Biography

Esther Suarez is a seasoned legal professional whose distinguished career includes service as a New Jersey Superior Court Judge, Hudson County Prosecutor, Bergen County Counsel, Hoboken Corporation Counsel, and private practice attorney. Her career reflects service at every level of government in New Jersey—municipal, county, and state—giving her a uniquely comprehensive perspective and a wealth of legal experience in every role. Prosecutor Suarez has brought leadership, judgment, and integrity to each position, building one of the most comprehensive records of public service in the state.

In July 2015, Prosecutor Suarez made history as the first woman and the first Hispanic to serve as the Hudson County Prosecutor, a role she held until her retirement in July 2025. As the county’s chief law enforcement officer, she led a staff of approximately 300 and had supervisory authority over more than 2,700 law enforcement officers across 17 agencies in 12 municipalities in Hudson County. She also oversaw a $32 million annual budget. Her tenure was marked by significant organizational reform, community engagement, and the creation of innovative public safety units, including the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit, Hudson County Regional SWAT, and the Hudson County Arson Unit. She also led the establishment of a Child Advocacy Center to support juvenile victims and oversaw the creation and development of an in-house DNA lab, enhancing the office’s forensic capabilities.

From 2010 to 2015, she served as a Judge of the New Jersey Superior Court, where she presided in both the Civil and Family Divisions. During her judicial tenure, Prosecutor Suarez developed a reputation for fairness, diligence, and a deep understanding of complex civil litigation, family law matters, and the broader implications of her rulings on litigants and the community.

Before her judicial appointment, Prosecutor Suarez built a successful legal career, focusing on labor and employment law. She advised a wide range of clients on workplace investigations, compliance issues, and litigation involving employment discrimination (the Law Against Discrimination, LAD), wrongful termination, and collective bargaining.

Suarez began her legal journey as a clerk for the Honorable Yolanda Ciccone, A.J.S.C., and is admitted to the bars of New Jersey and New York. She earned her Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of Law in 1997 and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Douglass College at Rutgers University in 1992. Prosecutor Suarez is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA), the Hudson County Bar Association (HCBA), and the Passaic County Bar Association (PCBA).