Jessica Levinson Apostolou

I became an Assistant Prosecutor in the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office in 2007 where I have worked my entire career. I started in the Juvenile, Domestic Violence, and Special Remand Units before moving to Trial Team where I vertically prosecuted a variety of crimes and tried cases. I also sought to increase diversionary opportunities for a target population of offenders living with mental illness and/or co-occurring substance abuse. I was lucky to help create the first Mental Health Diversion Program in Essex County, with the assistance of a grant by the Attorney General’s Office. As part of that process, I helped bring Crisis Intervention Training to Essex County wherein I trained law enforcement officers and mental health stakeholders in the community.

In 2016, I transferred to the Professional Standards Bureau where I help oversee law enforcement officers in Essex County.  This includes prosecuting officers who chose to abuse their authority by violating our laws, and also helping agencies identify and address issues before they negatively impact the community. By policing the police, we are able to prevent injustice, punish wrongdoing, increase the public’s trust in law enforcement, and enable just prosecutions.  I consistently work with law enforcement, teaching agencies about the internal affairs function and training officers on the AG Use of Force Policy.

From the beginning of my legal endeavors I have only ever wanted to be, and wish to remain, a career prosecutor.  I graduated from Seton Hall School University School of Law in 2006, and then clerked for a Superior Court Judge in Union County.  In my now 15th year as an AP, I have the variety of prosecutorial experience to understand and advocate for APs in various stages of their legal careers - - whether they are in trial and/or non-trial positions.  I hope to ensure that we are all shown respect and are valued for our public service and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice.