Prosecutor Carroll announces promotion of Michelle Ghali to Senior Assistant Prosecutor in Morris County

MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood have announced the promotion of Michelle Ghali to Senior Assistant Prosecutor within the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

A formal ceremony recognizing Ghali’s promotion was held Nov. 6, 2025, at the Morris County Commissioners Public Meeting Room. She will continue to serve in the Appellate Unit of the office’s Courts & Administration Division.

Senior Assistant Prosecutor Ghali began her legal career clerking for Judge William P. Gilroy of the Appellate Division and interning for Justice Helen Hoens of the New Jersey Supreme Court. She joined the Union County Prosecutor’s Office in 2010, where she gained extensive experience across multiple divisions, including Appellate, Juvenile, Trial Team, Grand Jury, Special Offenders, Drug Court, Domestic Violence, and Pre-Indictment.

During her tenure in Union County, Ghali litigated numerous trials to verdict — including cases involving sexual assault and homicide — and appeared in both state and federal courts. She also managed criminal diversion programs, participated in community initiatives, and mentored junior assistant prosecutors.

In 2022, Ghali joined Seton Hall University School of Law as an adjunct professor, teaching courses such as Persuasion and Advocacy, Appellate Advocacy, and Lawyering.

She joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2024, where she has since litigated cases at both the state and federal levels, resulting in multiple convictions being upheld on appeal. Ghali also assists the Trial Team and Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Units, handles motions, and covers the mental health diversion docket. Her appellate work in State v. Tyrone Ellison led to a published decision on search and seizure law earlier this year.

Ghali has also instructed law enforcement officers at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy and presented at the New Jersey Attorney General’s Statewide Appellate Symposium.

A graduate of Seton Hall Law School and Connecticut College, Ghali holds a Juris Doctorate and Bachelor of Arts degree.

“Through this promotion, I am proud to recognize Sr. Assistant Prosecutor Ghali’s hard work and perseverance in the pursuit of justice,” said Prosecutor Carroll. “Other assistant prosecutors can benefit from her knowledge and experience.”