[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 11 (Friday, January 26, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATIONS TO STEPHEN ORLOFSKY ON HIS CONFIRMATION TO BE A JUDGE 
              ON THE FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT OF NEW JERSEY

   Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, on February 5, 1996, Steve 
Orlofsky will take the oath of office as a Federal District Court Judge 
for the District of New Jersey.
  I had the high honor and privilege of recommending Mr. Orlofsky to 
President Clinton last year, and I want to take just a few moments of 
the Senate's time to explain why I am so proud of him, and why I know 
he will make such an outstanding judge.
  Mr. President, let me begin by noting that when Steve is sworn in, he 
will replace Judge John R. Gerry on the bench. Judge Gerry was revered 
in New Jersey, and was widely known as a distinguished legal scholar, 
skilled administrator, and a compassionate, thoughtful judge. He was 
dedicated to dispensing justice, and he had a reputation for always 
acting with great fairness.
  I mention this because Judge Gerry was Steve Orlofsky's mentor and 
role model when Steve served as a U.S. magistrate in his court. They 
maintained a close relationship over the years, even after Steve went 
into private practice.
  Mr. President, I spoke with Judge Gerry shortly before his death, and 
he had one request: that I recommend Steve to replace him on the New 
Jersey District bench.
  Judge Gerry's shoes will be hard to fill, but I am confident that 
Steve Orlofsky will be a worthy successor.
  Mr. President, Steve Orlofsky is a man of integrity, with a 
commitment to justice and the law, a judicious temperament, a strong 
intellect and proven legal skills.
  He meets the highest standards of excellence and will enhance the 
quality of justice in New Jersey.
  In reviewing his candidacy, the American Bar Association unanimously 
conferred Steve with a ``well qualified'' rating--the highest rating 
possible. This consensus speaks to his superb qualifications.
  Steve has been a widely respected attorney in private practice, and 
he has extensive experience in Federal litigation. He previously served 
as a magistrate judge in the New Jersey Federal District Court from 
1976 to 1980. He also has served in leadership roles in his county and 
State bar associations, and has served his community by providing pro 
bono legal services.
  In addition, he has published in legal journals and served as a 
lecturer in ongoing legal education courses.
  Mr. President, Steve Orlofsky has the capacity to be an outstanding 
Federal judge not only because of his thorough knowledge of the law, 
but also because of his commitment to justice. He will offer more than 
extensive legal experience. He has good judgment, solid values, and 
sensitivity to moral and ethical issues.
  Steve Orlofsky has all of the personal attributes and professional 
qualifications one could wish for in a judge, and then some.
  So, Mr. President, I want to again congratulate Steve on his 
appointment, and wish him all the best in his new position. I am very 
proud to have recommended him to President Clinton. I hope he will 
serve on our district court for many years. I know he will serve with 
distinction, dispensing justice to each person who appears before him 
with compassion, fairness, and wisdom.

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