New Jersey State Bar Association
Board of Trustees Report
May 18, 2022
Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa
Note: This summary does not constitute official minutes

   
Putting Lawyers First Task Force: NJSBA 2022-2023 President Jeralyn L. Lawrence shared plans to create a task force that aims to make life in the profession better for attorneys. It will strive to examine issues facing the profession and provide attorneys the tools they need to survive and thrive in the ever-changing legal landscape. Some issues the task force will address involve helping attorneys navigate the world of working ethically in a virtual environment, looking at roadblocks attorneys face in seeking payment for their work, finding creative ways to engage new members of the profession, and addressing the root cause of stress and anxiety in the field.
   
Government affairs: The Board supported several measures including:
A3707 Coughlin/S2395 Scutari, a bill that makes various changes to the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect and establishes child protection worker caseload standards. The NJSBA will seek to be an enumerated organization included on the task force, given the contributions and knowledge the members can make, especially members of the Child Welfare Law Section.
S1467 Bramnick, a measure that would authorize members of the state Legislature to solemnize marriages and civil unions.
S2235 Doherty, which is referred to as the Lydia Peikon-Cotz Act and would require that courthouses provide a secure location where a person under the protection of a domestic violence restraining order could be deposed.
A1357 Mosquera/S1034 Vitale, a bill that would establish the New Jersey Siblings’ Bill of Rights. It would establish rights for siblings who have been placed with a resource family or in a congregate care setting.
S2052 Turner/A3808 Lopez, a proposal that would allow a tenant who secures a temporary or permanent restraining order the ability to change the locks on residential rental unit.
A2528 Murphy/S2092 Greenstein, which provides gross income tax credit to totally and permanently disabled veterans for rent-constituting property taxes. The NJSBA will seek amendments to align the language and definitions to match the 2020 constitutional amendment and other minor adjustments.
A2538 Murphy/S551 Zwicker, which would eliminate the active-duty requirements from the veterans' gross income tax exemption allowed under the statute.
A1169 Jasey/S1459 Codey, a measure that would require discrimination prevention training for state licensed and certified providers of services to senior citizens.
   
Section bylaws update: The Board approved updates and revisions to the Minorities in the Profession Section’s bylaws. The updates include adding language about the Section’s commitment to diversity and removing barriers to participation; term limits for board members; and details about quorum and how information should be circulated. The Section will finalize the changes at a future meeting.
      
Juneteenth speaker: The Board approved compensation for the Rev. Dr. Cory Jones, of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Burlington Township, who will give keynote remarks at the June 16 Juneteenth Celebration program. The program will be from 6-8 p.m. at the New Jersey Law Center. Juneteenth is the holiday that commemorates the end of chattel slavery in the United States. June 19 marks the date in 1865 that Black people who were enslaved in Texas were notified of the Emancipation Proclamation and freed— two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln had signed the measure outlawing slavery in Confederate states. Long celebrated as a regional holiday, mostly in Texas and other Southern states, Juneteenth was made a federal and state holiday last year. 
   
New trustees: Five attorneys joined the Board of Trustees. They are: Cory Rothbort, YLD Trustee; Asaad Siddiqi, At-Large Trustee; Jennifer McAndrew Vuotto, Morris County Trustee; Jessica Ragno Sprague, Passaic County Trustee; and Alexandra V. Gallo, Essex County Trustee.
   
Farewell remarks of Immediate Past President Kimberly A. Yonta: Yonta said her departure from the Board of Trustees was bittersweet and she urged the Board and Association to continue its meaningful work on behalf of attorneys and the mission of justice. “Fourteen years on the board of trustees, two daughters during that time and one pandemic later, I am very, very grateful for my experience,” said Yonta. “It was a tremendous experience of professional growth, personal growth… I will never forget it.”
 
 
 

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.

MORE ABOUT NJSBA

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.

Learn More

Advocacy


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

Directions

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.

Contact NJSBA

NJSBA Contact Us Form
If you're looking for an attorney, click here for help.

If you cannot afford an attorney and have a civil matter, click here for Legal Services of New Jersey.

Looking for information about a specific lawyer? Contact the Lawyer’s Fund for Client Protection at 855-533-3863.

Have a complaint about a lawyer? Visit the Office of Attorney Ethics website. Select “Attorney Discipline” from the navigation bar for discipline of attorneys.

Contact Info

One Constitution Square
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

732-249-5000
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday

Fax 732-249-2815

Email us

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.

View Calendar

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.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

MEET OUR SPONSORS

2025 Annual Meeting and Convention


The New Jersey State Bar Association is thrilled to announce the 2025 Annual Meeting and Convention will be held at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City from May 14-16.

More information coming soon.

View Sponsorship Opportunities

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

You do not have permission to view this form.