Senators Lesniak And Scutari Question New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram's Nomination of Chinh Le As New Chief For Division On Civil Rights. Le Is Not A New Jersey Employment Lawyer, Nor A Member Of The New Jersey State Bar.
New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram is drawing sharp questions in response to her nomination of a new state civil rights chief who is not a New Jersey employment lawyer, nor a member of the New Jersey State Bar. Senators Raymond Lesniak and Nicholas Scutari, Democrats, have requested that a state panel hold up the nomination of Chinh Le, Milgram's choice to head up the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights. Le is a practitioner-in-residence at Seton Hall University School of Law's Center for Social Justice. Le is also a former lawyer with the NAACP. The Senators questioned Le's depth of experience with gay rights issues and Milgram's judgment in nominating him.
Milgram's spokesman, David Wald said "This is a terrific, quality appointment," Wald said. "She's not looking to fill patronage spots here." Wald also stated that Le does not need to be a member of the New Jersey bar because the position does not require trial work. The seven-member Commission on Civil Rights is expected to vote on Le's nomination Wednesday.
The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights handles cases involving discrimination related to employment, housing and services.
