The NJSBA has a vibrant amicus program and advocates on issues of importance to the legal community in state and federal appellate courts. The Association’s volunteers file briefs and argue matters. Read about that activity here. 

State v. Zingis
Docket No. 087132
Examines Alcotest machine testing and calibration.
Click here to read the brief written by Timothy F. McGoughran, Esq., Jeffrey Evan Gold, Esq., John Menzel, Esq. and Michael V. Troso, Esq.

Cardali v.  Cardali
Appellate Division Docket No.: A-001624
The New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) urged the state Supreme Court to apply a modified Lepis standard in an effort to provide clarity and statewide uniformity in how requests for modification of alimony based on cohabitation are addressed by the courts.
Click here to read the brief written by Jeralyn L. Lawrence,  Esq., Derek M. Freed, Esq., Timothy F. McGoughran, Esq., Catherine Murphy, Esq. and Brian G. Paul, Esq.

State of New Jersey vs. Michael Olenowski
Brief of Amici Curiae National College for DUI Defense and New Jersey State Bar Association – Before the Supreme Court Special Master Hon. Joseph F. Lisa, P.J.A.D. (ret/recall)
Steven W. Hernandez, Esq. – Of Counsel and On the Brief, Jeralyn L. Lawrence, Esq. – Of Counsel, John Menzel, Esq. – On the Brief
Click here to read the brief.

State v. Burgos
Should the Madden system of mandatory pro bono assignments be eliminated?
Click here to read the brief.

Fitzpatrick v. Qasim
The NJSBA seeks amicus status to revisit its historical position on the notice provision of a cancellation provision in the attorney review process. In a brief drafted by members Brad Batcha, Esq. and Matthew Schiller, Esq., the Association argued that while a written cancellation notice is a best practice, the principles of equity allows for cancellation in a case where there was a finding of actual notice by all parties.
Click here to read the brief.

Facebook v. State of New Jersey
In this case of first impression for the Supreme Court, the NJSBA is participating as amicus to analyze the proper support for a warrant to access electronic communications posted on a social media app or website on a near-contemporaneous basis. In such cases where the communications sought are prospective in nature, the Association is advocating for a heightened showing similar to what is required for a wiretap order before the issuance of a warrant to capture such messages.

The NJSBA submitted a brief authored by NJSBA Trustee Brian Neary, Esq., James Maynard, Esq., NJSBA Past President Robert Hille, Esq., Matheu Nunn, Esq. and Holly Maynard, Esq. The documents in the case are currently sealed.

W.S v. Hildreth
Supreme Court of New Jersey Docket No. 086633
Was plaintiff’s complaint, which asserted claims under the Child Sexual Abuse Act (CSAA), timely filed when the cause of action accrued prior to amendments made to the Act that eliminated a requirement for Tort Claims notices and extended the statute of limitations for claims involving sexual abuse?
Click here to read the brief written by Craig J. Hubert, Esq. and Thomas J. Manzo, Esq.

State v. Gomes
Docket No. A-003477-20T1
Should a criminal defendant be eligible to enter PTI or a conditional discharge after a prior offense where diversion was granted has been vacated/expunged by operation of law under the recently enacted Marijuana Reform Law?
Click here to read the brief written by Michael B. Roberts, Esq.

In Re Lucid
The case focuses on what conduct in connection with alleged misappropriation of trust funds rises to the level of automatic disbarment under In re Wilson.
Click here to read the brief written by Robert B. Hille, Esq. and Miles S. Winder III, Esq.

OAE v. Wade
The case focuses on what conduct in connection with alleged misappropriation of trust funds rises to the level of automatic disbarment under In re Wilson.
Click here to read the brief written by Robert B. Hille, Esq. and Abdus-Sami M. Jameel, Esq.

Moynihan v. Lynch 

The case focuses on the enforceability of a written palimony agreement where a notarized agreement was unenforceable because the parties had not sought legal advice as required under the 2010 amendment to the Statute of Frauds, N.J.S.A. 25:1-5(h). Click here to read the brief written by Robin C. Bogan, Esq., Brian G. Paul, Esq. and Brian M. Schwartz.

