2026 Workers’ Compensation Bench Bar Conference
Date: Dec 9, 2026 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Pines Manor, Edison
Member Price: $211.00
Non-Member Price: $264.00
Section Price: $198.00
Areas of Law: Workers' Compensation
Earn up to 6.7 credits, including 1.0 in Ethics! (More Information)
Featured Speaker
Moderator
Presenters
Presented in cooperation with the NJSBA Workers' Compensation Section
New Jersey's Top Annual Workers' Compensation Conference
The workers' comp event of the year is back. Last December, more than 400 practitioners and judges attended because this is the one day each year when New Jersey's top experts explain, directly and in detail, the latest challenges, strategies, and tactics you can put to work in your practice right away and for years to come.
This year, Hon. Maria Del Valle-Koch, Director and Chief Judge of the Division of Workers' Compensation, will open the conference with the State of the Division. Judge Del Valle-Koch will also address what the bench will expect of practitioners in the coming year and what practitioners can expect in return.
The sessions that follow will focus on the questions you're most likely to encounter this year, as well as strategies for confidently handling them, including:
- Spinal cord and extremity injuries. Nirav K. Shah, MD, FAANS, FACS, will explain the anatomy and the treatment behind your most heavily disputed claims. You'll read the medical records more confidently, question the experts more effectively, and value the file more accurately.
- Psychological IMEs and the limits of the evidence. Dr. Julien Musolino of Rutgers will explain what the MMPI actually measures and what it can't establish. You'll know exactly where the instrument's authority ends.
- The legislative and case law update. The year's developments will be gathered and interpreted in one session – including insights not what to expect in 2027 and beyond!
- Medicare trusts. Ametros share concreate strategies for set-asides and the allocation questions that most often hold up settlement.
- Ethics update. Current guidance, and the credit you need.
- Diversity and inclusion in workers' compensation practice. A practical look at the composition of the bar and the people it serves.
You'll leave with case law you can cite, statutory changes you can apply, and a clear sense of how the bench is thinking. You'll also have spent a day with the colleagues on the other side of your files, which is worth something on its own.
Registration is open. Don't wait -reserve your seat today!
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.
Professional Conduct:
All attendees and participants are expected to conduct themselves professionally and treat others with respect at NJSBA events, meetings, and gatherings. This includes courteous communication, respecting perspectives, and creating a welcoming environment for all. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in removal from the event.
Stay Informed:
Registered participants will be notified of any schedule changes. For updates regarding inclement weather, please check your email or visit NJSBA.com.
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Scholarship & Financial Assistance Policy:
Read our Scholarship & Financial Assistance Policy and submit an Application here: https://njsba.com/njicle/cle-programs/scholarship/