Blogs

Seven Tips to Enjoy (Not Dread) Holidays with Your Family

By NJSBA Staff posted 2 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
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. Everywhere you look, there are reminders that the holidays are supposed to be a time for smiling families to gather around a perfectly ...
0 comments

Capitol Report: Mikie Sherrill Wins Governor’s Seat; Coattails Bring More Attorneys to the Assembly

By NJSBA Staff posted 6 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
Congresswoman, U.S. Navy veteran, and former federal prosecutor Mikie Sherrill defeated Jack Ciattarelli to become the second woman elected governor of New Jersey. Along with Sherrill, four attorneys join the Assembly with one race too close to call. Sherrill, who represents the 11th Congressional District (Essex, Morris and Passaic counties), is the author of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act, which created protections and funding for federal judges. The bill was named after the son of New Jersey District Court Judge Esther Salas, who was shot to death during an attack on Judge Salas at her home by an aggrieved attorney. The New Jersey ...
0 comments

NJSBA Board of Trustees Acts at October Meeting

By NJSBA Staff posted 9 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
The New Jersey State Bar Association’s Board of Trustees took key actions to support its members and advance the organization’s mission during its October meeting. The Board approved the contract for the 2026 Environmental Law Forum at ICONA Avalon, scheduled for June 26–30, 2026. It also endorsed agreements for the 2027, 2028, and 2029 Annual Meetings at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. In leadership news, the Board appointed Dominic DiYanni as chair of the Local Government Law Section. DiYanni, who previously served as second vice-chair, plans to revitalize the section with new CLE programming, regular meetings and networking ...
0 comments

NJSBA Nominating Committee Seeks Candidates for Leadership Positions

By NJSBA Staff posted 12 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
Deadline to submit a questionnaire is Dec. 12 The New Jersey State Bar Association’s Nominating Committee invites members to apply for the following positions, which will be open in May 2026. Various positions have specific criteria, as indicated below. NJSBA Officers : One-year terms for positions of President-Elect, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. County Trustees : Each position for a two-year term. The following counties will seat a new trustee: Cumberland, Hudson and Mercer. The following counties have trustees whose current terms are concluding but who are eligible for nomination to a new ...
0 comments

Capitol Report: Governor Conditionally Vetoes Guardianship Bill, NJSBA Urged Similar Amendments

By NJSBA Staff posted 20 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy returned S2332 (Scutari)/A3893 (Murphy) to the Senate under a conditional veto to amend language that changes the burden on demonstrating capacity for minors under guardianship. The bill would allow guardianship complaints to be filed up to 180 days before a minor who will require a guardian turns 18, and establish general standards for guardianship complaints. The New Jersey State Bar Association supported the bill with amendments to clarify that the presumption of capacity attaches to the alleged incapacitated person (AIP) and the complainant has the burden to show the person is incapacitated. “An individual is presumed ...
0 comments

NJSBA PracticeHQ Presents – Using Microsoft’s Copilot to Keep Your Firm Flying High

By NJSBA Staff posted 21 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
Artificial intelligence has never been more accessible. For attorneys who rely on Microsoft Word for most of their drafting, AI is now built directly into their daily workflow through Copilot – a powerful assistant integrated into Microsoft 365. The real question is not whether to use it, but how attorneys can leverage its capabilities to enhance their practice. A free PracticeHQ webinar, presented by the New Jersey State Bar Association, explored the many ways Copilot can help draft documents, analyze data and manage communications more efficiently. Here are some quick tips from PracticeHQ , a free member benefit that provides information and guidance on ...
0 comments

Capitol Report: State Supreme Court Issues Reminder of Filing Requirements for Election-Related Complaints

By NJSBA Staff posted 27 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
The New Jersey Supreme Court issued a notice to remind attorneys and pro se litigants of the filing requirements of election-related complaints. The goal is “[t]o ensure that election-related matters are scheduled and handled promptly,” the notice said. The reminder comes ahead of early voting and vote-by-mail deadlines. New Jersey is one of two states in the country holding statewide elections. The gubernatorial contest is drawing national attention as polling shows the candidates almost even. Here are the Court’s reminders about filing requirements : The complaint must be filed in the Law Division-Civil Part of the Superior Court; The accompanying ...
0 comments

