This is a status report provided by the New Jersey State Bar Association on recently passed and pending legislation, regulations, gubernatorial nominations and/or appointments of interest to lawyers, as well as the involvement of the NJSBA as amicus in appellate court matters. To learn more, visit njsba.com.
The New Jersey Supreme Court announced its implementation of recommendations by the Committee on Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement earlier this month. The New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) has a longstanding history of supporting recommendations in furtherance of the Court’s commitment to racial justice, awareness and equity in the Judiciary.
The Court has announced enhancements to the annual attorney registration process to enable attorneys to voluntarily self-report race, ethnicity, and other demographic data. The information will “enable development of a Bar diversity profile,” according to the Oct. 4 notice issued by Acting Administrative Director of the Courts Glenn A. Grant, J.A.D. Collection of this information will begin in 2023, as part of the attorney registration process.
Expanded professional development opportunities will also be made available to law clerks to incorporate issues such as diversity, inclusion and elimination of bias; principles of access and fairness; and LGBTQ+ inclusive courtroom practices. Resources will be developed by the Court to enhance the quality and consistency of Judiciary legal internships.
The Court adopted amendments to Rule 1:38-3(f)(10) to exclude from public access all records in actions for change of name pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:52-1 and Rule 4:72-1, et seq. With regard to Rule 4:72-4, the Court amended the rule so the judgment of name change is made effective with the entry of judgment. The NJSBA urged the adoption of these proposed amendments to promote consistency in the name change process and protect the safety and privacy interests of individuals seeking a name change.
“For many transgender and gender non-binary individuals, a name change is the prerequisite to obtaining identification documents consistent with their gender identity and gender expression,” said then-NJSBA President Kimberly A. Yonta in a letter to the Court. “The practical effects of this process are far more than mere preference or administrative formality, as nearly one-third of individuals who have shown identification documents bearing a name or gender that did not match their appearance reported negative experiences such as being harassed, denied services or attacked.”
The NJSBA continues to monitor diversity, inclusion and equity issues in the law through several sections and committees, including the Committee on Racial Equity in the Law.
Immigration Law Section encourages volunteers for Afghan refugee resettlement efforts
The Immigration Law Section is hosting a continuing legal education (CLE) seminar focused on specific assistance to Afghan refugees housed at the Joint McGuire Dix Lakehurst Military Base, in an effort to recruit volunteers for the project. Cosponsored by the Pro Bono Committee, the program is being held in connection with the Camden Center for Law and Social Justice (CCLSJ), which is spearheading efforts to resettle approximately 12,000 Afghan refugees who have been relocated to New Jersey in the past few weeks.
The 1.8-credit CLE seminar will provide information on how to complete the forms necessary for humanitarian parole, as well as the employment and medical examination forms. Information will also be provided on how and where to refer refugees to assistance after leaving the base. The cost of the CLE is $15. Those who opt to volunteer could be eligible for Madden credits through the CCLSJ.
For more information on this program, go to njsba.com or email [email protected].