The Judiciary Act of 1789 established New Jersey as a single District on September 24, 1789.

On February 13, 1801 the Judiciary Act of 1801 reorganized the federal court system, resulting in the state being divided into Eastern and Western districts.

The Judiciary Act of 1801 was repealed on March 8, 1802 and New Jersey was re-established as a single district court.

As of January 9, 2025[update] the acting United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey is Vikas Khanna.

The chief judge serves for a term of seven years, or until age 70, whichever occurs first.