership and the confidence he has shown in me. I am humbled and excited by the appointment as assignment judge of the Passaic Vicinage. I also wish to thank Judge Caposela for his guidance, support and outstanding leadership as our assignment judge. I look forward to continuing a close working relationship with our bar and with the dedicated, hard-working judges, managers, and staff in our vicinage,” Judge Filko said. 

Judge Filko earned his undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University and his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law. He began his legal career as a law clerk for Passaic County Superior Court Judge Amos Saunders before going into private practice.

In 2002, Judge Filko worked as an assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark, rising to deputy chief of the civil division, a position he held until his appointment to the bench.

Superior Court Judge Yolanda Adrianzen, who has been assigned to the family division since her appointment in 2015, will assume Judge Filko’s duties as presiding judge of the family division.