The following is a summary of actions taken at the meeting of the New Jersey State Bar Association Board of Trustees at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick. This summary does not constitute official minutes. 

   
Hughes Compact: Dating to the tenure of Gov. Richard J. Hughes, the association has had an agreement to review, vet and interview candidates for the bench and county prosecutor positions. It is confidential and a key non-partisan step in the appointments process. Every governor in modern history since Hughes has renewed and reaffirmed the so-called Hughes Compact with the NJSBA. Under the compact, the association’s Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee (JPAC), which has representatives from each county, conducts the reviews and reports its findings to the Governor’s Office.
        
     With the forthcoming change in administration, the association will begin working with Governor-Elect Phil Murphy to renew the compact. In an effort to ensure the profession and public benefit from a review process that is comprehensive, the association is seeking to restore a role in the process for county bar associations, as well as adding three seats that would be designated for under-represented groups, which will improve efforts to foster diversity and inclusion on the bench.
        
     In addition to discussing the changes with the incoming administration, the trustees approved changing the association’s bylaws to reflect the changed composition of JPAC. Those changes will be subject to a vote of the membership this spring.
   
Name change comments: The association will provide comments to the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts on a proposal about how name changes are handled in court. The proposed change would put all instances where the name of a child is to be changed through the family division, not the law division. The association's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Section successfully urged the Board of Trustees to approve the suggestion that in cases where parents are in agreement about changing a child’s name, the decision should remain in the law division, rather than be subject to the judicial analysis and determination process used in family matters. Read the comments here. 
   
Amicus: The trustees voted to seek friend-of-the-court status in two pending cases. 
   
     In MTK Food Services v. Sirius America Insurance Company, the association will wade into a dispute over the statute of limitations in an attorney malpractice case. The matter asks which state’s statute of limitations should apply, the six-year statute in New Jersey, or the two-year statute in Pennsylvania, since the case involves attorneys in both states. The association has made the passage of a two-year statute of limitations in professional malpractice cases a legislative priority. Read more about that advocacy here.
   
|     The association agreed to argue in support of IMO Joint Letter Decision on ACPE 29-2016, UPL 12-2016 and CAA 65-2016. However, the matter has since been dismissed by the parties and no NJSBA action is required. 
   
Supporting veterans: The trustees authorized the association to urge federal elected representatives to assign Veterans Justice Outreach Liaisons to the courts and jails in New Jersey. The liaisons would help address the needs of veterans who come into contact with the criminal justice system and are diverted to veterans’ diversionary programs. The association will ask that at least two more liaisons be added to the New Jersey complement. 

About


Founded in 1899, the NJSBA is the largest organization of attorneys, judges and legal professionals in New Jersey. At the core of our mission is improving the lives of our members, advancing the rule of law and serving as the voice of the profession. With 85 sections and committees, the NJSBA allows attorneys to benefit from being part of the most wide-reaching legal association in the state, while still cultivating expertise and building networks within specialized practice areas.

MORE ABOUT NJSBA

Diversity


The New Jersey State Bar Association is committed to promoting and fostering a diverse and inclusive bar association. The Association recognizes that the broad concept of diversity includes race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age and disability. The NJSBA fosters and promotes an inclusive environment that gives value to the unique contributions of diverse individuals and organizations in all aspects of the Association.

Learn More

Advocacy


The NJSBA Legal and  Government Affairs Department serves as the liaison between NJSBA members and the state’s three branches of government.

Directions

The New Jersey Law Center is located at 1 Constitution Sq, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901. Need directions to the Law Center? Click on the button below to get started right away.

Contact NJSBA

NJSBA Contact Us Form
If you're looking for an attorney, click here for help.

If you cannot afford an attorney and have a civil matter, click here for Legal Services of New Jersey.

Looking for information about a specific lawyer? Contact the Lawyer’s Fund for Client Protection at 855-533-3863.

Have a complaint about a lawyer? Visit the Office of Attorney Ethics website. Select “Attorney Discipline” from the navigation bar for discipline of attorneys.

Contact Info

One Constitution Square
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

732-249-5000
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday

Fax 732-249-2815

Email us

NJSBA Meetings and Events Calendar


From section, committee and division meetings with valuable CLE credit, to receptions and dinners and special events, the New Jersey State Bar Association regularly holds meetings so our members can meet their mandatory CLE requirements and network with the state’s largest attorney membership.

View Calendar

2024 Mid-Year Meeting


The New Jersey State Bar Association is thrilled to announce the 2024 Mid-Year Meeting will be held in Dublin, Ireland at The Shelbourne Hotel, Nov. 2-9.

View more information

2025 Family Law Retreat


The New Jersey State Bar Association is thrilled to announce the 2025 Family Law Retreat will be held in Mexico, San José del Cabo from March 23-27.

More Information

Practice HQ Training Events


Lawyers aren't taught practice management skills, and the NJSBA is here to fill the gap — no matter whether you are just starting out, mid-career or thinking about wrapping up their practices. Our PracitceHQ is here to help with webinars, informative articles, free consultations, comparison charts and so much more.

Practice HQ Training Events

Decisis


The new NJSBA member benefit Decisis will help you level-up your legal research.

Decisis gives members access to a robust database of local and federal case law is necessary information often used to structure your case. Decisis provides industry-leading tools to make legal research easier and more intuitive, and it’s a free benefit to all active New Jersey State Bar Association members.

Decisis Training Events

Networking Events


The NJSBA provides a host of networking events so members can maintain relationships with existing colleagues and make new connects. Join us at a baseball game, the hockey arena, for a community service project, or another event.

Upcoming Networking Events

Benefits Of Membership


As a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA), you will join a powerful network of 16,000 legal professionals across the state of New Jersey. NJSBA membership grants you access to year-round virtual and in-person networking events, leadership and professional development opportunities, member-only discounts, educational resources to help you stay in the know and much more!

Practice Management Tools


The NJSBA provides tools lawyers need to improve their practice, from our comprehensive PracticeHQ library of resources; a career center to find your next colleague or opportunity; an intuitive and high-powered legal research platform; and a robust Member Assistance Program to connect members, and those who live in their households, with experienced counselors and resources to address mental health needs.

 

Advocacy


As an NJSBA member, you'll become part of the collective power of the NJSBA network, giving you the ability to influence legislation and caselaw in New Jersey. Let’s work together to shape the future and solve critical issues facing attorneys and the public.

Become a Member Today!

Networking


Membership helps you build and maintain a powerful network through our in-person and online events with attorneys all over the state.

 

Become a Member Today!

Become A Partner Organization


The New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) offers an exclusive partnership opportunity to amplify your organization’s impact and drive success. By harnessing the power of the NJSBA legal community, you can connect with our vibrant network of 16,000 legal professionals from 35+ different areas of practice, unlocking unparalleled opportunities for growth and achievement.

 

News and Press Publications


Learn more about the accomplishments of the Association, its members and events from regular news updates, press releases, and our award-winning magazine.


 

Reports


Read the comments, reports, resolutions and Board of Trustee news from the state’s largest organization of lawyers, judges and legal professionals.


 

Statements and Positions


The NJSBA is the voice of the profession and takes public positions on a range of issues with the legal community and government officials. It also takes positions on legislation and files friend-of-the-court briefs on matters that impact the profession. 

Photo Galleries


Check out photos from recent NJSBA events.

View Photo Albums

You do not have permission to view this form.