McKee Names Personal Injury Lawyer to Chair Judicial Nominating Commission

McKee Names Personal Injury Lawyer to Chair Judicial Nominating Commission

Governor Dan McKee announced on Thursday that he was appointing Zachary M. Mandell to serve as chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC). Mandell is replacing outgoing chair Krystle G. Tadesse.

He is the son of Mark Mandell and is a partner in his father’s law firm.

“Zachary is a brilliant legal mind who has demonstrated a deep commitment to the law and the kind of moral and ethical character it takes to uphold it,” said McKee. “His experience will be a strong asset to the JNC as it works to identify the next generation of judges in Rhode Island.”

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Mandell is a Major Political Donor

According to Rhode Island campaign finance records, Zachary Mandell has donated more than $45,000 to Democratic candidates and $6,000 to McKee's campaign. His father has donated more than $89,000 predominantly to Democrats, including $4,500 to McKee.

 

Background

Mandell has 15 years of legal experience. He earned his J.D. from Roger Williams University’s School of Law in 2011 and was appointed to serve on the State’s Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline by Governor McKee in 2022—he will resign from this role when he becomes the chair of the JNC.

Mandell is a member of and on the Board of Governors for the American Association for Justice and is a past president of the Rhode Island Association for Justice. He also currently serves on the board of directors for Roger Williams University’s School of Law.

“I feel truly honored to be given the opportunity to serve as chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission. I care deeply about the Rhode Island justice system and look forward to helping our state in this new role,” said Mandell.

The Judicial Nominating Commission is charged with screening applicants for vacancies on all of Rhode Island’s courts. Upon notification of a judicial vacancy, the Commission advertises for interested candidates, who then complete an extensive application. The Commission then selects candidates to be interviewed, solicits public comment, and conducts background checks.