The New Jersey State Bar Association’s Board of Trustees convened for its first meeting of the new year in January to act on several measures.
On a recommendation from the Diversity Committee, the Board approved the criteria for an annual award in memory of former Monmouth County Assignment Judge Lisa P. Thornton, the state’s first Black female assignment judge, who passed away in May. The Diversity Committee recommended that the award reflect Thornton’s legacy as a mentor who inspired others to pursue careers in the law. Under the criteria, recipients must demonstrate a commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in the profession and have a history of overcoming barriers to achieve success. The award will be presented during the Diversity Luncheon at the NJSBA Annual Meeting and Convention in May.
The Board approved a slate of amendments to the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) and Family law Section bylaws. The YLD proposed adding language to clarify that the chair-elect of the Division will automatically ascend to chair, regardless of whether they no longer meet the age and years in practice requirements. The Family Law Section also proposed an amendment to add past NJSBA presidents and Tischler Award recipients as emeritus members of its Executive Committee. The amendment increases the number of emeritus members on its Executive Committee to 20.
The Board agreed to add StudyBuddy Pro to the Association’s roster of benefits. The platform assists law students with their studies, providing access to thousands of case briefs, topic review videos from law school faculty and exam prep. The new benefit will offer law student NJSBA members a 20% discount on the service.
The Board supported the following pending legislation:
A385 Danielsen / S3321 Zwicker – a measure that requires the Department of Treasury to review and approve a digital payment platform for New Jersey businesses that operate in cash-only or cash-heavy environments.
A4543 Jimenez / S119 Holzapfel – a bill that would increase fines for failing to report suspected abuse or the exploitation of an institutionalized elderly person.