NJ Expands Retirement Benefits, Increases Salaries for Prosecutors and Judges

New law enhances service credit eligibility for county prosecutors, raises salaries for judicial officials, and adjusts retirement provisions for retired judges.

Acting Governor Nicholas Scutari has signed into law bill S2470/A3930, which brings significant changes to the retirement and compensation framework for certain county prosecutors and judicial officials in New Jersey. The legislation, which amends multiple statutory provisions, is aimed at expanding retirement benefits and increasing salaries for key legal positions within the state.

“Our judges and county prosecutors work extremely hard every day to ensure justice is served at the highest level and quality here in New Jersey,” said Acting Governor Scutari. “The enactment of this bill allows us to maintain competitive salaries and retirement compensation for these officials."

Key Provisions of the Law:

Expanded Retirement Credit for County Prosecutors:
The bill allows county prosecutors to receive service credit in the Prosecutors Part of the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) for prior work as judicial law clerks in a State Court. This credit can be purchased after their appointment as county prosecutors, a benefit previously not recognized under current law.
Salary Increases for Judicial Officials:
The legislation introduces salary adjustments for certain high-ranking judicial officials:
- Presiding Judges of the Superior Court, Appellate Division: Their salaries will increase to $218,545.82, which is $3,000 more than other judges in the Appellate Division.
- County Prosecutors: Their salaries will be raised to $204,166.50.
  Both salary increases are retroactive to January 1, 2024, with provisions for inflation adjustments beginning at the end of this year and continuing for the next two years.
Retirement Provisions for Retired Judges:
The bill removes the statutory prohibition that previously prevented retired members of the Judicial Retirement System (JRS) from collecting pensions while practicing law in the state. This change applies specifically to retired judges serving as county prosecutors appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation.

The bill was primarily sponsored by Senator Brian Stack and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, with additional sponsorship from Senator Paul Sarlo, Assemblyman William Sampson, and Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez.

“Allowing county prosecutors to purchase credit in PERS for their prior service as judicial law clerks will help New Jersey’s legal system attract and retain top talent who have valuable experience working in a state court,” said Senator Brian Stack. “This legislation will encourage more lawyers to dedicate their careers to public service and will ultimately improve public safety."

“This will help attract and retain qualified professionals to serve as prosecutors and judges,” said Senator Paul Sarlo. “The state’s law enforcement community and judiciary will benefit from their skills and experience. We want to maintain the standard of excellence that they have earned.”

These changes reflect a commitment to ensuring fair compensation and enhanced retirement security for those serving in critical legal and judicial roles within New Jersey. The adjustments are expected to have a positive impact on the recruitment and retention of qualified legal professionals in these positions.