U.S. District Judge Esther Salas experienced a profound act of violence on July 19, 2020, when a gunman posing as a delivery driver attacked her family at their New Jersey home. Her 20-year-old son, Daniel Anderl, was killed, and her husband was critically wounded. Because she was in another part of the house, Judge Salas was unharmed by the assailant who was later identified as an attorney with a history of grievances against judges.

In the years since, Judge Salas has become a leading advocate for judicial safety. She has publicly described a rise in threats and harassment targeting judges, including coordinated pizza deliveries sent to judges’ homes -- often ordered in her son’s name -- as a form of intimidation signaling that their private addresses are known. She has warned that such tactics endanger judges and their families and undermine judicial independence, calling for stronger protections and more responsible public rhetoric about the courts. 

Legalweek is pleased to host a candid, non-partisan conversation on the realities of modern judicial service and the challenges facing the judiciary today. Moderated by Judge Salas, who will be joined by U.S. District Judges Kenly Kiya Kato, Karoline Mehalchick and Mia Roberts Perez, this dynamic panel will address increasing concerns around judicial safety, heightened public visibility, and the personal and professional pressures inherent in presiding over complex and consequential matters.

Drawing on their personal experiences from the bench, the panelists will discuss the importance of maintaining judicial independence, public confidence in the courts, and respect for the rule of law in a rapidly changing environment. The conversation will also touch on the importance of judicial security and personal safety, and how these concerns are managed while preserving openness, impartiality, and the effective administration of justice.

Designed to inform and foster understanding, this conversation offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from members of the judiciary about the human dimensions of judicial service, including the safeguards that support judicial safety, independence, and the continued strength of the rule of law.
 

The Honorable Esther Salas, United States District Judge - District of New Jersey
The Honorable Kenly Kiya Kato, United States District Judge - Central District of California
The Honorable Karoline Mehalchick, United States District Judge - Middle District of Pennsylvania
The Honorable Mia Roberts Perez, United States District Judge - Eastern District of Pennsylvania