Three nominees to the Superior Court that passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday look to bring "needed diversity to the bench" and include a deputy attorney general, a seasoned litigator, and a municipal government and land use attorney.

Tosca E. Blandford Bynoe of Williamstown spent her entire career with the Attorney General's Office and now will succeed Colleen A. Maier on the bench in Vicinage 15, which serves Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem counties. Maier left the bench due to retirement.

"Between the pages of the questionnaires, my bio and resume are the details of my legal career," Blandford Bynoe said. "However, the backstory of the journey that led me to this moment is not reflected."

Blandford Bynoe described her childhood in East Orange, and the people and events that shaped her life and laid the foundation for her future. Although her mother only had an eighth-grade education, she desperately wanted an education for her children.

"I am here today because of a fifth-grade teacher who took an interest in me, a coach who would not accept mediocrity from me, and a man who decided to make me his own when he married my mother," Blandford Bynoe said. She called her appearance before the committee her mother's greatest and most extraordinary achievement.

"If there were a poster child for patience and respect for the process, that would be Tosca," Sen. Fred Madden Jr. said. He said that her path to the bench began in 2017 and that she has demonstrated the utmost patience in a slow process.

Blandford Bynoe received her bachelor's and law degrees from Rutgers University.

Tariq H. Chaudhri came before the Senate Judiciary Committee to succeed retired Judge Harold U. Johnson Jr., following his retirement in Vicinage 15. Chaudhri has been on the litigation team at Rosner Law Offices in Vineland since 2010 and has served as president of the Cumberland County Bar Association since 2022.

"To the larger communities to which I belong," Chaudhri said, "I hope, if I am fortunate enough to be confirmed, then my example can in some way make this path less difficult for those of similar backgrounds who may come after me."

A graduate of The College of New Jersey, Chaudhri interned with the Attorney General's Office and then earned his law degree from the University of Florida's Levin College of Law. Chaudhri's practice has focused on workplace injury and he has regularly appeared in the Workers' Compensation Court.

"Before diversity, must come qualified," Sen. Michael Testa, R-Cape May, said. "This is not just a pick based on Rick's background. This is based on the fact that he is eminently qualified and also brings needed diversity to the bench."

Linda A. Galella of Parker McCay was the final new nominee to the Superior Court to appear before the committee Thursday. Galella, who will succeed retired Judge Christine M. Allen-Jackson, has focused her practice in municipal government, redevelopment, affordable housing, employment, land use, zoning, planning, and government liability.

"I have been in private practice for more than 27 years," Galella said. "In that time, I have practiced in the area of civil litigation, appearing before numerous state and federal judges. I have handled complex litigation such as employment discrimination claims and civil rights claims."

For the past seven and a half years, she has worked as a municipal government and land use attorney with Parker McCay. Galella graduated from St. Joseph's University and holds a law degree from Widener University School of Law.

"Without a doubt, she has the academic acumen to serve as a jurist," Madden said. "But her ability to keep a strong sense of calm … and to do things by the book, without deviation, is going to serve her well."

All nominees unanimously passed the Senate Judiciary Committee.