New Jersey State Bar Association Board of Trustees
Report of March 2024
NOTE: This does not constitute official minutes.
Government affairs: The trustees voted on several pending bills.
- The trustees supported S2437 (Pou), which would direct the state Office of the Public Defender to provide legal representation for certain criminal contempt violations.
- They also said the NJSBA should share expertise, feedback from the legal community and advocate on proposed changes to the state’s Open Public Records Act to ensure the best interests of attorneys and the clients they represent.
Court rules: The trustees agreed to submit comments to the New Jersey Judiciary on recommendations in the Supreme Court’s Civil Practice Committee Report. The Association will share feedback on a dozen proposals including: the timing of fee shifting applications, notices to non-parties, third-party observers and recording at independent medical examinations, confirmation of arbitration awards, requests for admissions that would be consistent with the federal rule, procedures for appointment of a special master guardian, and issues related to the special civil part.
Federal advocacy: The board agreed to contact the state’s federal legislators to encourage additional funding for federal public defenders, who provide representation in the vast majority of federal criminal matters.
New member benefit: The trustees approved a new member benefit to promote health and well-being. Members will be able to use the services of ItzZenJen Coaching, which provides coaching and programs that offer practical insights into stress management, mindfulness, nutrition, and holistic wellness practices, aimed at enhancing resilience and mitigating burnout at a discount. Information will be available soon at njsba.com.
Professional Lawyer of the Year: The trustees selected Immediate Past President Jeralyn L. Lawrence as its Professional Lawyer of the Year. The honoree will be recognized, along with representatives of county and affinity bar groups, at the New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law award celebration in June.