NJSBA President Kimberly A. Yonta shared a video update about the Association’s efforts to address the ongoing pandemic; diversity and inclusion efforts; the judicial vacancy emergency and Women’s History Month.
The NJSBA’s Pandemic Task Force remains focused on helping the legal community and the public, she said. Its Access to Justice and Practice of Law committees are poised to release new findings and recommendations. And the NJSBA continues to meet with court officials regularly to discuss issues like courthouse logistics and virtual trial matters.
Yonta addressed the record-high 74 judicial vacancies on the state court bench, saying there is a heightened sense of urgency to fill them and that Association is urging the Senate and Governor to act.
The Commission on Racial Equality of the Law is also continuing to work on issues to address systemic racism and is examining legislation and educational opportunities. Yonta further reported on a recent meeting that brought together the leaders of the Association with heads of affinity bar associations and the managing partners of the state’s largest law firms. The impact of the pandemic and diversity and inclusion efforts were the primary topics of discussion.
To mark the fact that March is Women’s History Month, Yonta highlighted the journey of Arabella Mansfield who in 1869 became the country’s first woman to be admitted to the practice of law.