County officials announced at the July 2 meeting that the Bergen County courthouse Legal Resource Center in Room 124 has opened and is serving the public on a soft‑opening basis.

An unidentified county representative said the resource center’s new director and ombudsman, Joy Shea, is an attorney who will provide advocacy and assistance to members of the public. The assignment judge, the representative said, will circulate information through the Bergen County Bar Association and the county will issue a press release to publicize the service.

"The new director there, the ombudsman, is an attorney, a very well qualified attorney named Joy Shea," the county representative said. "The word is spreading quickly, and they are beginning to assist people there."

A member of the public and several commissioners welcomed the announcement and suggested a formal opening and wider publicity to let residents and community organizations know about the resource.

Commissioners said the courthouse resource center should be visited by board members and staff to better understand services as the county works to connect residents with legal information. The center was described as a point of contact for people who cannot afford counsel and who may otherwise lack access to legal help. No formal vote was required to open the center; the remarks described the center’s operational status and planned outreach.