The New Jersey State Bar Association offers 80 sections, committees and divisions for members to stay apprised of the latest trends in their specialty, shape legislation and become better attorneys for their practice and clients. The Leadership and Experience Council is a newly reimagined committee that brings together New Jersey’s most seasoned legal minds. Designed for attorneys looking to elevate the next chapter of their careers, the council provides resources, guidance and community for those considering new practice areas, transitioning into or out of public service or planning for retirement or firm succession. Alan F. Schwarz, who co-chairs the council with NJSBA Trustee Brian J. Neary, spoke recently about leading the council, its mission and how senior and experienced attorneys can benefit from joining. Visit njsba.com to learn more.
What inspired you to get involved with the council, and why did you decide to take on the role of co-chair?
One of the things you think about in retirement is how to give back in a meaningful way. Serving on this Council is one way to do that. It’s designed to support attorneys at various stages of their careers. Experienced attorneys of course, but also younger lawyers who are just getting started. The legal profession has changed significantly and will continue to evolve, not only because of artificial intelligence but because of the realities of practicing law today. The practice isn’t always what people expect, and those challenges can be difficult to navigate alone. There is a great deal that more senior and experienced attorneys can share with younger lawyers. Just as importantly, younger attorneys have valuable insights to offer in return, especially when it comes to technology and new ways of working. There is also an important group in the middle – attorneys who have been practicing for 10 to 15 years and find themselves at a crossroads. Some are considering moving from government service into private practice, which can be a challenging transition. Others are looking to move from private practice to in-house roles or into business, paths I have taken myself. I appreciate what this group is trying to accomplish and the emphasis it places on mentorship and engagement. We have a strong, diverse group of people who bring a lot to the table. Serving as co-chair is a meaningful opportunity to stay involved while helping others navigate their professional journeys.
How can the Council help mid-career lawyers transition into their later careers?
The Council brings together a diverse group of experienced lawyers who have navigated many of the same transitions others may be considering. For example, attorneys interested in moving from private practice into business can connect with people like me who understand the steps involved. The same is true for those looking to wind down or transition out of a law firm. Several Council members have gone through that process themselves. The Council serves as a pipeline to experienced practitioners who can offer practical answers and guidance. We are also developing programs and seminars designed to share the journey of experienced lawyers , drawing on real-world experience. These programs will focus on the full professional arc – how to start, grow and build a sustainable practice or career. At its core, the work of the Council is about support: mentoring, teaching, sharing experience and, just as importantly, listening. The opportunity to pass along individual experience to someone else is invaluable, both for the person receiving guidance and for those offering it.
Mentorship is central to the Council’s mission, particularly the connection it creates across generations of attorneys. Why is mentorship so important to the profession, both for those just starting out and for more seasoned lawyers?
Mentorship has always been important, particularly when I was starting out. But the COVID era really intensified the need to make mentorship a deliberate part of the profession. So much of our work now happens through screens, often in isolation, and that limits the informal conversations and shared experiences that once happened naturally. Having a mentor you can call, meet for coffee, or talk through challenges with makes a real difference. It helps younger and mid-career lawyers understand what it truly means to be a lawyer and what it takes to build a successful career. People naturally gravitate toward what feels easiest and most comfortable, but the legal profession – whether we like it or not – is built on relationships. Growing a practice, serving clients and advancing professionally all depend on the ability to build and maintain those relationships. That skill doesn’t develop overnight. It’s often learned through strong mentorship.
What are your goals for the Council in the near term?
Our immediate goal is to activate the group and fully tap into the depth of experience its members bring. It truly is a stellar collection of leaders in the profession, including former Supreme Court justices, firm leaders, and seasoned practitioners. Reading the roster feels like a who’s who of the legal community. The opportunity to engage with people of this caliber is rare. We want to translate that experience into meaningful programming. Several events are already in development, with the first scheduled for March 12. That program will focus on new business development and marketing, featuring three panels designed to provide practical guidance. Another planned program will address transitioning from government service into private practice. Beyond events, we are looking to strengthen connections with career services offices at local law schools. We want to engage directly with students and administrators to understand their needs and explore ways the Council can provide support, including hosting programs on campus. We also see strong opportunities to collaborate with the NJSBA Young Lawyers Division. There is a natural exchange of value there. Young lawyers bring energy and new perspectives, while this group offers experience, guidance, and mentorship. Our goal is to leverage the collective experience of this group in ways that meaningfully benefit the broader bar and support attorneys at every stage of their careers.