Well-wishers turned out to bid a fond farewell to William J. Kane, who retired last week after serving as director of the New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program since its founding in 1993. The gathering was held at the New Jersey Law Center.
New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) Secretary Norberto A. Garcia expressed his gratitude for Kane’s service and recounted a story about Kane’s persistence over 14 years to establish a confidential program to help lawyers struggling with alcohol disorders and other problems.
“Bill’s determination and dedication to helping others has helped generations of New Jersey lawyers. For Bill, leading the program has not just been a job, but a calling. Over the years, he has been the guiding force serving not just attorneys, but law students, bar candidates and even members of the Judiciary,” he said.
Garcia continued, “Even more, his compassion in treating clients with honesty, dignity, respect and understanding is why the New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program has been a national leader. For each and every life he touched, he did so with characteristic warmth, humility and deep compassion.”
Garcia and NJSBA Immediate Past President Kimberly A. Yonta presented Kane with a resolution from the NJSBA Board of Trustees, which read in part:
“Whereas, William Kane, has been a courageous, compassionate visionary, has established a tremendous legacy in New Jersey having improved the legal profession and society through his leadership and assistance, and be it resolved, the New Jersey State Bar Association Board of Trustees on behalf of its membership, honors, recognizes and offers congratulations to William Kane for his efforts on behalf of so many.”