NJSBA Board of Trustees Report
March 21, 2025
Note: This does not constitute official minutes
2025 Rules Report Comments: The Board voted to send comments on reports from the Supreme Court Family Practice Committee, Committee on Diversity, Inclusion & Community and Court Rule amendments in connection with the Family Part Non-Dissolution Docket.
NextGen Bar Exam: The Board supported New Jersey’s transition to the NextGen Bar Exam beginning in February 2028. Among the exam’s benefits is the portability of scores. If adopted in New Jersey, applicants can take one bar exam and apply their scores in several jurisdictions for admission. To date, 33 jurisdictions have announced plans to adopt the NextGen Bar Exam, including New York. The NJSBA recommended that the Judiciary consider a written option for the exam and make bar licenses that predate the NextGen exam more portable, among other recommendations.
Comments on PERC Regulations: The Board voted to oppose a proposed rule by the New Jersey Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) setting a 60-day deadline to make a complaint issuance determination of an unfair practice charge. The NJSBA Labor and Employment Law Section opposed the rule as an arbitrary deadline that would hinder flexibility for parties to negotiate.
NJSBA Professional Lawyer of the Year: The Board selected former Foundation President and NJSBA Trustee Kathleen Fennelly as the NJSBA Professional Lawyer of the Year. The award recognizes lawyers or retired judges of outstanding character who are respected by colleagues for a commitment to the highest standards of professionalism, in addition to being known for career achievements and involvement in the organized bar and community. The Professional Lawyer of the Year Award will be presented at the Annual Professionalism Luncheon, scheduled for June 12 at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe.