Fellow Section members, I urge you to vote today for Nancy Smith for 2nd Vice President of the NJSBA. (Instructions for voting are included at the end of this message)
I have known Nancy for over 25 years. As many others will attest, she is one of the finest lawyers we have in this state. Her entire career has been built upon doing service to the bar, and vindicating the rights of those who are minorities, disadvantaged, victims of discrimination, or poor. Nancy is a powerful advocate in the courtroom, whether trial or appellate. Her passion fighting for the underdog is a powerful force within her, but behind her drive is a scintillating intellect, an amazing ability to write with perfect persuasion, and an uncanny ability to analyze problems and understand people.
Nancy's combination of talent and personality, make her a natural leader, and explain how she has emerged as one of the most respected trial lawyers in the country, creating precedents in one landmark case after the other.
For 30 years, Nancy has been active on the Executive Committee of the Labor and Employment Section of the NJSBA, and for two of those years, she served as the Section chair.
More than 15 years ago, Nancy organized the Labor and Employment Section's annual toy and book drive, and today, she still takes joy in organizing this activity, which brings enchanting smiles to many children who would otherwise have nothing at holiday time.
Nancy has also served on the Judicial Administration Committee, was a founding member of the Individual Rights Section, has participated in countless seminars, has written prolifically, has taught at the Judicial College, and has moderated several programs for the Women in the Profession Section. Many women attorneys have sought the advice and counsel of Nancy, and see her as a role model for women in the profession of law.
Nancy has also served full terms on the NJ Supreme Court District Ethics Committee and the Essex County Fee Arbitration Committee. Anyone familiar with the amount of work involved with serving on either of these committees knows that an extraordinary commitment of time and energy is required.
In addition, Nancy has served as a trustee of the Essex County Bar Association, and served on its Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee for 13 years.
From 1992 to 2000, Nancy sat on the Board of Trustees of the National Employment Lawyers Association, a national bar association of plaintiffs' employment lawyers. Nancy currently sits on the Board of Governors of the NJ Association for Justice, and she is now in her second term as a member of the New Jersey Legislature's Joint Commission on Legislative Ethics.
In 2007, Nancy was awarded the "Rebecca Locketz Legal Award" by the NJ Lesbian and Gay Coalition for her "contributions as a leader in the community to ensure LGBTI rights".
Nancy is also a founder of Wyona's House, a child advocacy center in Newark that has become a national model for the investigation, prosecution, treatment and prevention of child abuse in a child-centered environment.
As an attorney, Nancy has won a long series of jury verdicts on behalf of victims of discrimination because of their race, age, sex, mental or physical handicap, pregnancy, and sexual orientation. Nancy has also successfully represented many whistleblowers who have suffered retaliation for speech in the public's interest. Nancy and her husband, Neil Mullin, an equally exemplary lawyer and person, worked pro bono for 13 years to obtain freedom for a man who had been wrongfully convicted and imprisoned.
In 2011, "Smith Mullin", the law firm founded by Nancy and Neil, was named "EqualityCompany of the Year" for its "extraordinary commitment to equality".
Through deeds and words, compassion and tireless work, intelligence and common sense, and perseverance and drive, Nancy has distinguished herself as one of the finest attorneys I have ever met, whether in New Jersey or in any other State.
I strongly urge you to VOTE NOW Nancy Smith for 2nd Vice President of the NJSBA. I have no doubt that she will serve with integrity, determination, dedication, intelligence, and the wealth of additional outstanding qualities that combine to make this one person, Nancy Smith, someone who makes us all proud to have as a companion in this State's largest bar organization.
VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
Information about the candidates and the proposed amendments, along with the official ballot to be used for voting is now available online at https://eballot4.votenet.com/njsba/login.cfm. You can access information and the ballot by using the following username and password, which is unique to you.
If you have any questions about online voting, or you wish to vote by paper ballot, please call Votenet at 866-543-8750. You will need to provide your NJSBA membership ID number. (You may obtain your membership ID number by contacting NJSBA member services at 732-249-5000 (press 1) or at [email protected].)
All ballots, paper and electronic, must be received by Votenet no later than 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 6, 2013.
More about Nancy Smith can be found at her campaign website http://www.nancyerikasmith.com and at her law firm site http://www.nancyerikasmith.com
I would be happy to answer any questions you might have about Nancy. Feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Thank you for your support of Nancy. I can assure you she is grateful for it.
Alan L. Zegas
Chatham, NJ
973-701-7080