Retired Judge Mendez joins Stockton’s Hughes Center as analyst

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The William Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University announced Wednesday that Julio Mendez, a retired state Superior Court judge, will join the center as a senior contributing analyst as part of an effort to engage students and produce public programming centered around the law.

In this role, Mendez, who retired March 1 as assignment judge for the Atlantic-Cape May County vicinage, will produce written analyses and columns examining the important issues of the day.

Mendez will lead discussions with groups of students from all majors and will mentor pre-law students interested in a legal career.

“The most important part of this for me is to work with and to inspire Stockton students,” said Mendez. “I want them to see how legal issues affect so many areas of the lives and careers of people, and not just lawyers.”

The retired judge will also participate in public programs and panels aimed at educating students, faculty and South Jersey residents about trends and issues affecting government, the law and society.

“This collaboration will provide academic opportunities for students to learn from an expert who served at high levels in the state judiciary,” said Marissa Levy, dean of the School of Social Behavioral Sciences, in which the Hughes Center operates.

“In a time of social change and volatility as we’re in today, we are pleased to have an experienced leader like Judge Mendez at Stockton to offer ethical and insightful guidance to our community,” said Stockton President Harvey Kesselman.

John Froonjian, director of the Hughes Center, said the partnership is a natural fit because the center’s namesake, William Hughes, was a lawyer and prosecutor.

“The collaboration can raise the Hughes Center’s profile in the legal community,” said Froonjian.