JT Briefing

The Appellate Division of the Superior Court is New Jersey's intermediate appellate court. The 35 Appellate Division judges hear appeals from decisions of the trial courts, the Tax Court and state administrative agencies. The Appellate Division decides approximately 7,000 appeals and 7,500 motions each year.

Kennedy was appointed to the bench by Gov. James E. McGreevey in 2003. He served in the criminal division of the Essex Vicinage until 2008, when he was assigned to the civil bench.

He has served as a panelist at a number of judicial education programs at the national and state level.
In 2009, Kennedy became a science and technology fellow of the Advanced Science and Technology Adjudication Resource Center in Washington, D.C.

Prior to joining the Judiciary, Kennedy was in private practice, most recently as a litigation partner in O’Donnell, Kennedy, Vespole & Piechta. He also has served as corporation counsel for the City of Jersey City and taught at Seton Hall University Law School.

A graduate of St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa., Kennedy received his law degree from Seton Hall University Law School. He began his legal career as a law clerk for Appellate Judge John F. Lynch.

“I am honored and delighted to be able to serve the people of New Jersey in this new capacity,” said Kennedy. “I want to thank Assignment Judge Patricia K. Costello and all of the wonderful judges and staff in Essex County for their assistance and collegiality over the years. It has been a pleasure working with them.”

New Jersey Courts

Judge John C. Kennedy Elevated to Appellate Division of Superior Court