Blogs

Section Spotlight: Inside the NJSBA’s Banking, Fintech and Digital Assets Law Section

By Tom Nobile posted 12 hours ago
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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 NJSBA’s Banking, Fintech and Digital Assets Law Section recently adopted a new name to better reflect its commitment to staying current amid the rapid transformation of the financial services industry over the past decade. Section Chair Steven T. Knipfelberg, a partner at McDermott Will & Schulte, recently discussed the evolving role of technology in banking, how these advancements impact everyday life and how the section is ...
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NJSBA Board of Trustees Acts at March Meeting

By Tom Nobile posted 8 days ago
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The New Jersey State Bar Association’s governing body took key actions to support its members and advance the organization’s mission during its March meeting. The Board agreed to submit comments on the Supreme Court Civil Practice Committee Report. The comments oppose a proposed amendment to Rule 1:6-2(d) that would make oral argument on motions for reconsideration discretionary rather than a matter of right. The Board also acknowledges the inclusion of standard interrogatories requiring plaintiffs to disclose prior accidents and lawsuits. The Board created the Marilyn Askin Lifetime Achievement Award to be given out periodically by the NJSBA Elder and Disability ...
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Capitol Report: Governor Signs Immigration Initiative Into Law; Several NJSBA-Monitored Bills Clear Senate and Assembly

By Tom Nobile posted 12 days ago
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The Senate and Assembly both convened earlier this week to pass a number of measures being monitored by the New Jersey State Bar Association: A4071 (Park)/S3521 (Timberlake) - Strengthening Trust Between Law Enforcement and Immigrant Communities The governor signed into law this bill which codifies elements of the Attorney General Directive that outlines when state, county and municipal law enforcement may engage in activities that support federal civil immigration enforcement. The Association supported the measure because it “provides clarity, consistency, and stability while preserving cooperation in cases involving serious criminal conduct.” Major provisions ...
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Capitol Report: Senate Committee Approves Bill Requiring Properly Named Defendants in UM/UIM Cases

By Tom Nobile posted 20 days ago
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The Senate Commerce Committee passed S3173 (Scutari/Bramnick) , which requires defendants, including insurance companies named as defendants, to be properly identified in certain causes of action. The NJ State Bar Association opposes this bill because of the prejudice to juries. “If the intent is to permit an insurance company to be identified in a cause of action to determine liability in an underlying accident, the Association cautions that such a broad determination would be prejudicial,” the NJSBA said in a written statement to the Senate Commerce Committee members. “Currently, the existence of an insurance defendant, let alone the name of the insurance ...
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Capitol Report: Assembly Committee Hears Testimony on Administrative Procedure Act

By Tom Nobile posted 27 days ago
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The Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Commission heard testimony on A1505 (Freiman) /S729 (Burzichelli), which proposes several amendments to the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). The New Jersey State Bar Association participated in recommendations for amendments as part of the Red Tape Review Committee under Gov. Chris Christie. The committee’s chair, Assemblyman Alexander Schnall, kicked off the hearing by highlighting stakeholder concerns about the length and predictability of rulemaking and the accessibility of the public comment process. He also raised concerns about the clarity of guidance. “This hearing is an opportunity for a ...
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Improving Your Productivity

By Tom Nobile posted 27 days ago
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The NJSBA's Member Assistance Program is a free confidential service that offers 24/7 phone, text or mobile access to a mental health professional with at least seven years of experience, who will provide individual counseling and connect members with a wellness library of more than 25,000 self-help resources. The program is available to all NJSBA members and those in their households. Get help today by calling 800-531-0200. The following article is from a newsletter by Charles Nechtem Associates, the program’s provider. The secret to being productive every day is understanding how you spend your time, setting goals that make the most of it, and recognizing ...
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Capitol Report: Senator Andy Kim Establishing Federal Nominating Commission; Seeks Applicants

By Tom Nobile posted 03-04-2026
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U.S. Senator Andy Kim is seeking volunteers to apply for a newly established Federal Nominating Commission to inform him as he provides advice and consent to the President on potential nominees for judicial and executive vacancies. The deadline to apply is March 13. The Commission is charged with identifying highly qualified individuals as finalists for nominations to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey; U.S. Marshal; and U.S. Attorney. Senator Kim is seeking qualified applicants who bring geographic diversity throughout New Jersey, diverse viewpoints, backgrounds, and experiences ...
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Capitol Report: Supreme Court Seeks Comments to Proposed Rule Changes in Civil and Tax

