Chief Justice Names Marc C. Lemieux to lead Monmouth Vicinage

Chief Justice Stuart Rabner announced that Superior Court Judge Marc C. Lemieux will serve as assignment judge for the Monmouth Vicinage, effective today.

Judge Lemieux succeeds Assignment Judge Lisa P. Thornton, who passed away May 26 after 15 years on the bench, the last nine as assignment judge. 

“One month ago, the Monmouth Vicinage and the State Judiciary lost a true leader.  We miss Judge Thornton’s indomitable spirit and know that her influence and vision will continue to guide the work of the vicinage for years to come,” Chief Justice Rabner said. “In selecting the next assignment judge, we cannot look to replace Judge Thornton. All we can do is move forward with the same level of dedicated service to the public that the Monmouth Vicinage is known for. I have every confidence that Judge Marc Lemieux will live up to that noble aim.”

Judge Lemieux was nominated by Gov. Chris Christie and joined the bench in August 2017. Judge Lemieux began his judicial career in the civil division in the Monmouth Vicinage and moved in July 2019 to the criminal division, where he was named the presiding judge in September 2021. Judge Jill O’Malley will serve as the new presiding judge of the criminal division.

Prior to joining the bench, Judge Lemieux worked for the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, beginning as a trial prosecutor in the family division and moving up to several positions of leadership, including first assistant prosecutor for two years.

“I am humbled to take on this new role,” Judge Lemieux said. “Judge Thornton was a dear friend and the consummate professional. We will work hard to honor her legacy.”

Judge Lemieux earned his undergraduate degree from Trenton State College and his law degree from Widener University School of Law.