Associate Justice Douglas M. Fasciale 

Early Life and Education

Douglas M. Fasciale was born on November 5, 1960, in Hackensack, New Jersey, and raised in East Brunswick. He earned his B.A. from Seton Hall University in 1982 and his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1986. In 2023, he completed an LL.M. in Judicial Studies at Duke University School of Law’s Bolch Judicial Institute, where his thesis focused on how trial court experience enhances appellate decision‑making.

Legal and Judicial Career

Fasciale began his legal career as a law clerk to Superior Court Judge John E. Keefe before practicing as a trial attorney for nearly two decades at Hoagland, Longo, Moran & Doukas. In 2000, he earned the distinguished certification as one of New Jersey’s certified civil trial attorneys — a credential held by fewer than 3% of lawyers in the state.

He was appointed to the New Jersey Superior Court by Governor James McGreevey in 2004 and reappointed in 2011 by Governor Chris Christie, serving across civil, criminal, and family divisions. In 2010, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner elevated him to the Appellate Division, where he served as presiding judge and authored over 50 published opinions. He also presided in recovery court proceedings.

Appointment to the Supreme Court

Chief Justice Rabner temporarily assigned Fasciale to the New Jersey Supreme Court in September 2022. Governor Phil Murphy formally nominated him in September 2022; he was confirmed unanimously by the State Senate in October 2022 and sworn in on October 21, 2022. His current term continues through October 21, 2029.

Expertise & Scholarship

Justice Fasciale’s extensive trial experience firmly informs his appellate work. In 2023, he earned his Master of Judicial Studies degree at Duke and published a case study on how trial court experience enhances appellate review of discretionary decisions. His scholarship adds significant practical insight to judicial reasoning.

He is also an elected member of the American Law Institute. Like his colleagues, he brings a reputation for calm demeanor, fairness, and deep respect for litigants and legal institutions.