Gov. taps Cinnaminson attorney as next county Superior Court judge By Danielle Camilli

Source: http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/burlington_county_times_news/gov-taps-cinnaminson-attorney-as-next-county-superior-court-judge/article_559e1f68-5a48-11e0-a358-00127992bc8b.html

Mar 30, 2011

TRENTON — A former deputy assistant public defender from Cinnaminson is expected to be formally nominated as the next judge on the Superior Court bench in Mount Holly.

Gov. Chris Christie filed a letter of intent to nominate Janet Zoltanski Smith, a fellow Republican, on Monday with state Secretary of the Senate Kent M. Hicks. A formal nomination is expected to follow in about a week.

The Senate Judiciary Committee would then hold a hearing on the nomination and could then recommend approval to the full Senate.

Zoltanski Smith, who was admitted to the bar in 1976, has been in private practice with husband Brad with Smith & Smith in Cinnaminson since 1992. A former township mayor, Brad Smith also is a former state senator and served as a county freeholder from 1985 to 1992.

Zoltanski Smith said Tuesday they have a general practice firm, but that she does a lot of estate work and guardianships. The mother of four also is the solicitor forthe Riverton Zoning Board. She previously was the attorney for the Cinnaminson Sewerage Authority, the Palmyra Planning Board, and has been the attorney for other local governing bodies.

The Duquesne University graduate has also previously served as associate counsel for the Burlington County Board of Social Services, according to her resume provided by Christie’s office.

In addition, Zoltanski Smith has served as an appointed municipal prosecutor and public defender, and spent 12 years with the New Jersey Public Defender’s Office, including eight years in Superior Court in Burlington County. From 1979 to 1991, she serves as a deputy assistant public defender.

“Janet Zoltanski Smith is an outstanding trial lawyer. She has tried cases in my courtroom, and I have appointed her as a guardian many times because of her honesty and diligence,” Burlington County Assignment Judge Ronald E. Bookbinder said.

The native of the Yardville section of Hamilton Township said she was honored by the nomination.

“I’m pleased the governor has supported me, and I feel privileged that he has confidence in me for this position,” she said. “I am also excited at the prospects of the new challenges this role will bring.”

Danielle Camilli can be reach at 609-267-7586 or dcamilli@phillyBurbs.com
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