Members in Motion - 10/15

By NJSBA Staff posted 28 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
New Jersey State Bar Association members form the core of the state’s legal community. Read on for updates about the latest moves among members. Please share news about NJSBA members with [email protected].    NJSBA Members : Effective January 1, 2026, Marc Rollo will serve as president of Archer & Greiner P.C. in Voorhees. Marc is the current Chair of the firm’s environmental law practice. Affordable housing litigation expert Michael Jedziniak joined Spiro Harrison & Nelson in Montclair last month. Following a Supreme Court clerkship, Riker Danzig welcomed back Michael Antzoulis as an associate in the firm’s environmental group. ...
0 comments

Capitol Report: NJSBA to Urge Supreme Court Not to Expand Attorney Liability to Non-Clients

By NJSBA Staff posted 10-02-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
The New Jersey State Bar Association will urge the state Supreme Court to limit attorney liability for malpractice against non-clients and not expand liability beyond what is already identified in existing case law. NJSBA Second Vice President Diana Manning will present oral argument on Monday in Christakos v. Boyadjis on behalf of the NJSBA amicus curiae . At issue is whether an attorney owed a duty to a non-client who was the potential beneficiary of a will drafted for an uncle, the client of the attorney alleged to have committed malpractice. The Appellate Division dismissed the legal malpractice claims, and the Supreme Court agreed to review the case. ...
0 comments

NJSBA Board of Trustees Acts at September Meeting

By NJSBA Staff posted 10-01-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
In September, the NJSBA’s governing body met to address membership, dues, bylaws, pending legislation and other issues facing the Association. The Board approved a dues waiver for members in a recently created membership category for law school graduates who are not yet admitted to the bar. Membership in this group will be free, following the same dues structure for law students and first-year lawyers, and may be held for up to three years. The Board also voted to waive dues for former emeritus members who no longer practice full time. Earlier this year, the Association eliminated the emeritus membership category and created a special membership group for retired ...
0 comments

NJSBA Members Share Their Stories for Hispanic Heritage Month

By NJSBA Staff posted 09-26-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month this September, the New Jersey State Bar Association proudly celebrates the achievements and contributions of our Hispanic members, recognizing their vital role in shaping the law, advancing access to justice and mentoring the next generation of attorneys. The NJSBA Minorities in the Profession Section will gather in October for its annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, featuring food and a discussion on key issues affecting the minority legal community. Check njsba.com for the forthcoming date. Read the reflections of prominent Hispanic attorneys within the NJSBA on their paths and experiences in the legal profession. ...
0 comments

Capitol Report: Courts Implement NJSBA-Supported Succession Planning

By NJSBA Staff posted 09-25-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
The New Jersey courts want attorneys to think about a plan for the end of their career early and often. The state Administrative Office of the Courts announced the rollout of the succession planning feature. The feature is part of the attorney registration system and will prompt attorneys to respond to questions to help ensure there is a plan for the future. The New Jersey State Bar Association has long advocated the need for such planning and the courts studied the initiative through listening sessions meant to determine a framework for how to implement of succession planning for New Jersey attorneys. The annual attorney registration process now includes ...
0 comments

Capitol Report: Auto Recall Law Makes Automakers Responsible for Defects, Addressing NJSBA Consumer Protection Concerns

By NJSBA Staff posted 09-18-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law the Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act, which requires the Motor Vehicle Commission to notify the owner of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database of open recalls. The New Jersey State Bar Association voiced concerns in the initial bill that would have shielded franchisees and dealers from consumer claims and shifted the burden on purchasers, advocating instead for a complete prohibition on selling vehicles with open recalls. The current law substituted the problematic bill in favor of one that requires notice and reimbursement for certain expenses to address the recall, shifting ...
0 comments

Mindfulness and Relaxation Tips for Lawyers

By NJSBA Staff posted 09-17-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
Lawyers are no strangers to stress. In a profession with constant deadlines, client demands and high-stakes decisions, managing stress isn’t optional – it’s essential for a thriving career. To support lawyers navigating busy practices, the New Jersey State Bar Association hosted a free online seminar on stress management. Attendees walked away with practical advice to calm the mind, ease tension and strengthen overall well-being. The program was provided through the NJSBA Member Assistance Program , a free member benefit that connects members – and anyone else in their households – to trained, experienced mental health professionals and resources. Check ...
0 comments

