Ethics Primer
Date: Mar 20, 2026 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: New Jersey Law Center, New Brunswick, and Online
Member Price: $179.00
Non-Member Price: $224.00
Section Price: $0.00
Areas of Law: Ethics
Earn up to 4.5 credits, including 4.5 in Ethics! (More Information)
Keynote
Moderator
- Hon. Edwin H. Stern P.J.A.D (Ret.)
- Pashman Stein Walder Hayden, P.C.
Presenters
- Hon. Mary Catherine Cuff, P.J.A.D. (Ret.)
- Chair, Disciplinary Review Board of the Supreme Court of New Jersey
- Hon. Carmen Messano, C.J.A.D. (Ret.)
- Chair, Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct (ACJC)
- Heather Joy Baker, Esq.
- Clerk, The Supreme Court of New Jersey
- Carol Johnston, Esq.
- Former Counsel To the Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics
Carol Johnston Ethics Law, Princeton - Johanna Barba Jones, Esq.
- Director, Office of Attorney Ethics, Trenton
Mark your calendar for this crucial ethics seminar!
This is everything an attorney practicing in New Jersey needs to know about how the ethics system works and the skills to stay safe from ethics violations. The program’s speakers are integral to the various Judiciary efforts to uphold ethics in the profession.
A distinguished panel of ethics experts, including the Chair of the Disciplinary Review Board, the Chair of the advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct, the Director of the Office of Attorney Ethics, Clerk of the New Jersey Supreme Court, and the Former Counsel to the Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics, will guide you through all aspects of ethics.
Acquire important knowledge about the following ethical topics:
- Overview of the attorney regulation system
- Anatomy of a disciplinary case
- Roles of the DRB and ACJC
- Advertising, communications and AI
- Fee arbitrations and random audits
- Trust accounting
- Recent developments in rules, regulations, and cases
- Succession planning and more!
Register today!
Program Agenda:
- 9:00 | Opening - Hon. Edwin H. Stern, P.J.A.D. (Ret.)
- 9:05 | Panel Discussion on the Following Topics:
- Overview of attorney regulation system and supervisory role of the Supreme Court - Heather Joy Baker, Esq. - 9:30 | Panel Discussion on the Following Topics:
- Anatomy of a disciplinary case; grievance through complaint - Johanna Barba Jones, Esq. - 9:50 | Panel Discussion on the Following Topics:
- Recent developments - rules, cases and regulations - Hon. Edwin H. Stern, P.J.A.D. (Ret.) - 10:15 | Panel Discussion on the Following Topics:
- Specific roles of the Supreme Court of New Jersey Disciplinary Review Board and the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct - Hon. Mary Catherine Cuff, P.J.A.D. (Ret.) and Hon. Carmen Messano, C.J.A.D. (Ret.) - 10:45 | Break
- 10:55 | Panel Discussion on the Following Topics:
- Resources for attorneys and attorney advertising - Carol Johnston, Esq.
- Practical tips and strategies
- Confidentiality
- Communications
- Conflicts
- Competence and technology including AI - Carol Johnston, Esq. - 11:15 | Panel Discussion on the Following Topics:
- Fee arrangements and fee arbitrations - Johanna Barba Jones, Esq.
- Business and trust accounting (including three-way reconciliations) and random audits - Johanna Barba Jones, Esq. - 11:35 | Panel Discussion on the Following Topics:
- Ethics and malpractice: contact malpractice carrier
- Check your policy type and wording
- Ethics guidance - Carol Johnston, Esq. - 11:55 | Panel Discussion on the Following Topics:
- Ethics and professionalism - Hon. Edwin H. Stern, P.J.A.D. (Ret.) - 12:15 | Panel Discussion on the Following Topics:
- Succession planning - Heather Joy Baker Esq. - 12:40 | Questions and answer
- 12:50 | Wrap up and final comments
- 1:00 | Adjourn
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.
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/