Deidra L. Barlow Named Assistant Director for Municipal Court Services

Deidra L. Barlow has been named the new assistant director for the municipal court services division of the New Jersey Judiciary, Glenn A. Grant, administrative director of the courts, announced today.

Barlow, municipal division manager in the Hudson Vicinage, succeeds Steven A. Somogyi, who retires Sept. 1 after 29 years with the Judiciary, the last eight as head of the municipal court services division.

Barlow will oversee a 13-member division that develops and implements policies and best practices to support New Jersey’s municipal courts.

“The Judiciary owes Steven Somogyi many thanks for his nearly three decades of outstanding service to the Judiciary,” Director Grant said. “Like Mr. Somogyi, Ms. Barlow has worked for the Judiciary for many years and brings that same passion, dedication, and commitment to the municipal division.”

Barlow began her career with the Judiciary in 1993 as a probation officer in the Essex Vicinage and held various positions, including supervisor for the domestic violence and children in court services units and assistant family division manager. She moved to the Hudson Vicinage in 2010 to lead the family division before becoming municipal division manager in 2018.

“Over her extensive career, Deidra has developed strong management skills and comprehensive knowledge about court operations. Those attributes, along with her well-rounded perspective, will be an asset to our municipal courts statewide,” said Trial Court Services Director Jennifer Perez, to whom Barlow will report.

A graduate of Seton Hall University, Barlow earned her master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

“My work experiences in the Essex and Hudson vicinages have prepared me well for this new endeavor. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Judiciary in this capacity and I sincerely thank Judge Grant for his confidence in selecting me as assistant director,” Barlow said. “I look forward to working in the municipal court services division to continue its fine tradition of providing supportive services and assistance.”