John Jay Hoffman delivered remarks at the announcement of his nomination to the New Jersey Supreme Court on June 10, 2024. His speech reflected gratitude and respect for those who influenced his career.
Hoffman began by thanking Governor Murphy for the opportunity and for his patience during a significant moment: "Thank you for having patience with me on Friday when you asked me a question that every lawyer in New Jersey dreams to be asked." He shared a personal anecdote about being momentarily speechless, likening it to proposing to his wife at Rockefeller Center.
He acknowledged Parimal Garg, Chief Counsel to the Governor, for guiding him through the nomination process: "Thank you for your class, your professionalism... You are an incredible credit to this Administration."
Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver was also thanked: "We are all so incredibly blessed to be in the positions that we are," Hoffman said, expressing appreciation for her recognition of their shared good fortune.
Senate President Nicholas Scutari received praise for his long-term collaboration and collegiality: "You have represented what it means to be a true legislator in the state of New Jersey."
Hoffman expressed humility about appearing before the Judicial Advisory Panel and honored past Justices of the New Jersey Supreme Court. He specifically mentioned learning from Chief Justice Stuart Rabner and reminisced about encounters with former Chief Justice Robert Wilentz as a child.
Reflecting on other influential figures, Hoffman recalled Barry Albin's rigorous questioning and lessons from Judge Albert Engle of the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. He emphasized that justice is about people: “Justice, John, is not about our words or our books; it is about people.”
Personal acknowledgments followed. Hoffman credited his father as his best role model and expressed belief that his late mother was proud. He noted the coincidence of filling a seat previously held by Lee Solomon on his father's birthday.
His career path included roles as a trial attorney at the Department of Justice, federal prosecutor in New Jersey, and service at Rutgers University. He thanked Senator Jon Bramnick for mentorship and support over decades.
Hoffman extended gratitude to family members including Nancy Brannegan, his sister, parents-in-law, wife Mary Jude, daughter Mags, and son Johnny. Each was recognized for their support and influence on his life.
Concluding with an analogy offered by Governor Murphy likening a Supreme Court Justice to an umpire calling balls and strikes, Hoffman promised: "I will continue to call it down the middle... I will never forget that it is one of us from New Jersey standing at the plate."
