Biden taps Kiel for federal judgeship

President Joe Biden today nominated Edward Kiel to serve as a judge of the U.S. District Court.

Kiel will replace Judge Kevin McNulty, who assumes senior status on October 31.

A U.S. Magistrate Judge since 2019, Kiel was previously a partner at Cole Schotz from 2002 to 2019.  Earlier this year, Kiel was a finalist for a seat on the New Jersey Supreme Court before Gov. Phil Murphy picked Michael Noriega.

The New Jersey Globe first reported Biden’s plan to nominate Kiel on September 6.

“Judge Edward Kiel is an outstanding nominee who is highly qualified and committed to upholding the law,” said U.S. Senator Cory Booker, who had recommended Kiel to the White House.  “I’m confident he will serve the people of New Jersey and the country with integrity, bringing his wealth of legal experience and knowledge to our federal bench.”

The state’s senior senator, Bob Menendez, praised Kiel’s background

“At every step of the way, he has demonstrated an even temperament and a strong commitment to equal justice under the law that will make him an exceptional addition to the federal bench,” he said.  With the confirmation of Judge Kiel – an immigrant who hails from South Korea – we will also continue to make progress towards achieving a long-term goal of mine to assemble a federal judiciary that better reflects the rich diversity of New Jersey and the nation.”

Biden has already filled eight federal judgeships, with Julien X. Neals, Zahid Quraishi, Christine O’Hearn, Karen Williams, Georgette Castner, Evelyn Padin, Michael Farbiarz, and Robert Kirsch already confirmed.    Jamel Semper, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, was nominated to the District Court by Biden last month; the Senate Judiciary Committee was scheduled to consider his nomination today.