Hon. Marlene Lynch Ford A.J.S.C (Ret.)

Hon. John E. Keefe J.A.D. (Ret.) is Of Counsel to Keefe Law Firm, where she provides mediation services in civil and family law matters, conducts internal investigations, and serves as Special Master in complex litigation.

Judge Ford brings over two decades of judicial experience to her ADR practice, having served 24 years on the New Jersey Superior Court, including as Assignment Judge for Ocean County. She presided in both the Civil and Family Divisions and served as Ocean County Prosecutor from 2007 to 2013, appointed by Governors Jon Corzine and Chris Christie, before returning to the bench.

During her time as a judge, she was appointed to multiple Supreme Court committees and chaired the Model Civil Jury Charge Committee, the Committee on Outside Activities of Judicial Employees, and the Statewide Domestic Violence Working Group.

Before her judicial service, Judge Ford was elected to two terms in the New Jersey General Assembly, where she sponsored more than 75 laws, including the Domestic Violence Act of 1991, the Victims’ Rights Amendment, and the “Ford Act,” which introduced landmark property tax reform. She also co-sponsored legislation expanding civil rights protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Since retiring from the bench, Judge Ford now applies her extensive experience in public service and the judiciary to Alternative Dispute Resolution at Keefe Law Firm, drawing on decades of public service and legal leadership.

To learn more about the firm’s ADR services or to schedule a consultation, contact the Alternative Dispute Resolution Department at Keefe Law Firm by calling (732) 224-9400 ext. 208, or emailing our ADR assistant Alicia at arodriguez@keefe-lawfirm.com.