The New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) Board of Trustees approved the appointment of New Jersey State Bar Foundation (NJSBF) trustees and voted to submit comments on a Supreme Court Civil Practice Committee report at its April 24 meeting. In accordance with social distancing guidelines in effect due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting was held via conference call.
The board approved the Civil Trial Bar Section’s recommendations to provide comments on the Supreme Court Civil Practice Committee report, supporting the majority of the committee’s recommendations. In addition, the NJSBA asked the committee to further review proposed amendments to Rule 4:22-1 regarding requests for admission; supported a new rule on motions in limine, but requested that some additional considerations be included; asked that Social Security numbers continue to be required in personal injury and medical malpractice interrogatories; and praised the creation of a new track to allow greater flexibility in some civil cases, where all parties and clients agree.
The board approved the appointment of seven trustees to the NJSBF. Kelly Ann Bird; Norberto A. Garcia, Foundation president; Mikeisha Anderson Jones; Ralph J. Lamparello, former NJSBA president; and Thomas J. Manzo were approved for re-appointment. In addition, in accordance with the recommendation of NJSBA President Evelyn Padin, the trustees appointed Heather Suarez and Katrina Homel to the Foundation board.
The trustees also approved proposals to update the Labor and Employment Law Section’s bylaws to reflect its current practices, as well as be more inclusive, among other changes. The changes now require finalization by the section.
Padin also took a few moments at the end of the meeting to thank six trustees who are completing their final terms on the board. They are:
- Milagros Camacho—Padin noted Camacho has been a powerful voice, bringing issues about criminal matters to the attention of the board, but also serving as a steward of the concerns of underrepresented members of the legal community and society overall.
- Craig Hubert—Hubert has been a “dedicated steward” of the NJSBA through his work with the Judicial Administration Committee and the Civil Trial Bar Section. Padin particularly noted the time and energy he has spent advocating for measures the Association has pursued in Trenton, most recently measures that would allow victims of sexual abuse at the hands of the powerful to come forward.
- Edward O’Donnell—Known for his voice of reason and good humor, O’Donnell brought a wealth of experience and information to board discussions, Padin said. His perspective on family law matters, as well as the practice of law, has been invaluable, she added.
- Heather Suarez—Suarez is “the kind of person you want on your side,” Padin said, noting her passion and eye for details. She said Suarez has particularly been an asset in terms of her representation of the Real Property, Trust and Estate Law
- Cindy Vogelman—Vogelman has had the critically important, and at times thankless, job of helping draft and recommend bylaws changes for NJSBA sections, and the Association as a whole, Padin noted. She has a reputation for bringing important issues to the fore and knowledgeably driving to the root issues of the matters that face the legal
- David Wolfe—Wolfe’s service to the organized bar continues a family legacy, and Padin noted his particular help in the days since the COVID-19 pandemic struck. His knowledge and expertise in helping identify and think through tax-related issues New Jersey lawyers are contending with for clients and members of the public has been invaluable.