Members in Motion - 9/16

By NJSBA Staff posted 09-16-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
New Jersey State Bar Association members form the core of the state’s legal community. Read on for updates about the latest moves among members. Please share news about NJSBA members with [email protected] .    Esther Suarez joined Cleary Giacobbe Alfieri Jacobs in Haddonfield as a partner, where she will chair the firm’s White-Collar Defense and Corporate Investigations. In July 2015, Prosecutor Suarez made history as the first woman and the first Hispanic to serve as the Hudson County Prosecutor. Former chief assistant prosecutor in Bergen County, Anthony Talarico , joined Archer & Greiner in Hackensack as a partner in the firm’s Corporate ...
0 comments

Capitol Report: ‘Captive Audience Meetings’ Prohibited as Governor Signs New Law

By NJSBA Staff posted 09-11-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
Earlier this month, Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law A4429 (Verrelli)/S3302 (Lagana), which expands prohibitions on employers concerning requirements for employees to attend to or listen to communications related to political or religious matters. The New Jersey State Bar Association signaled concerns with the original bill because of the broader implications of the bill which would have placed restrictions on employers to communicate relevant information regarding business operations. The bill was later amended to clarify the definition of political matters and exemptions regarding certain communications and meetings. “This law protects a basic freedom: ...
0 comments

Section Spotlight: WIPS Chair Highlights Exciting Year of Programming for Women Attorneys

By NJSBA Staff posted 09-08-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
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 Women in the Profession Section is one of the most vibrant in the Association. Ayesha K. Hamilton, the section chair, spoke recently about her history with the section, its purpose and how women attorneys can benefit by joining. Visit njsba.com to learn more. When did you join the NJSBA and what inspired you to get involved with the Women in the Profession Section? I joined the NJSBA in 2014 when I moved back ...
0 comments

Capitol Report: Community Wealth Preservation Program Deemed Unconstitutional as NJSBA Seeks Changes to Current Law

By NJSBA Staff posted 09-04-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
Community Wealth Preservation Program Deemed Unconstitutional as NJSBA Seeks Changes to Current Law A Mercer County judge held that important aspects of the Community Wealth Preservation Act, N.J.S.A. 2A:50-64 (CWPA), are unconstitutional as applied and invalidated a provision that grants the right of second refusal to nonprofit community development corporations to bid on foreclosed properties. The CWPA was touted as a program to promote equity and fairness in foreclosure sales by providing opportunities for foreclosed-upon residents and their next of kin, tenants and other prospective owner-occupants, as well as nonprofit community development corporations, ...
0 comments

New Jersey Lawyer Magazine Explores the Expanding Scope of Drug Law

By NJSBA Staff posted 08-22-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
The August edition of New Jersey Lawyer is dedicated to key topics on regulated substances in the state and the expanding role of attorneys in this practice area. Drug law has evolved significantly since the emergence of medicinal cannabis and its expansion into adult-use markets. Today, the practice not only encompasses cannabis, but psychedelics and grapples with broader questions about how regulated substances interact with the law. These issues span multiple industries, from health care and employment to real estate, intellectual property and insurance. This issue of New Jersey Lawyer reflects on the far-reaching impact of drug law across ...
0 comments

Capitol Report: Attorney Notice Roundup: Updates to Rule Appendices, Domestic Violence Applications, Model Criminal Jury Charges

By NJSBA Staff posted 08-21-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
Appellate Division Appendix Amendments The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) promulgated revised Rules Appendices conforming to rule amendments in the Appellate Division. Appendix IV, which deals with notices of appeals; Appendix VII, which is the Appellate Division Civil Case Information Statement; and Appendix VIII, which deals with the Appellate Division Criminal Case Information Statement. The amendments change references to specific rules to conform with the renumbering of those rules recently amended. A copy of the notice can be found here . Family Court: Revised Packet on How to Enforce or Request a Change of Domestic Violence Restraining ...
0 comments