New Atlantic County, NJ Court Rooms Named After 3 Trailblazers

Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson has announced that the new court rooms in the Atlantic County Central Municipal Court will be named after three trailblazers in history.

• Herman S. Jacobs
• Valerie H. Armstrong 
• Julio L. Mendez

“I could not think of three more appropriate individuals than the late Herbert S. Jacobs, the first Atlantic County African American state judge; Valerie H. Armstrong, the first female Atlantic County Assignment Judge; and Julio L. Mendez, the state’s first Hispanic Assignment Judge; each significant in their own right,” said Levinson.

Levinson also complimented former New Jersey State Senate President Steve Sweeney for his leadership in passing the legislation … which is the first of its kind in New Jersey state history.

“Senator Sweeney recognized the tremendous value and significance of this court and was an enthusiastic supporter from day one,” said levinson. “We are extremely grateful for his efforts.”

The official event will take place this Wednesday, May 4, 2022, with ceremonial dedication of the state’s first-ever regional court system.

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Levinson has been a proponent of shared and consolidated services in Atlantic County for more than 20 years.

The idea for the consolidated court was that of Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson

A plaque for each of the three trailblazers has been created by the County of Atlantic.

They will hang above the entrance to each court room.

• Court Room 1 will bear Judge Mendez’ name.
• Court 2 will be named in honor of Judge Armstrong.
• Court Room 3 will be named in honor of Judge Jacobs.

“It gives me great pride to honor each of them in this way, and to know that their contributions will not be forgotten, said Levinson.