State v. Vega-Larregui

In the matter, the NJSBA argues that virtual grand juries do not serve the courts or the public and should be ceased.
Click here to read the brief written by Christopher J. Keating, Esq. and Brian J. Neary, Esq.

State v. Dangcil
NJSBA brief raises constitutional concerns with jury selection process used in Bergen County criminal trial
Read the Appellate brief here. Read the Supreme Court brief here.

S.C. v. New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Docket No. A-57-18.
The Supreme Court held that the standard for a finding of “not established” is “vague, amorphous, and incapable of any objective calibration” because it requires less than a preponderance of the evidence and only requires “some” evidence. Read the Supreme Court opinion. Read the NJSBA opinion

Sullivan v. Max Spann Real Estate and Mengxi Liu
Do realtor-prepared residential real estate contracts executed as a result of a real estate auction need to abide by the requirements in NJ State Bar Ass’n v. NJ Association of Realtor Boards, In re Opinion 26 of the Committee on the Unauthorized Practice Law, and N.J.A.C. 11:5-6.2, requiring inclusion of a three-day attorney review period and certain notice about retaining counsel in the transaction?
Click here to read the brief written by F. Bradford Batcha, Esq., Alexander Fineberg, Esq., Martin Liberman, Esq. and Lee B. Roth, Esq.
Click here to read the Supreme Court brief written by F. Bradford Batcha, Esq. and Martin Liberman, Esq.

In Re Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics Opinion No. 735
Docket No. 83396
Should ACPE Opinion 735, which found that a lawyer may, consistent with the rules governing attorney ethics, purchase an internet advertisement that uses a competitor lawyer’s name as the purchased search term, be subject to a more robust review process?
Click here to read the brief in support of petition for review of ACPE Opinion 735 written by Bonnie C. Frost, Esq.
Click here to read the brief in response to brief and appendix on behalf of the Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics written by Bonnie C. Frost, Esq.

Click here to read the letter brief written by NJSBA President Kimberly A. Yonta, Esq.

Click here to read the brief in support of petition for review written by Timothy F. McGoughran, Esq., Christina Vassiliou Harvey, Esq., Diana C. Manning, Esq. and Kyle A. Valente, Esq.

Delaney v. Dickey and Sills Cummis and Gross, PC
Docket No. 083440
Under the circumstances presented, was the arbitration clause in the attorney-client retainer agreement unenforceable because it violated the Rules of Professional Conduct?
Click here to read the brief written by Andrea J. Sullivan, Esq. and Kersten Kortbawi, Esq.

State of New Jersey v. Robert Andrews

Appellate Division Docket No.: A-000291-17
Can a criminal defendant be compelled to disclose the passcode to his or her cellular phone?
Click here to read the brief written by Christopher J. Keating, Esq., Richard F. Klineburger, Esq., Brandon D. Minde, Esq. and Matheu D. Nunn, Esq.

Case: A-69-18, Antonio Chaparro Nieves v. Office of the Public Defender, (Do. No. 082262)
Are legal malpractice claims exempt from the Tort Claims Act (TCA), N.J.S.A. 59:1-1 to 12-3, and is plaintiff’s “loss of liberty” damages claim subject to the verbal threshold of the TCA?
Click here to read the brief written by George Conk, Esq.

State v. Michael Olenowski (082253)
Is Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) evidence – which, in this case, included testimony that defendant was under the influence of narcotics while driving – admissible under the standard articulated in Frye v. United States, 293 F. 1013 (D.C. Cir. 1923)?
Click here to read the brief written by John Menzel, Esq., Joshua H. Reinitz, Esq. and Miles S. Winder III, Esq.

Click here to read the special master brief written by Steven W. Hernandez, Esq., Evan M. Levow, Esq., Aidan P. O ‘Connor, Esq. and John Menzel, Esq.

Click here to read the brief written by John Menzel, Esq.

Click here to read the NJSBA reply brief written by John Menzel, Esq.

