First Indian American woman to preside over a New Jersey Municipal Court

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The state of New Jersey now has its first female Indian American Judge for its Municipal Court.

In an unprecedented move, Edison’s youngest Mayor Sam Joshi nominated Dipti Vaid Dedhia Esq. for the position of a Judge on Edison Municipal Court. Confirmed by the Township Council, Dedhia is the first female Indian American Judge ever in both the City of Edison and in New Jersey State.

“Dedhia’s appointment broke a glass ceiling that we should all be proud of. Our Council members supported this nomination unanimously,” Mayor Joshi said in an official statement.

Recently elected Joshi had announced change-for-the-better as his mandate at his swearing in ceremony. “…I can promise to you that we will set a new standard of excellence in local government and that I will do my best each and every day to run a modern, efficient and honest government that all residents can be proud of,” Joshi had said.

Already making a mark for breaking down barriers, Mayor Joshi, nominated Dedhia for the position based on her qualifications. “It was truly my honor and privilege to nominate Dipti Vaid Dedhia as Edison’s next municipal court judge,” Mayor Joshi said in a proclamation. “Dedhia is a highly qualified attorney and former Deputy Attorney General in New Jersey,” the proclamation said, and continued, “She is the most qualified and ready for the job.” The Council approved the nomination.

Dedhia was serving as the Deputy Attorney General for the State of New Jersey at the time of her appointment. In that role, Dedhia litigated complex employment matters, and appeals of the Department of Labor decisions regarding unemployment benefits in the Employment Counsel and Labor Section.

Her job also involved investigating violations of law or policy, including allegations of harassment, retaliation, bullying, privacy concerns, integrity, and other inappropriate behavior. She provided legal counsel and advice to State agencies, departments, colleges, and commissions regarding administrative enforcement of labor laws, anti-discrimination policies, prevailing wage laws, and best employment practices. She has also represented the Governor’s office of Employee Relations in arbitrating grievances between the Administration and labor unions, according to her Linkedin profile.

A graduate of Seton Hall University, School of Law in Newark, New Jersey, Dedhia holds a practicing license in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Dedhia is also the recipient of the prestigious Most Successful Mediator Award in the Passaic County Superior Court Clerk’s Program. She has participated in national civil rights competition, is certified in deposition skills by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, and is a frequent contributor to Huffington Post, Brown Girl Magazine, and the Aerogram.

Immigrating from London, U.K.to the U.S. with her parents at the age of two, Dedhia has lived in New Jersey since then, and in Edison for the past twenty years.

Dedhia gives credit for her progress to her parents. “… I had two amazing parents who motivated me to strive for a life of significance and conscience. In recognition of their immense impact on my life, one of my main goals in my new role is to be an example to the youth of today,” she said in an official statement after her nomination.

She further says in the statement, “My message to them (the youth) is simple: though the path may not be clear as you stand here today, your goals are attainable. Achieving your dreams through courage, kindness, and perseverance is not a cliche – I am living proof!”