Lubna Qazi-Chowdhry has made history as New Jersey’s first female Muslim judge, bringing a wealth of experience in civil rights and public service to her new role.
The New Jersey judiciary has welcomed a new legal voice with the appointment of Lubna Qazi-Chowdhry, an Indian American attorney, as a state administrative law judge. This milestone marks her as the first female Muslim judge in New Jersey’s history, a significant achievement in the state’s legal landscape.
Qazi-Chowdhry was nominated by Governor Philip D. Murphy on January 6 and received prompt confirmation from the State Senate. She took her oath of office on January 22, administered by New Jersey Supreme Court Associate Justice Rachel Wainer Apter.
Born in Kuwait and with roots in the Raigad district of Maharashtra’s Konkan region in India, Qazi-Chowdhry moved to the United States in 1990. She later relocated to New Jersey in 2005, where she has since established her legal career.
Now presiding in Newark, Qazi-Chowdhry is a graduate of Western State College of Law, where she earned her degree in 2005. Her new position places her at the intersection of government policy and individual rights, a role she is well-prepared for given her extensive background.
Her journey to the bench began far from the East Coast. After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Irvine, she pursued her law degree in Southern California. It was during this time that she began to shape her professional identity, heavily influenced by her professors, particularly Professors Jenkins and Romney, who inspired her commitment to public service.
Before her judicial appointment, Qazi-Chowdhry’s career encompassed a wide range of legal experiences, including private practice and significant roles within federal and state agencies. Her portfolio includes work in civil rights, matrimonial law, and health law, areas that demand not only a thorough understanding of legal statutes but also a deep empathy for those affected by them.
Colleagues and mentors have described her as a “bridge-builder,” a quality that is enhanced by her multilingual abilities. In a diverse state like New Jersey, the capacity to communicate across cultural and linguistic barriers is crucial for maintaining public trust in the judicial system.
Her appointment is celebrated by her alma mater as a testament to the national impact of its graduates. For Qazi-Chowdhry, however, her new role transcends the title; it embodies a profound sense of responsibility. As she embarks on her tenure in Newark, she carries with her the lessons learned from her education in California and a lifelong mission to ensure that the administrative process remains accessible to all citizens.
In a time when the judiciary faces ongoing scrutiny, Qazi-Chowdhry’s background suggests a judge who perceives the law not merely as a set of rules but as a vital tool for public service. Her ascent to the bench serves as a powerful reminder of how mentorship and a diverse professional foundation can foster a legacy of leadership in the public interest.
According to The American Bazaar, Qazi-Chowdhry’s appointment is a significant step forward for representation within the New Jersey judiciary.