Click here to read the brief written by John Menzel, Esq.

Department of Children and Families v. L.O.
Appellate Division Docket No. A-7-15t2
At issue in this matter is whether fundamental fairness and due process require the appointment of counsel in administrative child abuse proceedings, and any appeal that follows.
Click here to read the brief written by Amy E. Vasquez, Esq.

Miesels v. Fox Rothschild, et. al.
Appellate Division Docket No.: A-3519-15T4
Can plaintiff maintain a cause of action for conversion and breach of fiduciary duty pertaining to $2.4 million deposited in the defendant law firm’s attorney trust account, under the circumstances presented?
Click here to read the brief written by Benjamin J. DiLorenzo, Esq., Ann Marie Effingham, Esq. and Diana C. Manning, Esq.

Barbara Orientale v. Darrin L. Jennings
Appellate Division Docket No.: A-879-14T1
Did the trial court apply the appropriate standard and analysis in determining an award of additur?
Click here to read the brief written by Craig J. Hubert, Esq., Thomas J. Manzo, Esq., William H. mergner Jr., Esq. and Brandon C. Simmons, Esq.

Van Riper v. New Jersey Division of Taxation
Appellate Division Docket No.: A-3024-16T4
Does tenancy by the entirety ownership continue despite the transfer of property to a trust and what are the appropriate inheritance tax implications?
Click here to read the brief written by Andrew J. DeMaio, Esq., Glenn A. Henkel, Esq., Jill Lebowwitz, Esq. and Heather G. Suarez, Esq.

Lisa Balducci v. Brian M. Cige
Appellate Division Docket No.: A-3068-16T2
Is defendant-attorney’s retainer agreement in a fee-shifting case unenforceable because defendant failed to adequately inform the client of the ramifications?
Click here to read the brief written by William E. Denver, Esq., Thomas H. Prol, Esq. and Edward J. Zohn, Esq.

MTK Food Services, Inc., d/b/a The Palace Restaurant v. Sirius America Insurance Company, et. al.
Supreme Court Docket No.: 081610
In a legal malpractice matter where the representation occurred in Pennsylvania but the attorney is dual-licensed in New Jersey, should Pennsylvania’s two year statute of limitations or New Jersey’s six year statute of limitations apply?
Click here to read the brief written by David R. Kott, Esq., William T. Reilly, Esq., and Christopher A. Rojao, Esq.

Appellate Division Docket No.: A-001309-17T2
Click here to read the brief written by David R. Kott, Esq., William T. Reilly, Esq., and Christopher A. Rojao, Esq.

State v. Eileen Cassidy
Supreme Court Docket No.: 078390
What impact, if any, does a failure to test the simulator solutions with the NIST-traceable digital thermometer before calibrating an Alcotest machine have on the results of a breath test performed on that machine?
Click here to read the brief written by Arnold N. Fishman, Esq., Jeffrey E. Gold, Esq. and Miles S. Winder III, Esq.
NJSBA Response Brief 

Click here to read the NJSBA Letter Brief written by Timothy F. McGoughran, Esq. and John Menzel, JD

Evangelos Dimitrakopolous v. Borrus, Goldin, Foley, Vignuolo, Hyman and Stahl, P.C.
Supreme Court Docket No,: 080357
Did the entire controversy doctrine require that plaintiffs pursue their malpractice action as a defense or counterclaim in defendants’ prior action against plaintiffs for the collection of attorneys’ fees?
Click here to read a copy of the brief

Joint Opinion of the ACPE Opinion 732, et. al.
Supreme Court Docket No.: 079852
Did the ACPE, CAA and UPL Committee improperly apply RPCs 5.4, 7.2 and 7.3 in prohibiting attorneys from participating in programs with certain online legal service providers?
Click here to read NJSBA Brief

Amanda Kernahan v. Home Warranty Administrator of Florida, Inc. and Choice Home Warranty
Supreme Court Docket No.: 079680
Was the arbitration clause in this home appliance service agreement unenforceable under Atalese v. U.S. Legal Servs. Grp., L.P., 219 N.J. 430 (2014), for failure to provide the purchaser with adequate notice that she was relinquishing her right to bring a consumer fraud claim in court?
Click here to read a copy of the brief 

