2025 Workers’ Compensation Bench Bar Conference
Date: Dec 16, 2025 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Pines Manor, Edison
Member Price: $211.00
Non-Member Price: $264.00
Section Price: $0.00
Areas of Law: Workers' Compensation
Earn up to 6.7 credits, including 1.2 in Ethics! (More Information)
Keynote
Moderator
- Dorothy T. Daly, Esq.
- Secretary, New JerseySBA Workers’ Compensation Section
Dickie McCamey & Chilcote, PC, Haddonfield - Kathleen M. Dotoli, Esq.
- Chair, New JerseySBA Workers' Compensation Section
Law Office of Kathleen M. Dotoli, LLC, Toms River - Michele Haas, Esq.
- Chair-Elect, New JerseySBA Workers' Compensation Section
Brown & Connery LLP, Haddonfield - Peter F. Ward, Esq.
- Vice Chair, New JerseySBA Workers' Compensation Section
Wegner Wegner & Ward PC, Clifton
Presenters
- Hon. Maria Del Valle-Koch
- Director and Chief Judge of the Division of Workers’ Compensation
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development - Hon. Michael J. Dillon
- Workers' Compensation Court
- Hon. Christopher Leitner, JWC
- Workers’ Compensation Court
- Christopher T. DiGirolamo, Esq.
- Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, PC, Fort Lee
- Christopher Dijanic, MD
- The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine
- Stephen M. Leitner, Esq.
- Leitner Tort DeFazio & Brause, P.C., Edison
- Marc S. Menkowitz, MD
- CFRS - The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine
- Steve Paragioudakis, MD
- CFRS - The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine
- Richard Rubenstein, Esq.
- Certified By the Supreme Court of New Jersey As a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Rubenstein, Berliner & Shinrod, LLC - Mark B. Zirulnik, Esq.
- Attorney-at-Law, Scotch Plains
Presented in cooperation with the NJSBA Workers’ Compensation Section
Join us for the 2025 Workers’ Compensation Bench Bar Conference as esteemed Workers Compensation Division Judges and respected colleagues delve into the topics that will help you confidently stride into 2026. The CLE event of the year returns! Register today to come away with a wealth of knowledge to help you better represent your clients.
The conference features opening remarks by the Hon. Maria Del Valle-Koch, the Director and Chief Judge of the Division. The director will focus on “the Current State of the Division,” with updated information that will impact you, your clients and litigants with what practitioners and judges can expect moving forward.
Then, join your colleagues and friends for some exciting, up-to-the-minute topics. This includes:
- An insightful segment on the use of robotics in spine surgery by three renowned orthopedic spine surgeons: Marc S. Menkowitz, Dr. Steve Paragioudakis and Dr. Christopher Dijanic
- A unique presentation on “Workers’ Compensation Math” presented by the father and son team of Stephen M. Leitner, winner of a Jack O’Brien Award for Excellence in Workers’ Compensation, and the Hon. Christopher Leitner.
- An essential and practical Medicare update for workers’ compensation lawyers and judges
- A segment on the Uninsured Employer’s Fund – Updated guidelines for uninsured cases
- AI Update – What’s Now and What’s Next
- Yearly legislative and case law update with the latest law that will affect your cases
- The highly anticipated “Ethics Update” with the Hon. Michael Dillon
- Do YOU know the top five answers on the board? The day will wrap with a fun, lively Family Feud Faceoff with lawyers versus judges!
- Of course, the day will include a networking lunch and the Workers’ Compensation Practitioners of the Year!
Important Information About Our Events, Meetings, and More:
To secure your spot and receive important updates about our events, meetings, and other gatherings, such as schedule changes, remember to register in advance.
Digital Materials & Environmental Commitment: As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, unless otherwise noted, all seminar materials are provided as digital downloads. You can access these materials through:
- The “My Links” section at the top of our website for in-person or online events
- Or, for online programs, the event access link included in your joining instructions
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
If you need to cancel your registration and are not transferring to another program or date, please submit a written request to us at least three business days before the event, meeting, or gathering. You will receive a refund minus a $20.00 cancellation fee. No refunds or registration changes will be issued within three business days of the event, meeting, or gathering.
Stay Informed:
Registered participants will be notified of any schedule changes. For updates regarding inclement weather, please check your email or visit NJSBA.com.
Media Consent:
By participating in our events, meetings, or other gatherings, you agree to be photographed and/or recorded. Additionally, all media content captured during these gatherings will become the property of NJSBA. This content, including your image and name, may be used in our future promotional materials without additional consent or compensation.
Scholarship & Financial Assistance Policy:
Read our Scholarship & Financial Assistance Policy and submit an Application here: https://njsba.com/njicle/cle-programs/scholarship/