Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor

Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Bridget J. Coughlin grew up in Ocean County and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Speech Communications from the University of Richmond in 1995.  In 2000, she earned her Juris Doctorate (with honors) from Rutgers School of Law-Camden.

Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Coughlin began her legal career as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Edward J. Turnbach, J.S.C., in Ocean County during the 2000-2001 court term, and thereafter as a defense attorney for the Office of the Public Defender in Union County from September 2001 until April 2002.

In 2002, former Ocean County Prosecutor Thomas F. Kelaher appointed Ms. Coughlin to be an Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor.  Over the last 24 years, Ms. Coughlin has served the office in numerous capacities, most recently as the Executive Assistant Prosecutor.  She spent the majority of her career in the Trial section where she has prosecuted murders, arsons, drug crimes, sex crimes, and domestic violence.  In July 2026, Ms. Coughlin was promoted to the position of Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor by Prosecutor Billhimer.

Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Coughlin is a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney and a member of the Ocean County Bar Association.