Estate of Mary Van Riper v. New Jersey Division of Taxation
Appellate Division Docket No,: A-3024-16T4
What assets placed in a trust are subject to New Jersey’s transfer inheritance tax and when?
Click here to read a copy of the brief

Bianchi v. Ladjen, et. al.
Appellate Division Docket No,: A-3310-15
Questions about procedures used in house closings, the role of title companies, and the use of experts and net opinions
Click here to read the NJSBA Brief

Dunbar Homes, Inc. v. The Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Township of Franklin
Supreme Court Docket No,: 079076
When is a submission to the planning board considered an “application for development” that triggers the “time of application rule,” which states that the regulations in effect on the date of submission of an application for development govern the review of that application?
Click here to read the brief

Heredia v. Piccininni
Appellate Division Docket No.
A-5714
Should the judges be required to ask open-ended void dire questions during jury selection and if the failure to do so is grounds for a new trial?
Click here to read the brief written by Lauren D. Fraser, Esq., John E. Gregory, Esq., Liana M. Nobile, Esq., and Michael R. Pagliione, Esq.
   
John Smith, a fictitious person. v. Arvind R. Datla, MD; Consultants in Kidney Disease, PA, ABC 1-20 (one or more fictitious corporations), DEP Company 1-20 (one or more fictitious companies); John and/or Jane Doe 1-20 (names being fictitious)
Appellate Division Docket No.
A-1339-16T3
The Appellate Division case, Smith v. Datla, centers on a question over the application of what statute of limitations should apply, and the NJSBA warns it presents access to justice issues that could have wide-ranging effects.
Click here to read the brief by Thomas H. Prol, Esq., William H. Mergner Jr., Esq., and Liana M. Nobile, Esq.
Smith v. Datla involved the proper statute of limitations that should be applied to matters involving the AIDS Assistance Act. The association successfully advocated against any attempt to limit the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS and their access to the courts due to a restrictive statute of limitations, which could have broad-reaching effects and extend to claims in other areas of law. The Appellate Division agreed completely with the NJSBA’s amicus position. Read the opinion here.
The New Jersey Supreme Court upheld the Appellate Division ruling in Smith v. Datla, which was in line with the association’s amicus argument. Read the opinion here.

 

In the matter of a Complaint Filed by the New Jersey Association of Counties
Challenging Provisions of the Criminal Justice Reform Act as an Unfunded Mandate

New Jersey Council on Local Mandates
Docket No. COLM-0004-16
The association is seeking to be an amicus party in a matter pending before the New Jersey Council on Local Mandates that challenges bail reform measures.
Click here to read the brief written by Thomas H. Prol, Esq.
The Council on Local Mandates released a transcript of the Feb. 15 arguments about criminal justice reform, where the measure was upheld. NJSBA President Thomas H. Prol argued on behalf of the association. To read the account, click here.
   
Schoenefeld v. Schneiderman, et al.
Supreme Court of the United States Docket No.: 16-780
The association urged the nation’s highest court to review bona fide office rules.
Click here to read the brief written by Thomas H. Prol, Esq. and David B. Rubin, Esq. 

Moreland v. Parks 
Appellate Division Docket No.: A-4754-16T4
Trial Court Docket No: MER-L- 227-11
At issue is a case where appellant is making a Portee v. Jaffee claim for emotional distress denied by the trial court because they are not the biological parent.

Click here to read the brief.

Jamie Taormina Bisbing v. Glenn R. Bisbing, III
Supreme Court Docket No. 077533
Appellate Division Docket No.: A-4059-14
Did the plaintiff, who did not have an attorney, make a clear, knowing and unmistakable waiver of statutory rights to have a court grant permission to relocate children?
Click here to read the brief written by  Timothy F. McGoughran, Esq., Brian G. Paul, Esq., Derek M. Freed, Esq. and Albertina Webb, Esq.
   
