WILMINGTON – Governor Jack Markell today announced his nomination of a dedicated public servant for a position on Delaware’s judiciary. This afternoon, Markell announced his nomination of Judge Andrea L. Rocanelli for appointment to the Superior Court. Judge Rocanelli will be nominated to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jerome O. Herlihy.
“Judge Rocanelli is recognized for her outstanding contributions to the bench, bar and public,” said Governor Markell. “If confirmed, she will be an excellent addition to the Superior Court of Delaware.”
Since 2009, Judge Rocanelli has served as a judge on the Court of Common Pleas. In addition to adjudicating numerous criminal and civil matters, Judge Rocanelli is responsible for the Court’s Drug Diversion Program in New Castle County. With respect to civil litigation, Judge Rocanelli has focused on the Court’s consumer debt collection actions, including the Court’s 2011 Administrative Directive, which adopted and implemented standardized procedural guidelines to ensure fairness to all litigants and improve efficiency in the administration of justice.
“I am honored that Governor Markell has nominated me to serve as a judge on the finest trial court in the nation,” said Judge Rocanelli. “If I am confirmed, I will do my best to build upon the Superior Court’s well-deserved reputation for excellence.”
From 2003-2009, Judge Rocanelli served as Chief Counsel of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel for the Delaware Supreme Court, with responsibility for the practice of law and legal ethics in the State of Delaware. While at ODC, Judge Rocanelli served on various committees, including as a member of the Advisory Committee to the ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs. Among other positions, Judge Rocanelli previously served as Deputy Disciplinary Counsel of ODC (1997-2003) and as an associate at Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell (1992-1997).
Judge Rocanelli received her J.D. from Harvard Law School, and her B.A., summa cum laude, from Boston College.
