Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Trenton – September 30, 2024 – The New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (NJOPD) is proud to announce the formation of a dedicated Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) team, reaffirming its dedication to fostering a vibrant and inclusive workplace. Led by DEIB Officer John Johnson and including DEIB Specialist Lyndsey Peck, the team will be instrumental in driving initiatives that enhance diversity and equity in hiring, development, retention, engagement and advancement of NJOPD staff.

"Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central to not only our workplace culture, but also to our agency’s mission,” said Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti. “Each person brings a unique experience and perspective to the important work we do, and NJOPD is committed to making our work environment welcoming, equitable, and inclusive for everyone. We are thrilled to support John and Lyndsey in their vital roles as we strive to further embody these principles in every aspect of our work."

As NJOPD’s inaugural DEIB Officer, Johnson will collaborate closely with Public Defender Management to ensure that DEIB values are at the center of the agency’s work—from recruitment, hiring, and advancement to the ways NJOPD serves its community. Among his responsibilities in this role, Johnson will develop and implement training plans that promote an inclusive work environment, emphasizing cultural competency and racial equity. He will also develop and implement initiatives to recruit, hire, and support professionals from traditionally underrepresented groups.

Indelible impressions from participating in mandatory school busing in middle school and observing the inequities growing up paired with working in poverty-stricken communities piqued Johnson’s curiosity about the social and racial injustices that exist in society. That curiosity led him to become affiliated with the University of California Berkeley's Belonging and Othering Institute, which has provided him access to extensive research and training materials on addressing social and racial inequities within communities. Access to this information has enabled Johnson to effectively fight against these injustices and advocate change for the disenfranchised individuals he has represented. Additionally, these experiences have made Johnson a valued member of the Middlesex Vicinage’s Minority Concerns Committee and NJOPD's DEI Committee and has allowed him to address the structural injustices caused by governmental action. 

In addition, with thirty years of legal experience, nearly two decades of which have been spent at the agency, Johnson brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. Since 2017, he has served as the Deputy Public Defender in the Middlesex Trial Region, representing individuals in high-profile cases. A Certified Criminal Trial Attorney recognized by the New Jersey Supreme Court, Johnson has tried over 100 jury trials to completion and has deep knowledge in all facets of litigation. His skills encompass negotiation, conducting investigations, and ensuring compliance with statutes and case law.  

“Prioritizing DEIB values enhances our ability to advocate effectively for individuals we represent, fostering trust and perspective within our community,” said Johnson. “These efforts are crucial for delivering the compassionate and informed representation every individual is entitled to under the law.”

Johnson’s career began as an Assistant Deputy Public Defender in the Essex County Trial Region in 2002, and he gained valuable experience as an Assistant Prosecutor in the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, as well as serving as a staff attorney with Essex Newark Legal Services and an Assistant Municipal Prosecutor in Newark, NJ. He also completed a judicial clerkship in the Superior Court of New Jersey's Appellate Division under The Honorable Robert Muir, Jr. Johnson holds a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law and a B.A. in political science from the University of California, Berkeley.

As DEIB Specialist, Peck will focus on developing and implementing initiatives that promote DEIB efforts throughout the agency. She will work closely with leadership and staff to foster a more inclusive workplace culture, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. In conjunction with Johnson, Peck will also lead efforts to identify and address systemic barriers within the agency’s policies and practices, while providing training and support to enhance cultural competency, humility, and understanding.

A strong advocate for DEIB efforts, Peck has served as the Chair of NJOPD’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee since 2022, where she has spearheaded agency-wide DEIB training sessions and coordinated and presented numerous panel events featuring industry experts and members of local communities. She is currently the NJOPD designated member of the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement.

"I believe that a diverse workforce is essential for understanding the unique challenges faced by those we serve,” said Peck. “Together, we can create meaningful change that resonates throughout the state of New Jersey."

Since 2019, Lyndsey has served as an Assistant Deputy Public Defender with the New Jersey Office of Parental Representation, defending parents in all aspects of family regulation litigation, including on abuse and neglect, custody, and termination of parental rights matters. Prior to joining NJOPD, she clerked for the Honorable Bruce J. Kaplan in the Middlesex County Family Division, where she conducted research and drafted opinions on Children-In-Court cases, composed bench memoranda, and mediated small claims and landlord-tenant matters. Peck received her J.D. from Cardozo School of Law and her B.A. in political science from the University of Florida, with an additional focus in Arabic Language, Literature, and Culture.

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