---
title: "Thomas R. Vena | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/thomas-r-vena-nj-retired-essex"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Thomas R. Vena

New Jersey Superior Court, Essex Vicinage · Civil Judge

## Profile

- Court: New Jersey Superior Court, Essex Vicinage
- State: New Jersey
- Role: Civil Judge
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### media access and electronic devices

Scope: statewide

New Jersey statewide Supreme Court guidelines govern media access and electronic devices in courtrooms; recording, photography, broadcasting, and transmission require compliance with the published approval process and courtroom restrictions.

Evidence excerpt: Transmission, broadcasting, recording and/or photographing is prohibited at any proceeding closed by court order, statute, or Rule of Court.

[New Jersey Courts](https://www.njcourts.gov/sites/default/files/notices/2024/07/n240723a.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.njcourts.gov/public/directories/judges/all)
- [Official roster](https://www.njcourts.gov/public/directories/judges/all)
- [New Jersey Courts official judicial roster](https://www.njcourts.gov/public/directories/judges/all)
- [New Jersey Courts](https://www.njcourts.gov/sites/default/files/notices/2024/07/n240723a.pdf)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Seasoned New Jersey judge with a long career in criminal, family, and civil law, now in a temporary recall to serve in the Civil Division of Essex County until late 2028.
- Retired judge of the Essex County Superior Court (Vicinage 5) in New Jersey, appointed by former Governor Christine Todd Whitman on November 16, 2000
- Administrative Law: held the role of an administrative law judge for the New Jersey Office of Administrative Law (1998–2000)
- Legal Practice: Partner at Vena & Theroux, South Orange (1991–2000)
- 43:6A‐13 and is subject to the Chief Justice’s approval
- His background includes legal practice, administrative law judging, and over two decades on the Superior Court bench

### Education



### Additional information

- Served in multiple divisions — Criminal (2000–2007), Family (2007–2009), and Civil (2009–present) — before reaching mandatory retirement in 2022
- 6, 2028) During this recall, he remains temporarily assigned to the Civil Division of the Essex County Superior Court (Vicinage 5).
- This arrangement is authorized under N.J.S.A.