The New Jersey State Bar Association kicked off its Annual Meeting and Convention in Atlantic City, marking the in-person return of the largest gathering of legal professionals in New Jersey.
Nearly 2,000 judges, lawyers, law clerks and law students are expected to attend the three-day educational and networking event, held at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa from May 18-20. Following a two-year hiatus, legal colleagues from across the state will have the chance reconnect over seminars, speeches and networking programs that cover issues in a wide range of practice areas.
The agenda includes a more than 70 judges from every bench – the state Supreme Court, Federal, Appellate and Assignment Court – who are slated to speak. State Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner and the Honorable Freda L. Wolfson, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, will each deliver an address.
Other speakers include the current United States Attorney for District of New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger, former U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito, former Governor James McGreevey, state Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari and nine other senate and assembly members, the deans of Rutgers and Seton Hall Law Schools, New York Times best-selling author Judge Nelson Johnson and Khaliah Ali.
The event will also feature a presentation of resolutions honoring the three most recently retired members of the state Supreme Court – Justices Jaynee LaVecchia, Faustino Fernandez-Vina and Walter Timpone in recognition of their service on the state’s highest court.
At an installation ceremony on Thursday, the NJSBA will reorganize its Executive Committee and Board of Trustees. Jeralyn L. Lawrence will take the oath as President of the Association for 2022-23 and share her insights and goals for the year ahead. The NJSBA will also express thanks to outgoing President Domenick Carmagnola.
Reporters and photographers are welcome to cover the event. Visit njsba.com for the full list of programs.
Featured seminars:
Wednesday
Indigenous People and Justice: A Conversation with the Director of the Emmy Award Winning Documentary “Dawnland” about the Forced Removal of Native American Children from their Parents and a Panel Discussion on the Pending U.S. Supreme Court Case on the Constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act.
Inside Trenton: New Jersey legislators come together to discuss what is currently happening in the state's capitol and what to expect in the months to come.
The Ukraine: What Lawyers Can Do in this Humanitarian Crisis.
DOJ and HHS: Perspectives on the Enforcement Priorities in Healthcare from the Defense Bar and In-House Counsel on the First Year of the Biden Administration. Moderated by Carpenito.
Putting Lawyers First: Panelists and attendees will identify the areas in the law that are most problematic and stressful to attorneys. Issues to address will include ethics, fee arbitration, malpractice, and more.
Thursday
Managing Partners’ Round Table: Managing partners from some of New Jersey’s most prestigious firms will host a lively discussion about best-practices that lead to and maintain success.
The Supreme Court Year in Review: Hon. Jeanne Covert and an esteemed panel of Supreme Court justices and superior court judges will discuss the cases from the past year that will have the greatest impact on your practice.
The Pathways to the Bench: A panel of in-the-know bar and government leaders help to demystify the process of becoming a judicial nominee in New Jersey, particularly for potential candidates of historically underrepresented communities.
Diversity Matters: Attendees will learn and discuss the meaning and importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and promote awareness and effective methods in their practice.
The Women In Charge: Lessons in Leadership from Ground-Breaking Women.
Inside the United States Attorney’s Office: Hear from U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger and other representatives of the U.S. Attorney’s Office about federal criminal and civil enforcement priorities for the District of New Jersey.
Cannabis Licensing in New Jersey: What You Need to Know as the Businesses Light Up.
Friday
States of the Judiciaries: Annual reports from the Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court and Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
A slate of panels that where judges and lawyers discuss the cases, emerging issues and trends in Criminal, Civil, Municipal, Workers’ Compensation and Family Law.