Paterson v. Borough of Garwood/Villaraut
Superior Court of New Jersey
Appellate Division
Docket No.:  A-2328-15
Challenges a trial court decision that imposed notice requirements on a land use application that are more stringent than those set forth in the Municipal Land Use Law (“MLUL”) and the case law interpreting it.
Click here to read the brief written by Howard D. Geneslaw, Esq., Cameron W. MacLeod, Esq. and Michael D. DeLoreto, Esq.

Ekaterina Schoenefeld v. State of New York, New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department, Committee on Professional Standards of New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department and Its Members
United States Court of Appeals For the Second Circuit Docket No.: 11-4283-cv
NJSBA submits a brief of amicus curiae in support of Plaintiff’s Petition for Rehearing, and argues that The Court should grant rehearing en banc because the panel decision substantially limits the important right of clients to choose their own counsel.
Click here to read the brief written by David B. Rubin, Esq.

State of New Jersey v. Scott Robertson

Supreme Court Docket No.: 075326
Appellate Division Docket No.: A-58-14
What is the appropriate standard for a stay pending appeal in matters involving the suspension of a motor vehicle license in two scenarios: a) From a judgement issued in municipal court on appeal to the Superior Court, and (b) from a judgement issued in the law division on appeal to the Appellate Division?
Click here to read the brief written by Jeffrey Evan Gold, Esq. and Kimberly A. Yonta, Esq.
The Court generally agreed with the NJSBA amicus position that the Crowe standards do not apply to applications for a stay of driver’s license suspension in DWI appeals from municipal court to the Law Division. The Court held there should be a presumption in favor of a stay unless there is a serious safety threat. Read the opinion here.

Mortgage Grader, Inc. v. Ward & Olivo, LLP.

Supreme Court Docket No.: 075310
Does a law firm practicing as an LLP get converted into a general partnership, allowing its individual partners to be held liable for the negligence of fellow partners, when it fails to maintain professional liability insurance required to operate as an LLP under R. 1:21-1C(a) (3)?
Click here to read the brief written by Peter J. Gallagher, Esq.

State of New Jersey v. Denelsbeck
Supreme Court Docket No.: 075170
Was this defendant, who is charged with a fourth offense of driving while intoxicated (DWI), entitled to a jury trial because of the aggregate penalties that he faced?
Click here to read the brief written by Jeffrey Even Gold, Esq., Barbara Ungar, Esq. and Justin M. Moles, Esq.

State v. William L. Witt

Supreme Court Docket No.: 074468

Did the automobile exception to the warrant requirement, as articulated in State v. Pena-Flores, 198 N.J. 6 (2009), apply to permit the search of defendant’s vehicle and seizure of the handgun from the console?

Click here to read the brief written by Jeffrey Evan Gold, Esq., Kimberly Yonta, Esq. and Justin M. Moles, Esq.

HELD: The exigent-circumstances standard set forth in Pena-Flores is unsound in principle and unworkable in practice. Citing Article I, Paragraph 7 of New Jersey’s State Constitution, the Court returns to the standard articulated in State v. Alston, 88 N.J. 211(1981), for warrantless searches of automobiles based on probable cause: The automobile exception authorizes the warrantless search of an automobile only when the police have probable cause to believe that the vehicle contains contraband or evidence of an offense and the circumstances giving rise to probable cause are unforeseeable and spontaneous

Click here for the Opinion

Sergio Rodriguez v. Raymours Furniture 
Supreme Court Docket No.: 074603
Could the employer enforce a contractual provision in an employment application, by which the employee waived the two-year statute of limitations applicable to claims against the employer and shortened the period for such claims to six months?
Click here to read the brief written by John E. Keefe, Jr., Esq., Stephen T. Sullivan, Jr., Esq., Liana M. Nobile, Esq., and Javier J. Diaz, Esq.

State v. James Buckner

Supreme Court Docket No.: 074390

Does N.J.S.A. 43:6A-13(b), which authorizes the recall of retired judges for temporary service, violate provisions of the New Jersey State Constitution?

