When New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) President Kimberly A. Yonta was sworn in as president from her living room last May, the pandemic had been underway for three months and the legal profession, like the rest of society, was upended and uncertain about the future.
As Yonta’s term draws to a close, much has changed. Vaccines are taming the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and law firms and courthouses are starting to reopen. Hope and progress have replaced darkness and uncertainty and, through it all, Yonta led the state’s legal professionals through one of the most challenging times in its history.
“It has been an honor to serve as the president of the New Jersey State Bar Association during one of the most trying times in our lifetime,” Yonta said.
“When we were confronted with challenges to simply do our jobs and carry out justice during this pandemic, I had the privilege to work with the many smart, selfless women and men of the bar, from every corner of this state, who supported each other, supported the NJSBA, and resolved problems and issues that affected us as attorneys.”
From the outset, Yonta faced the daunting challenges head-on, vigorously advocating for the legal profession at all levels of government and in the Judiciary. One of her first actions was to establish the Pandemic Task Force to examine and address numerous concerns the public health crisis created for the legal community and its ability to serve the public. Comprised of five committees, the task force brought together leaders from across the profession to study issues, such as how to safely reopen law firms, adjust courthouse operations and resume jury trials, and to make recommendations and offer practical guidance through a series of reports.
The NJSBA pivoted to a virtual environment to serve its members, sharing regular updates on pandemic-related developments that would affect their practice. It offered free educational seminars on topics such as virtual depositions, loan programs and cybersecurity tips when working from home, and presented more than 90 New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education seminars that specifically dealt with legal issues related to the pandemic.
Fighting for the legal profession
Yonta and the NJSBA ardently advocated for the needs of lawyers and their clients to government officials in every branch. Under her leadership, the NJSBA helped to draft or support more than a dozen pieces of legislation over the year, including a law allowing remote notarization when the shutdown prohibited in-person meetings because of the public health crisis.
The NJSBA raised constitutional concerns in amicus briefs it submitted about in-person trials in State v. Dangcil, and about virtual grand juries in State v. Vega-Larregui. And as virtual proceedings are being held, the NJSBA has coordinated educational seminars about best practices and tactics attorneys can use to make the most of the proceedings.
“As we begin to safely reopen law firms and courthouses, and begin virtual, in-person and hybrid civil jury trials across the state, know that the NJSBA has worked hard for its members and will continue to do so as we transition post-pandemic,” Yonta said.
The NJSBA successfully advocated for passage of Daniel’s Law on the state level and has been working on a national level for a companion measure to prohibit the disclosure of personal addresses and other identifying information about judges and their families. The measures pay tribute to Daniel Anderl, the son of U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas, who was gunned down in an attack at her home that also left her husband critically wounded.
Speaking out on racial and social justice
Yonta took the helm of the NJSBA during not only the worst public health crisis in a century, but one where a societal reckoning over racial and social justice took place after the country was rocked by protests over the murder of George Floyd and other unarmed Black individuals. Soon after Floyd’s death, Yonta spoke out, calling for a swift, fair and independent investigation. When acts of violence were committed against Asian Americans during the pandemic, she issued a statement condemning the hate, bias and violence. And when the U.S. Capitol was attacked, Yonta condemned the violence and assault undermining the core principles of democracy, the rule of law and peaceful transition of power. As she noted at the NJSBA’s Women’s Leadership Conference, “speaking up” is what she does. Throughout her term, Yonta underscored the importance of women in leadership and in the law during interactive panels and in a robust conversation with the women justices of New Jersey.
After Floyd’s death, she established the Commission on Racial Equity in the Law to identify ways to address root causes of inequities in the legal profession and the law. The commission has been meeting regularly, both as a full body and in subcommittees, studying a variety of issues, including municipal courts, civics and education, pathways to leadership, the culture of the profession and policing. The group has supported legislation eliminating mandatory minimum sentences and is in the process of delivering an interim report with specific recommendations.
Push to fill judicial vacancies
As the courts face an impending crush of cases exacerbated by the pandemic, Yonta also urged the governor and Senate to take prompt action to fill the state’s numerous judicial vacancies.
“A persistent shortage of judges jeopardizes access to the court system, which is an independent and co-equal branch of government. The repercussions of these vacancies on the citizens of New Jersey, who rely on the court system for the fair and impartial administration of justice to resolve disputes, should take utmost priority,” she said.
To ensure public access to the justice system, which was made more difficult by the pandemic, Yonta launched NJ Free Legal Answers, an online version of the traditional walk-in clinic. Dozens of attorneys stepped up to volunteer to help lend guidance on more than 400 civil legal questions individuals posted on the site.
Prioritizing lawyer well-being
The pandemic brought renewed attention to the importance of lawyer well-being and the unique challenges lawyers face in general. Throughout her term, Yonta prioritized strengthening the NJSBA’s programs on lawyer well-being, which culminated with the celebration of Well-Being Week in Law, offering programs, articles and videos on a range of health topics.
“As we enter the 14th month of this pandemic, addressing our well-being is essential. For some of us, we are giddy with the thrill of being fully vaccinated and heading back into life. For some of us, we are worn down to a nub with stress and anxiety. For some of us, it is a combination of both. The long-term ramifications of this pandemic on our professional and personal lives are yet untold, but no doubt will manifest for many years to come. The NJSBA wants to be a leader to bring about meaningful change for how our profession addresses and prioritizes well-being,” Yonta said.
Marshaling NJSBA’s support and strength
Despite the challenges during an unprecedented year and the hurdles placed in front of the state’s legal profession, Yonta was always out front, fighting for the profession and marshaling the NJSBA’s support and strength.
And while the pandemic prevented her from speaking in person to members at conferences or seminars at the New Jersey Law Center or locations around the state, Yonta continued to work tirelessly behind the scenes and speak regularly to membership and officials via video and videoconference.
Despite dramatic societal changes that impacted the profession, the NJSBA had uplifting achievements to celebrate, including the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, the 25th anniversary of the New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law, numerous awards recognizing the achievements of members and raising more than $10,000 in donations for Lawyers Feeding New Jersey.
Reflecting on the conclusion of her term, Yonta said, “I am optimistic about the future. We have shown we can resolve problems and issues that affect us as attorneys. I am very grateful for having had the opportunity to observe lawyers lending helping hands to each other throughout this turbulent year.”