New Jersey State Bar Association
Board of Trustees Report
March 19, 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: American Bar Association President Patricia Lee Refo addressed the Board of Trustees on issues facing the ABA and the legal profession, including a substantial discussion on so-called regulatory sandbox issues. The ongoing public health pandemic and the societal fissures of systemic racism that have taken centerstage, have also required the profession to adapt. The work of lawyers has changed in important and fundamental ways. The organized bar is more important to our nation right now than maybe it has ever been, Refo said. Even though the waters are rough, the legal profession has done what it always has: roll up its sleeves and work to solve problems. On the topic of regulatory innovation, Refo said the American Bar Association supports the model rule provisions governing law firm ownership. However, as states are moving forward with alternative proposals to attempt to address the justice gap, the ABA will measure and evaluate the results to determine if there is a path to pursue in the future. Refo also discussed the upcoming ABA Day in Washington, the organization’s annual lobbying event on Capitol Hill, and that this year’s Law Day, on May 1, is an opportunity to educate the public about the vital importance of advancing the rule of law now.
   
Comments on court rule reports: The Board discussed the Judiciary's various committee reports and agreed to submit comments about recommendations. The Association believes it is important to contribute to the discussion of ensuring the court rules are clear, establish procedures that are fair to all parties, and advance the interests of and access to justice. Comments were submitted about proposals related to the rules of evidence; municipal court matters; family practice issues and proposals from the Committee on Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement.
   
In addition, the NJSBA submitted separate comments for two reports:
   
Child witnesses
The NJSBA said it appreciated the efforts of a Joint Committee and the Judiciary to ensure that court procedures are appropriately balanced to address the unique needs and perspective of children against the importance of ensuring truthful and competent testimony in court proceedings, yet it expressed grave concerns about the current proposal. The NJSBA was particularly concerned about the reaction of a child to an additional assessment when the child has already been significantly traumatized. An assessment inquiry is likely to invoke a sense of fear and lead to inaccurate responses and ineffective results, the NJSBA said. For these reasons, the NJSBA believes that no assessment of a child’s credibility is necessary. Children should, instead, always be permitted to testify if they are available, with the triers of fact being permitted to weigh the credibility of the testimony as they deem appropriate.
   
New model voir dire questions and updates to model civil and criminal jury charges
The NJSBA supported the laudable goal of enhancing juror impartiality through education, awareness and discussion of implicit bias, however said there are many questions about whether the proposed video, model voir dire questions and jury charge amendments will be able to achieve that goal. The NJSBA further urged the Judiciary to take additional steps to ensure that the trial court is able to fulfill its duty to “take all appropriate measures to ensure the fair and proper administration of a trial, including by searching out juror biases and seating an impartial jury.” Specifically, the Association said it believes that juror biographical questions should be updated, juror voir dire should be expanded, and peremptory challenges should affirmatively be kept intact. Finally, as the empaneling of impartial jurors is such a vital component of the fair administration of justice, the NJSBA recommended that the Judiciary test any changes in the juror process through focus groups and mock trials. The exercise should be aimed at determining the most effective way to educate potential jurors about implicit bias and providing them with the necessary tools to refrain from allowing implicit biases to influence their decisions.
   
Arbitration agreements: The Trustees approved draft model arbitration disclosure language to be shared with the Judiciary. The draft language was provided in follow-up to the comments the Board submitted to the Courts Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics regarding required disclosures when including an arbitration clause in a retainer agreement, pursuant to Delaney v. Dickey. The NJSBA was an amicus party in the Delaney case, in which 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 previously urged the ACPE to recommend adoption of the guidelines contained in the Delaney decision and said model language on arbitration clauses should be included in those updates.
   
Government affairs: The NJSBA voted to support A2249, which prohibits consumer reporting agencies from charging certain fees and includes certain provisions in contracts with consumers. The Association will also pursue sponsors for legislation drafted by its Military Law and Veteran’s Affairs Section that would provide a comprehensive definition of “veteran” and remove the “time of war” requirement from all state statutes, excluding the definition applicable to civil service preferences under N.J.S.A. 11A:5-1, which is mandated by the state constitution.
   
New Jersey State Bar Foundation trustees: The NJSBA Board of Trustees approved the selection of representatives to the New Jersey State Bar Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The reappointed trustees are: Kelly Ann Bird, Thomas J. Manzo, Katrina Homel, Mikeisha Anderson, Ralph J. Lamparello, former NJSBA president, and former Association Trustee Heather Suarez. NJSBA Trustee Alexandra Gallo was appointed as a new trustee to the Foundation board, beginning in June. Norberto Garcia, who is concluding as Foundation president and will become secretary of the NJSBA in May will also sit on the Foundation board since he will be an officer of the Association.
   
Recognition of the Monmouth Vicinage: The Board approved a resolution honoring the Monmouth Vicinage for receiving the American Bar Association Award for the Best 2020 Law Day Theme Interpretation. The vicinage, in partnership with the Monmouth Bar Association, held virtual celebrations marking Law Day and the “Your vote, Your Voice, Our Democracy,” theme.

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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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.

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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.

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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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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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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!

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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.

 

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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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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.

 

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Reports


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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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