Click here to read the brief written by Sandra T. Ayres, Esq., Robert B. Hille, Esq., John W. Kaveney, Esq. and Thomas H. Prol, Esq.

Held: Defendant has failed to show beyond a reasonable doubt that the Recall Statute is clearly repugnant to the New Jersey Constitution. To the contrary, the current law, in effect since 1975, is consistent with both the language and the history of the modern State Constitution, and does not violate the separation of powers doctrine.
Click here for the Opinion

Anthony C. Major v. Julie Maguire

Supreme Court Docket No.: 074345

When adjudicating an application for grandparent visitation, under what circumstances must the trial court follow the procedural guidelines articulated in the Appellate Division’s recent decision R.K. v. D.L., Jr., 434 NJ Super. 113 (App. Div. 2014)?

Click here to read the brief written by Brian G. Paul, Esq., Jeralyn L. Lawrence, Esq. and Cheryl E. Connors, Esq.

Conley, et. al. v. Guerrero, et. al. 
App. Div. Docket No. – A-3796-13
Was proper notice of termination for a real estate contract, during an attorney review period, served when buyer’s broker received notice of termination via facsimile and via electronic mail?
Click here to read the brief written by Stuart J. Lieberman, Esq., Heather G. Suarez, Esq., and F. Bradford Batcha, Esq.
Supreme Court Docket No. 076928

Click here to read the brief written by Thomas H. Prol, President, F. Bradford Batcha, Esq., Stuart J.  Lieberman, Esq., Michael G. Sinkevich, Esq., and Heather G. Suarez, Esq.

State of New Jersey v. Timothy Adkins

Supreme Court Docket No.: 073803

Should the defendant’s blood test results be suppressed in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Missouri v. McNeeley, 133 S.Ct. 1552, 185 L.Ed.2d 696 (2013), which held that there is no per se rule of exigency in drunk driving cases?

Click here to read the brief written by Jeffrey Evan Gold, Esq. and Thomas Cannavo, Esq.

In the Matter of Opinion No. 17-2012 of the Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics 
Docket No.: 072810
May an attorney volunteer on behalf of Volunteer Lawyers for Justice to provide pro bono legal services to a debtor in a “no-asset” Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceeding if the attorney’s law firm represents a creditor of the debtor in an unrelated matter? Held: Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s pro bono bankruptcy program does not present a conflict of interest under RPC 1.7.  With appropriate safeguards, a volunteer attorney can represent a low-income debtor in a no-asset Chapter 7 bankruptcy matter even if the attorney’s firm represents one or more of the debtor’s creditors in unrelated matters.
Click here to read the Brief written by Susan A. Feeney, Esq., Emily B. Goldberg, Esq. and Judah Skoff, Esq.
Click here to read the Opinion

Peter Innes v. Marzano-Lesnevich, et.al.

Supreme Court Docket No.: 074291

This case focuses on a number of issues, including (1) whether the attorney fee provisions established in Saffer v. Willoughby can be extended to permit non-clients to obtain an award of attorney’s fees from their adversary’s attorneys for alleged negligence, and (2) what criteria should be used to qualify experts in legal malpractice cases.

Click here to read the brief written by Dennis Drasco, Esq., Arthur M. Owens, Esq. and Fruqan Mouzon, Esq.

Elizabeth Gnall v. James Gnall
Supreme Court Docket No.: 073321
This case questions the reversal of a limited duration alimony award and whether a fifteen-year marriage qualifies as short term, precluding an award of limited duration alimony
Click here to read the brief written by Brian Schwartz, Esq., Derek Freed, Esq. and Brian Paul, Esq.

Morristown Associates v. Grant Oil Company
Supreme Court Docket No.: 073248
Does the general six-year statute of limitations established by N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 for damage to property apply to a private claim for contribution under the New Jersey Spill Compensation Control Act; and if so, did the discovery rule allow plaintiff to pursue claims for damages arising prior to the limitations period?
Click here to read the Brief written by Craig S. Provorny, Esq. and Laurie J. Sands, Esq. on behalf of the New Jersey State Bar Association.

