First Generation Lawyers – Successfully Harnessing the Power of New Generations
Date: Nov 10, 2025 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: New Jersey Law Center, New Brunswick, and Online
Member Price: $159.00
Non-Member Price: $199.00
Section Price: $0.00
Areas of Law: For All Attorneys
Keynote
Moderator
- Robert T. Szyba, Esq.
- Seyfarth Shaw, New Yorkis a Partner in the Labor & Employment Department of Seyfarth Shaw LLP in New York City, where he defends and counsels employers in a wide range of employment-related issues, including background check and Fair Credit Reporting Act violations, “ban the box” issues, prevailing wage requirements, wage and hour compliance, whistleblower retaliation, family and medical leave compliance and interference/retaliation claims, paid sick leave, and discrimination/harassment. He also advises clients on preventive employment counseling, pre-litigation strategy and litigation avoidance, alternate dispute resolution and mandatory arbitration programs, and employment policies and procedures.
Admitted to practice in the state and federal courts of New Jersey and New York, Mr. Szyba serves on the Executive Committee of the Labor & Employment Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association. He has been Co-Chair of the Ethics & Professional Responsibility Subcommittee of the American Bar Association Labor & Employment Law Section’s Employment Rights & Responsibilities Committee.
Mr. Szyba has served on the Alumni Advisory Board of the Hofstra Labor & Employment Law Journal and as a member of the Sidney Reitman Employment Law American Inn of Court. He is a former Editor-in-Chief of the New Jersey State Bar Association’s New Jersey Labor & Employment Law Quarterly and has lectured for ICLE, NELA-NJ, the American and New York State Bar Associations, and other organizations.
Mr. Szyba received his undergraduate degree, cum laude, from Berklee College of Music and his J.D., cum laude, from Hofstra University School of Law, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Hofstra Labor & Employment Law Journal and a member of Hofstra’s Moot Court Association.
(8/23)
Presenters
- Justice Michael Noriega
- New Jersey Supreme Court
For many lawyers and legal professionals, “first-generation” is a term not many know the exact definition of. However, once they understand what it is, many identify with it and are very keen on sharing their personal experiences.
First-Generation lawyers are lawyers who are the first in their immediate families to enter the legal field. Many first-generation lawyers encounter unique obstacles as they begin and advance through their careers. Most go through law school and enter their professional lives with minimum guidance.
First-generation lawyers are a growing force in our legal communities. What can employers do to identify them, support them, and ensure they achieve every level of success?
Why the Focus on First-Generation Lawyers?
- The concerted effort to focus on first-generation lawyers stems from an enhanced awareness of issues around modern identity. As the legal industry prioritizes diversity, inclusion, and equity, it has become evident that first-generation law students and lawyers face common challenges regardless of their social identity.
- The recognition of these commonalities has led to the emergence of first-generation lawyers as a distinct diversity category.
There is awareness of the lack of self-confidence or sense of belonging, and therefore, a higher incidence of imposter syndrome among young first-generation lawyers. There are financial burdens that constrain first-generation lawyers’ career choices, along with the experience of feeling isolated at work and not understood in your family.
Major Obstacles Faced by First-Generation Lawyers
- Acculturation: First-generation lawyers may lack familiarity with professional norms and expectations in a legal setting.
- Resource Knowledge: They might be unaware of available resources - both within the firm and externally - that could aid their professional growth and personal stability.
- Self-Confidence and Belonging: Many experience imposter syndrome and struggle with self-confidence or a sense of belonging.
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