By Tom Nobile posted 02-26-2026
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The Supreme Court is seeking comments on its 2024-2026 reports of the Supreme Court Civil Practice and Tax Court committees by March 27. A public hearing on these reports will be held on May 20. The Supreme Court will act on the recommendations following the close of the comment period with any rule amendments being effective Sept. 1. The New Jersey State Bar Association is reviewing these recommendations. The Tax Court Committee made one recommendation to implement a rule change to clarify the time permitted to file responsive pleadings and how motions affect the time to answer. Another amendment was made to correct punctuation in R. 8:8-3. The Standard Interrogatories ...
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Effective Strategies for Assertive and Mindful Communication

By Tom Nobile posted 02-23-2026
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Communication is at the heart of legal practice. Whether addressing a jury, questioning a witness or negotiating a contract, attorneys rely on their ability to articulate ideas with precision and purpose. Yet true communication goes beyond persuasive speaking. It requires thoughtful listening. Applying that balance outside the courtroom is just as important to maintaining strong, positive personal relationships. The NJSBA provided guidance on cultivating mindful communication through a free online webinar aimed at helping lawyers build and maintain positive professional relationships. The program was provided through the NJSBA Member Assistance Program ...
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Capitol Report: Updated Appellate Division Guidelines on After-Hours Emergent Applications Requires Explanation of Urgency

By Tom Nobile posted 02-19-2026
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The Appellate Division updated its 2018 guidelines on the criteria for reviewing emergent motions to revise the requirement for requesting such motions after hours or on holidays and weekends. Paragraph six of the guidelines articulates the requirements for such motions after hours. In addition to the requirement to demonstrate that the request for relief cannot wait until the courts open for regular business, the applicant must explain why the court should consider the emergent application during off-hours. If this burden is met for an after-hours application, the applicant may complete and submit an application for permission to file an ...
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Judicial Compact Reaffirmed Between Governor Sherrill and NJSBA

By Tom Nobile posted 02-18-2026
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The New Jersey State Bar Association commends Gov. Mikie Sherrill for upholding the Association’s longstanding, nonpartisan role in reviewing candidates for judgeships and county prosecutor positions under a renewed Judicial Compact. The updated agreement, signed by the NJSBA and Governor Sherrill on Feb. 17, ensures that prospective nominees to the bench and county prosecutor offices undergo a comprehensive and inclusive vetting process that draws upon a range of perspectives from across the New Jersey legal community. Through its Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee (JPAC), the Association conducts confidential, nonpartisan evaluations to provide ...
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Capitol Report: NJSBA Weighs in on NJ Technology CLE Requirement

By Tom Nobile posted 02-12-2026
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The New Jersey State Bar Association urged clarifications to the Supreme Court’s proposed amendments to CLE regulations regarding technology-related subjects. The comments were in response to proposed amendments to the Board on Continuing Legal Education Regulations to include a definition for “technology-related subjects.” The Association urged a clarification of the definition of “technology-related subjects” to clearly note that programs that teach how to use certain technological software, not just understanding the software, would also qualify for the credit. The NJSBA further suggested that “Generative AI” be included in the definition in addition ...
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A Collaborative Task Force to Improve ADR in Family Law

By Tom Nobile posted 02-11-2026
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Editor’s note: This article by Cheryl Connors, chair of the NJSBA Family Law Section, appears in the February 2026 issue of the section’s newsletter - New Jersey Family Lawyer . Section members can read the full edition here . Learn more about joining the section here . As Chair of the Family Law Section this year, I am honored to serve a section that is both forward thinking and goal oriented. Over the years, our section has actively pursued change in various areas including proposing and drafting legislation as well as identifying areas to improve and modify our court rules. In planning my year as Chair, I decided to focus on the area of Alternative ...
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2026 Nominations Report of the NJSBA Board of Trustees

