Hon. Ellen L. Koblitz, P.J.A.D. (Ret.) Named a Finalist for the New Jersey Law Journal’s 2026 "Outstanding Officiator" Award
Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. is proud to announce that the Hon. Ellen L. Koblitz, P.J.A.D. (Ret.) has been named a finalist in the "Outstanding Officiator" category by the New Jersey Law Journal as part of its 2026 New Jersey Legal Awards. As special counsel at the firm, Judge Koblitz focuses her practice on mediation and arbitration of Family, Chancery and Civil matters. In addition, she advises attorneys and clients on criminal, civil, chancery, and family appellate matters, including reviewing appellate briefs and conducting moot court appellate arguments. Judge Koblitz is a fellow of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, on the consumer panel of arbitrators of the American Arbitration Association and is a qualified NJ Ct. R. 1:40-12 mediator.
“Judge Koblitz spent nearly three decades on the bench earning the respect of lawyers and litigants alike through her intellect, fairness, and dedication to justice,” said Michael S. Stein, chair and managing partner of Pashman Stein Walder Hayden. “In her arbitration and mediation practice at Pashman Stein, she brings those same qualities to every matter, helping parties navigate difficult disputes with insight, credibility, and sound judgment. We are thrilled that the Law Journal has recognized her as a finalist for this well-deserved honor.”
Judge Koblitz joined Pashman Stein in 2020 after serving 27 years on the New Jersey bench, including serving as a judge for 10 years in the Appellate Division, during which time she served as Presiding Judge of the Appellate Division for two years. Prior to her appellate service, Judge Koblitz served as Presiding Judge of the Chancery Division in Bergen County, Presiding Judge of the Family Part in Bergen County, and in the Special Civil Part and Criminal Part in Bergen County.
Throughout her career, Judge Koblitz has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving the administration of justice and advancing the legal profession. In 2025, she advocated for an important ethics rule change that was ultimately adopted by the New Jersey Supreme Court, effective September 1, 2026, incorporating a “bright line” rule regarding sexual relationships between clients and lawyers.
Judge Koblitz has also dedicated significant time to education and mentorship, having received the Mentor award by the New Jersey Law Journal as part of its 2023 New Jersey Legal awards. She regularly assists attorneys with appellate advocacy and preparation, has presented numerous continuing legal education programs, taught negotiations as an adjunct professor at Rutgers Law School, authored articles for the New Jersey Law Journal, and wrote the commentary to Gann's New Jersey Model Criminal Jury Charges.
The New Jersey Law Journal’s announcement of the awards can be found here. The winners will be announced and honorees recognized at the New Jersey Law Journal’s gala on October 29, 2026.
The New Jersey Legal Awards are published by the New Jersey Law Journal. A description of the selection methodology can be found here.
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
