New Jersey State Bar Association
Board of Trustees Report
February 26, 2021
Note: This is a summary of the recent Board of Trustees meeting, which was held virtually due to the ongoing public health pandemic. It does not constitute official minutes.
    
American Bar Association Mid-Year Meeting: Yonta reported that the NJSBA had several representatives who took part in the recent American Bar Association Mid-Year Meeting and its House of Delegates voting session. During the meeting, Association leaders also met leaders of the Mid-Atlantic bars where they focused on the transition to a 'new normal' in the legal community and court system. They also shared their initiatives on racial equity in the law. New Jersey representatives later held a meeting with the Five Bars and Friends, a group of eight states including New York, California, Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania and others, where regulatory sandbox issues and alternative legal models, like social workers handling some legal tasks, were raised.
   
The New Jersey delegation lent its support to the successful passage of Resolution 10E, which would encourage Congress to pass Daniel's Law. The law would prohibit the disclosure of personally identifiable information of judges and their families. The resolution came to the House of Delegates seven months after the brutal attack at the home of U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas that took the life of her son, Daniel Anderl, and critically wounded her husband, Mark.
   
Arbitration clauses: The Board agreed to submit comments to the ACPE about required disclosures when including an arbitration clause in a retainer agreement, pursuant to Delaney v. Dickey, in which the NJSBA was an amicus party. In that case, the Court upheld the use or arbitration clauses in retainer agreements but concluded attorneys must provide clients with additional information to ensure clients are fully aware of the differences between arbitration and a judicial trial. The Association will urge the ACPE to recommend adoption of the guidelines contained in the Delaney decision, but not recommend any additional required disclosures. The Association will urge the ACPE to recommend that the requirements be included in the Rules of Professional Conduct and indicate that model language on arbitration clauses should be included in those updates. The Association offered to submit proposed language as a supplement.
   
Election administrator: The Trustees approved the selection of Intelliscan to serve as a third-party administrator should an election be necessary this spring.
     
Government affairs: The NJSBA will support pending measures in Trenton. They include: A4620/S2878, which would revise requirements concerning reported cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adults; and A4837, which authorizes a surviving spouse or family member to use a person’s motor vehicle registration certificate until it expires.
     
NJSBF Update: New Jersey State Bar Foundation President Norberto Garcia shared updates, including that the nomination process for the Medal of Honor and vacancies on the Board of Trustees is ongoing. Information and deadlines for both are available at njsbf.org.  
 

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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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.

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Advocacy


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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 coming soon.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Networking


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

 

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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. 

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