By Nicole Crippen posted 02-10-2026
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The New Jersey State Bar Association’s Board of Trustees has issued a nominations report listing those candidates nominated for each position it considered ( Article VIII, para. 7 ). All candidates were additionally vetted and reviewed by the Nominating Committee, as per the bylaws. The nominated candidates are: * denotes incumbent OFFICERS President-Elect: G. Glennon Troublefield First Vice President: Diana C. Manning Second Vice President: Craig J. Hubert Treasurer: Richard F. Klineburger III Secretary: Alexandra V. Gallo COUNTY TRUSTEES Bergen County Trustee: Joseph A. Maurice* Burlington ...
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How to Beat the High Cost of Healthy Eating

By Tom Nobile posted 02-03-2026
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The NJSBA's Member Assistance Program is a free confidential service that offers 24/7 phone, text or mobile access to a mental health professional with at least seven years of experience, who will provide individual counseling and connect members with a wellness library of more than 25,000 self-help resources. The program is available to all NJSBA members and those in their households. Get help today by calling 800-531-0200. The following article is from a newsletter by Charles Nechtem Associates, the program’s provider. You shouldn’t have to choose between your bank account and your health. However, for many Americans, eating well feels increasingly out ...
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Capitol Report: Year-End Roundup - How NJSBA-Monitored Bills Fared in 2025

By Tom Nobile posted 01-29-2026
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As the end of a two-year session came to a close, the New Jersey State Bar Association actively advocated on a number of bills in the waning days of lame duck. The NJSBA monitors almost 1,000 bills on behalf of its sections and committees, but many of the bills do not get past introduction. Below is a list of bills that the Association members actively advocated on at the State House in the past few months. S3772 (Lagana)/A5198 (Sampson) – Concerns valuation of board and lodging with respect to workers’ compensation This is an NJSBA-drafted bill that was introduced and passed in just over one year. The bill amends the workers’ compensation statute to ...
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Section Spotlight: How the Leadership and Experience Council Serves New Jersey Lawyers

By Tom Nobile posted 01-29-2026
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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 ...
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Capitol Report: Supreme Court Declines to Expand Attorney’s Duty of Care to Non-Client, Consistent with NJSBA Advocacy

By NJSBA Staff posted 01-22-2026
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The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled against expanding the duty of care owed to a non-client, aligning its opinion with the New Jersey State Bar Association’s amicus brief arguing that such a duty should be narrowly construed. The Court adopted as a test the provisions of Section 51 of the Restatement (Third) of the Law Governing Lawyers to determine whether a duty of care exists between an attorney and a non-client. NJSBA Second Vice President Diana Manning argued the matter of Christakos v. Boyadjis , Docket No. A-42-24), before the Court and authored the brief along with Benjamin J. DiLorenzo and Kyle A. Valente. “In formally adopting Section 51(2) and ...
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Members Seek Leadership Roles: Nominating Committee Will Interview Candidates Next Week

By NJSBA Staff posted 01-21-2026
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The New Jersey State Bar Association’s Nominating Committee will conduct interviews of candidates seeking leadership positions next week. The interviews will be conducted at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick on Jan. 26 and 29. The candidates seeking leadership positions are: *denotes incumbents Executive Committee (one-year term) G. Glennon Troublefield – President-Elect Diana C. Manning - First Vice President Craig J. Hubert - Second Vice President Richard F. Klineburger III - Treasurer Secretary (one-year term) Alexandra V. Gallo Ayesha Krishnan Hamilton Joseph L. Linares County trustee (one seat for each county, each for a two-year ...
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Capitol Report: Assembly Committee Advances LLC Disclosure Bill

By NJSBA Staff posted 01-08-2026
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The Assembly Commerce Committee advanced a bill that requires limited liability companies to disclose ownership information when submitting a deed for recording. S276 (Stack)/A1233 (Sauickie) is touted as a mechanism to disclose information on LLC-owned single-family homes intended for rental purposes so that there is a point of contact to enforce laws and deter illegal and unsafe practices. “The shield of anonymity afforded to LLCs can present significant challenges for tenants,” said bill sponsor Sen. Brian Stack. “It can make it more difficult for a tenant to understand who is responsible for services like building repairs or maintenance.” The New Jersey ...
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