An Advocate
for Access

Rutgers School of Law–Camden alumnus Georgette Castner made history in 2022, when she was sworn in as the youngest female District Court judge in the 232-year history of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. But for some, that was no surprise, as Castner has long been committed to inclusion, excellence, and public service as hallmarks of her career.

Upon graduating from Rutgers Law in 2006, she clerked for the Honorable Joseph F. Lisa of the New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division. She later joined the prestigious law firm of Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads, LLP, where she quickly rose through the ranks, making partner in 2015. Castner has long advocated for diversity and inclusion; after making partner, she wanted others to have the same opportunity.

In her questionnaire to the Senate Judiciary Committee, she noted, “As a member of the firm’s Diversity Committee, I am continually working to ensure associates are given opportunities to gain experience, obtain promotions, and increase diversity at the partnership level.”

During her time in private practice, Castner served as a member of the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Character and the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Model Civil Jury Charges, continuing to dedicate her talent and skill to helping those in need by taking on pro bono cases from the Children’s Advocacy Project for South Jersey Legal Services. The program matches volunteer attorneys with impoverished children in desperate need of legal representation. Castner also provided pro bono services on other cases related to affordable housing.

Castner was appointed by President Joe Biden, recommended by New Jersey Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, and confirmed by the United States Senate to this prestigious lifetime appointment.