The New Jersey State Bar Association is the voice of the profession and has over 18,000 members across the state. Its mission is to serve, protect, foster and promote the personal and professional interests of its members. It also promotes access to the justice system, encourages participation in pro bono activities and encourages professionalism and pride in the community. The association, which is based at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick, is able to accomplish its goals through the hard work of volunteers who dedicate thousands of hours each year to making it happen. The following is part two of a three-part series exploring the NJSBA’s efforts and organizational groups:Board of TrusteesThe NJSBA Board of Trustees has 49 members and is the governing body of the association. It meets monthly and includes the members of the Executive Committee, representatives of sections and committees, members who represent segments of the legal community that are underrepresented, and members who represent the interests of each county in the state. The board considers legislative positions, what to advocate in
amicus matters, how to respond to court rules changes and other issues facing the bar. While the board’s meetings are confidential, summaries of each meeting are posted at
njsba.com.
Association Sections and Committees There are three-dozen sections and 50 committees and divisions that focus on everything from aviation law to workers’ compensation, representing the heart of the association. The members of these groups are the lifeblood of the association and provide the board invaluable analysis on issues and a forum for discussion, debate, education and information exchange to the association’s members in their practice areas. The groups organize continuing legal education (CLE) programs, organize volunteer opportunities, evaluate legislation, help draft
amicus briefs, and serve as a daily resource for colleagues in specialized areas of the law.
Diversity and InclusionIt is part of the association’s mission to foster diversity and inclusion across the profession. In a continued effort to meet those goals, the association has taken the lead in creating an action plan and checklist for all leaders to use as a way to quantify their efforts. The association works collaboratively with the affinity bar associations around the state, and has organized a Diverse Voices speakers series. The Diversity Committee meets regularly, publishes a newsletter, oversees programming for the Leadership Academy, and holds an annual retreat, all with the aim of ensuring the association remains an open and inclusive environment where everyone is welcome and all viewpoints are respected.
Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee The Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee plays the only non-partisan role in the review of potential candidates to serve as judges and prosecutors. The committee’s membership includes representatives from each county. It provides a strictly confidential review and evaluation of the qualifications of each candidate the Governor’s Office considers for appointment and reappointment. A determination about the qualifications of each candidate is also shared confidentially with that office. The work of the committee is dictated by the Hughes Compact, an agreement every governor in modern history has signed, which sets out the bar association’s duties and efforts.
Ethics Diversionary Program Special Committee The association is home to the Ethics Diversionary Committee, which helps put attorneys who are facing potential minor ethics complaints back on the right track. It develops the structure and content of the Ethics Diversionary Program and monitors the respondents' participation and fulfillment of their assigned diversion in the program.