Magistrate Joan Azrack confirmed as federal judge in Central Islip

A long time federal magistrate in Brooklyn, who was also a former federal prosecutor, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate for a federal judgeship on Long Island.

Joan Azrack was approved late Tuesday as a U.S. District Court judge in Central Islip, according to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), who recommended her nomination to President Barack Obama.

"Ms. Azrack is a woman with impeccable credentials, incredible intellect, and exactly the kind of fair-minded judgment we need on the federal bench," Gillibrand said in a statement. "I am confident she will serve the Eastern District well, as a federal judge. I look forward to her appointment adding yet another superb female jurist to the federal bench."

Azrack, who has been a magistrate in Brooklyn federal court since 1990, replaces U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert, who has taken senior status.

Before serving as a magistrate, Azrack was an assistant U.S. attorney in Brooklyn for nine years. There, she was deputy chief of the criminal division, chief of the business and securities fraud section, and deputy chief of the narcotics section, according to officials.

Azrack has an undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and a law degree from New York Law School.

By Robert E. Kessler

Robert.Kessler@newsday.com

Bob Kessler covers federal law, including law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, DEA, IRS and ATF, as well as the federal courts.