Judge Marc C. Lemieux Is Named To Lead Monmouth Courts

FREEHOLD, NJ — Superior Court Judge Marc C. Lemieux will serve as assignment judge for the Monmouth Vicinage, effective Wednesday, June 28, New Jersey Chief Justice Stuart Rabner announced.

Lemieux succeeds Assignment Judge Lisa P. Thornton, who died 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,” Rabner said.

Lemieux said he was mindful of Thornton's legacy.

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

A large photo of the late judge had been placed in a spot of honor outside her courtroom after her death at age 59, a death that stunned the state's legal community.

“In selecting the next assignment judge, we cannot look to replace Judge Thornton," said Rabner.

"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,” Rabner added.

Lemieux was nominated by Gov. Chris Christie and joined the bench in August 2017. He 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, 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.

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