Susan D. Wigenton facts for kids

Susan Davis Wigenton (born October 12, 1962) is a very important judge in the United States. She serves as a district judge for the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. This means she helps make decisions in federal cases in New Jersey.

Early Life and Education

Susan Wigenton was born in Neptune Township, New Jersey. She grew up with three brothers in a family that loved sports. Her father was a pastor.

She went to Norfolk State University and earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Arts, in 1984. Later, she studied law at The College of William & Mary Law School. She received her law degree, called a Juris Doctor, in 1987.

Career as a Lawyer

After law school, Susan Wigenton worked as a law clerk for Judge Lawrence Lawson. This job helped her learn how courts work. She did this from 1987 to 1988.

Then, she worked as a private lawyer in New Jersey. She was part of a law firm called Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, P.C. She worked there from 1988 to 2000 and became a partner. This means she was one of the main leaders of the firm.

She also served as a Public Defender for the City of Asbury Park. In this role, she helped people who could not afford a lawyer. She did this from 1989 to 1993.

Becoming a Federal Judge

In 2000, Susan Wigenton became a United States magistrate judge for the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. This was her first step into the federal court system.

In 2006, President George W. Bush chose her to become a United States district judge. This is a higher position. The Senate then voted to approve her. She officially became a judge on June 12, 2006.

Important Cases

Judge Wigenton has overseen several important cases. One case involved a person named Andrew Auernheimer. He was accused of certain online actions. The trial took place, and he was found responsible for some things. However, a higher court later decided that the trial should have happened in a different state.

She also presided over a well-known case related to the Fort Lee lane closure scandal. This case, sometimes called Bridgegate, involved traffic issues near a bridge. Judge Wigenton was the judge who managed this important trial.

Personal Life

Susan Wigenton is married to Kevin Wigenton. He is also a lawyer and works in Red Bank, New Jersey.

See also

• List of African-American federal judges
• List of African-American jurists
• List of people involved in the Fort Lee lane closure scandal