DEI Conference 2026
Date: Oct 22, 2026 5:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Location: New Jersey Law Center, New Brunswick, and Online
Member Price: $179.00
Non-Member Price: $209.00
Section Price: $159.00
Areas of Law: Diversity
Earn up to 3 credits, including 3.0 in Diversity! (More Information)
Featured Speaker
Moderator
- Colin M. Lynch, Esq.
- Zazzali, P.C., Newark
Presenters
- Lora L. Fong, Esq.
- Assistant Attorney General & Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Office of Attorney General, Trenton - Stephanie D. Gironda, Esq.
- Wilentz Goldman & Spitzer, Woodbridge
- Leonard V. Jones, Esq.
- Jackson Lewis P.C., Berkeley Heightsis a civil litigation attorney and associate with Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney P.C. in Newark, New Jersey, and New York City, where he focuses his practice in complex civil and employment litigation, including representing individual, business and public entity clients in state and federal courts. He has also served as an Assistant Prosecutor with the Union County Prosecutor's Office, prosecuting cases involving narcotics, violent crimes and economic crimes.
Admitted to practice in New Jersey and New York, and before the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, Mr. Jones was appointed by the New Jersey Supreme Court to a four-year term as a Member of the District XII Fee Arbitration Committee and is a member of the New Jersey State, Garden State and Union County Bar Associations. He is a member of several sections and committees of the New Jersey State Bar Association, including the Diversity Committee, Minorities in the Profession Section, Civil Trial Bar Section and Federal Practice and Procedure Section, as well as the Young Lawyers Division. He is also a member of the Union County Bar Association Diversity, Inclusion & the Elimination of Bias Committee and the Program Committee of the Sidney Reitman American Inn of Court.
Mr. Jones received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Seton Hall University, his Masters in Public Administration from Seton Hal University and his J.D. from Rutgers University School of Law, where he was the recipient of the Eagleton Institute of Politics Governor’s Executive Fellowship. He clerked for the Honorable James P. Wilson, J.S.C., Superior Court of New Jersey, Family Division, Union Vicinage.
(8/23) - Nivritha Ketty, Esq.
- Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, P.C., Chatham
- Beth P. Zoller, Esq.
- KSBranigan Law P.C., Montclair
Over the last year, the DEI legal landscape has evolved from executive orders on paper to active litigation in the courts. Issued in March 2026, Executive Order 14398 significantly raised the stakes for federal contractors – mandating compliance certifications, defining prohibited “racially discriminatory DEI activities,” and exposing organizations to False Claims Act liability for noncompliant certifications. Shortly after, the FAR Council issued guidance to begin implementing the order.
Our distinguished panel will examine the recent history of Executive Orders challenging DEI initiatives and how these developments have reshaped compliance obligations for the government sector, federal contractors, higher education, corporate America, and law firms. The discussion will cover the practical realities of certification requirements and audit exposure, ongoing constitutional challenges working through the appellate courts, and concrete action items for practitioners advising clients through this fast-evolving and increasingly litigious landscape.
Register today to stay current on this evolving landscape.
Topics include:
- Understanding DEI: A Brief History and Evolution of DEI
- An Overview of the Federal Legal Landscape and DEI Executive Orders
- The Impact on the Education, Government, and Private Sectors
- Guidance for Corporate and Law Firm DEI Initiatives
- Program-by-Program DEI Audit and Risk Framework
- EEOC Enforcement Priorities and Practical Compliance
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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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/