Jeralyn Lawrence is NJSBA’s Immediate Past President

• Lawrence, a family law attorney in Watchung, said leading the Association as its NJSBA’s 124th president was one of the greatest honors in her professional life.
• Under Lawrence’s leadership, the NJSBA put attorney wellness and quality of life in the legal profession at the forefront of its mission.
• Lawrence said the NJSBA will continue its advocacy on several issues of import to New Jersey legal professionals, including the state’s judicial vacancy crisis, ending the Madden system of assigned counsel and create a pathway back to the practice for disbarred attorneys.
NEW BRUNSWICK – Jeralyn L. Lawrence became the immediate past president of the New Jersey State Bar Association on May 18. 
   
Lawrence, a family law attorney in Watchung, said leading the Association as its NJSBA’s 124th president was one of the greatest honors in her professional life. 
   
“Serving as president of the New Jersey State Bar Association has been better than I ever imagined. It has been the ultimate professional privilege to travel across the state to meet and collaborate with everyone, from the newest members of our profession to some of the most seasoned practitioners, addressing the issues we face together. The dedication and selflessness of our members—who give so generously of their time and expertise—to address the issues and challenges confronting the legal system is absolutely remarkable,” Lawrence said. 
    
Under Lawrence’s leadership, the NJSBA put attorney wellness and quality of life in the legal profession at the forefront of its mission. Lawrence formed the Putting Lawyers First Task Force, a collective of more than 50 attorneys who produced a wide-ranging report on the decline of mental health and wellness among New Jersey’s legal practitioners, the primary drivers of stress for attorneys and an action plan to improve well-being.
   
Central to the effort, the task force circulated wellness surveys among the state’s legal community, while also analyzing the sources of stress for attorneys in the state’s ethics and fee arbitration systems. The findings of the report are sobering, said NJSBA President Jeralyn L. Lawrence. The Association is committed to not just shining a light on the issue, but looking for meaningful ways to help the entire legal community.
     
“When the NJSBA mobilizes and puts its weight behind a challenge, it can be an impressive force. There is much work to do, and the work of the Putting Lawyers First Task Force sets forth a roadmap to lead our profession in a much better and healthier direction,” Lawrence said. “I am certain that working together, the Association can play an important role in helping put lawyers first moving forward.”
   
Along with the work of the task force, Lawrence’s tenure was marked by several advocacy achievements. The NJSBA successfully convinced government officials in Newark to open a second entrance and erect an outdoor shelter to provide expedient access to the immigration courts. The Association coordinated with bar leaders around the country to help pass a federal version of Daniel’s Law to protect federal judges. And the NJSBA advocated for the American Bar Association to continue its policy to oppose non-lawyers practicing law and non-lawyers owning law firms.
   
Lawrence said the NJSBA will continue its advocacy on several issues of import to New Jersey legal professionals, including the state’s judicial vacancy crisis, ending the Madden system of assigned counsel and create a pathway back to the practice for disbarred attorneys. 
   
“I know that I will reflect on the whirlwind of these months as president in the years ahead with a sense of pride, gratitude and honor. I am grateful to my colleagues for their love and support,” Lawrence said. “Congratulations to my dear friend Timothy McGoughran, who will begin what I know will be a successful term as president. I am excited to see what more this Association can do for lawyers, the clients we serve and the public.”
   
Lawrence is a managing member and founder of Lawrence Law, a practice devoted to matrimonial, divorce and family law. Her involvement in the NJSBA is extensive. Currently she is involved with the Women in the Profession, Solo and Small-Firm and Family Law sections. She is also on the Finance and Operations, Insurance Benefits, Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments, Meeting Arrangements and Program, and Pandemic Task Force committees.
   
Along with her involvement with the NJSBA, Lawrence served as president for New Jersey’s chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. 
   
Lawrence lives in Watchung with her husband, John. She has three children and four stepchildren.
   
For Immediate Release
May 19, 2023
Contact: Thomas Nobile
732-937-7527
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