Christine A. Amalfe took the oath of office on May 15 as president of the New Jersey State Bar Association for the 2025-2026 term, assuming leadership over the state’s largest organization of legal professionals.
New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner swore in Amalfe at the NJSBA’s Annual Meeting and Convention in Atlantic City. A host of Amalfe’s friends, family and colleagues – along with the NJSBA’s Executive Committee and Board of Trustees – were on hand to watch the Roseland attorney begin her term in the Association’s 126th year.
In a speech at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Amalfe said she understands the responsibility that comes with serving as Association president and pledged to use her voice to advocate for every lawyer in the state, the practice of law judicial system and the rule of law.
“Lawyers and bar associations could not be more important. We should be proud to be lawyers. We have a toolbox of skills to advocate for what is right, to engage in civil discourse and to fight for our Constitution and the rule of law. We are trained to engage with fairness and process and without partisanship,” Amalfe said.
Amalfe acknowledged the current hostility around lawyers, law firms and judges – who face threats for doing their jobs – and a brewing judge shortage in the Superior Courts. She reaffirmed the Association history of protecting the rule of law, democracy and judicial independence and vowed to uphold the NJSBA’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive legal community.
“The lawyers of this state can make a difference. I hope to lead the way toward restoring the public’s faith in our judicial system, making sure we have enough judges to dispense justice and serve the public, educating our citizens about democracy and the rule of law, and most importantly, protecting lawyers and law firms from unlawful retaliation simply for the clients they choose to represent,” Amalfe said.
Amalfe is a practice group leader and member of the executive committee at Gibbons P.C. in Newark and serves as the firm’s human resources general counsel. Prior to becoming NJSBA president, she served as a trustee of the Association and on the Amicus, Legislative, Higher Education, and Pro Bono committees. She is a former trustee of the Women in the Profession Section.
In addition to Amalfe’s installation, the Association recognized William H. Mergner for his service as NJSBA president for the 2024-2025 term. As Mergner transitioned to the role of immediate past president, other members of the Executive Committee moved up the succession ladder and were sworn in by Chief Justice Rabner. Each officer holds the position for one year.
• Norberto A. Garcia became president elect. He specializes in medical malpractice law in Jersey City.
• G. Glennon Troublefield became first vice president. He specializes civil litigation and intellectual property in Roseland.
• Diana C. Manning became second vice president. She practices in complex commercial litigation in Florham Park.
• Craig J. Hubert, whose practice in Lawrence Township focuses on personal injury, became treasurer.
• Richard F. Klineburger, III, criminal defense, civil and complex litigation attorney in Haddonfield, joined the Executive Committee as secretary.