BOSTON—The woman picked by Gov. Deval Patrick to be an administrative judge at the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents appears to have an easy road to confirmation.

Cheryl Jacques is a former state senator from Needham and former president of the Human Rights Campaign. She was the first openly lesbian state legislator in Massachusetts history.

While the Needham Democrat has little experience with the Department of Industrial Accidents, former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger told the council Jacques is a quick study and has excellent judgment.

Councilors offered little resistance, with hearing chairman Marilyn Petitto Devaney saying her doubts had been overcome through such testimonials.

In her lone question, Devaney asked Jacques to name the greatest strength she would bring to the six-year, $107,000-per-year job.

Jacques says it would be her well-roundedness.

The confirmation vote is March 19.