 

State of New Jersey v. Julie Kuropchak
Supreme Court Docket No.: 072718
In this appeal challenging a conviction of driving while intoxicated, was it error to admit the documentary evidence and the Alcotest results, and was the observational evidence sufficient to sustain the conviction?
Click here to read the Brief written by John Menzel, Esq. on behalf of the New Jersey State Bar Association.

 

State of New Jersey v. James J. Revie

Is a defendant who is convicted of a third offense of driving while intoxicated (DWI) more than ten years after his second DWI conviction entitled to a second step-down in sentencing under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50(a)(3) after having already received a step-down in sentencing on his second DWI conviction?

Click here to read the Brief written by Jeffrey Evan Gold, Esq.

Ross v. Maeker

Supreme Court Docket No.: 072185

Does the 2010 amendment to the Statute of Frauds (N.J.S.A. 25:1-5(b)) requiring a writing memorializing palimony agreements and independent advice of counsel prior to executing such an agreement apply to bar enforcement or oral agreements that existed before adoption of said amendments?

Click here to read the Brief written by Ralph J. Lamparello, Esq., Brian G. Paul, Esq., Brian M. Schwartz, Esq., and Elizabeth M. Vinhal, Esq. on behalf of the New Jersey State Bar Association

Click here to read the opinion

D&D Associates, Inc. v. North Plainfield Board of Education
Third Circuit Case No.: 12-2236
Can the attorney for the Board of Education be sued by plaintiff for defamation and tortious interference for statements in pre-litigation letters sent to plaintiff’s attorneys and plaintiff’s performance bond surety termination the parties’ contractual relationship?
Click here to read the Brief written by Ralph J. Lamparello, Esq., Thomas H. Prol, Esq. and Sharon A. Balsamo, Esq. on behalf of the New Jersey State Bar Association

Acupuncture Society of NJ v. NJ Department of Banking and Insurance, Docket No. A-1792-12

NJ Healthcare Coalition v. NJ Department of Banking and Insurance, Docket No. A-1038-12

NJ Coalition for Quality Health Care v. NJ Department of Banking and Insurance, Docket No. A-1445-12

NJ Association of Justice in NJ v. NJ Department of Banking and Insurance, Docket No. A-1636-12

The case focuses on whether DOBI exceeded its authority in adopting new regulations governing personal injury protection benefits provided in the aftermath of auto accidents.

Click here to read the Brief written by Kevin P. McCann, Esq. and Anthony Murgatroyd, Esq., on behalf of the New Jersey State Bar Association

Martin O’Boyle v. Borough of Longport (070999)

Are the documents requested from the Borough protected from access under the Open Public Records Act because they are protected by the attorney work-product privilege and common interest doctrine?

Click here to read the Brief written by Thomas Hoff Prol, Esq. and President Kevin McCann, on behalf of the New Jersey  State Bar Association

In the matter of Sean Alden Smith, an Attorney at Law, Docket No. 070529 D-98-11 – This case questions whether the DRB has authority to order diversion during the post-complaint stage of a disciplinary proceeding.

Click here for the NJSBA brief drafted by Kevin McCann, David Dugan, Robert Hille

Schoenefeld v. State of New York, Docket No. 11-4283-cv (pending in the Second Circuit) – Is a New York statute requiring non-resident attorneys to maintain an office in the state unconstitutional?

Click here for the NJSBA brief drafted by David B. Rubin.

A federal appeals court said the question of whether an attorney must have an office in New York in order to handle cases there needs more review. Click here to read the decision.

 

State v. Cahill, Docket No. 68,727 — Were defendant’s motor vehicle violations properly dismissed on the basis that he was denied a speedy trial? Decision pending.

Click here for the NJSBA brief drafted by Jeffrey Evan Gold.

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.

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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.

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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.

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2024 Annual Meeting & Convention


The New Jersey State Bar Association is thrilled to announce the 2024 Annual Meeting & Convention will be held at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa May 15-17

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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.

Registration information and additional details coming soon. 

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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

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