The following is a summary of actions taken at the Oct. 16, 2015, meeting of the New Jersey State Bar Association Board of Trustees. This summary does not constitute official minutes.
   
Audit: The New Jersey State Bar Association has a strong financial base and is a thriving home to the state’s largest lawyers group and the leading continuing legal education organization, a draft auditor’s report from Withum, Smith + Brown showed. The board adopted the draft audit for fiscal year 2015, which ended in June. The auditors found no issues of concern and expected to issue a clean and unmodified opinion when the report is finalized later this month.
   
Nominations and elections policies: The trustees approved amendments to the Association’s policy manual that will govern the way nominations of future leaders are made and any elections are conducted. The policies will take effect upon adoption of the concurrent bylaws changes that govern nominations and elections, which are now being voted on by members. The proposed bylaws amendments meant to make nominations more transparent and elections less intrusive and shorter. They require approval by two-thirds of the votes cast. The policies can be found at njsba.com.
   
Government affairs: The trustees approved an updated legislation position form, the document the association’s sections, committees and division use to share insights and recommendations with the board about pending bills. The revised form eliminates the requirement that each measure be given a priority designation. Instead, the streamlined version will allow all of the same input from those groups while providing greater flexibility for the association to properly delegate resources to advance key legislative measures.
   
The trustees also voted to support proposed legislation to modernize and amend the Professional Service Corporation Act. They reaffirmed a 2008 position to oppose S-663, which would increase court fees to pay for various issues, including court security, on the grounds that general budget funds should be used for those efforts since the courts benefit all residents. The trustees also voted to oppose as unconstitutional S-2651, which would require that breath test warnings given to suspected drunk drivers be given in English and that applicants for driver’s licenses must read and understand English.
   
Future of legal services: The trustees voted to submit written opposition to the American Bar Association’s Commission on the Future of Legal Services regarding a measure that advocates for state courts to adopt Model Regulatory Objectives that would allow non-lawyers to offer legal services or own law firms. The NJSBA has been monitoring the commission’s work and has formed its own Blue Ribbon Commission on Unmet Legal Needs to develop recommendations for the delivery of legal services to those who cannot afford them.
   
ERA: The board approved a resolution that sets out a road map for President-Elect Thomas H. Prol’s agenda as president next year to advance the adoption of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The amendment was first introduced in 1923 and has been reintroduced in every session of Congress since that time. The resolution declares the association’s full and unequivocal support for “equality of rights based on sex, and calls for immediate ratification” of the amendment. The resolution will be submitted to the American Bar Association so its delegates can consider action in February. Meanwhile, the state bar association will form an ad hoc committee to study the issue and propose a strategy for ratification.
   
Vanderbilt Award: The trustees selected former NJSBA President Ralph J. Lamparello as this year’s recipient of the Arthur J. Vanderbilt Award in recognition of his work to advance the public’s understanding and political dialogue surrounding the importance of a fair and independent judicial system. 

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.

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.

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.