From Government to Private Practice – How to Make the Move Successfully
Date: Oct 7, 2026 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: New Jersey Law Center, New Brunswick, and Online
Member Price: $145.00
Non-Member Price: $179.00
Areas of Law: For All Attorneys, Government, Public Sector & Public Interest
Earn up to 2.4 credits! (More Information)
Keynote
Moderator
- Robert J. Brass, Esq.
- Of Counsel, Dughi, Hewit & Domalewski, PC, Cranford
Presenters
- Larry Bembry
- , West Orange
- June Forrest, Esq.
- Workplace Violence Plan Coordinator, OPD, Trenton
- Carol Johnston, Esq.
- Supreme Court Clerk’s OfficeNew Jersey Supreme Court Clerk’s Office in Trenton, New Jersey, joined the Administrative Office of the Courts in 2006 and serves as Secretary to the Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics, the Committee on Attorney Advertising and the Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law. She also answers the attorney ethics research assistance hotline.
Ms. Johnston formerly served as a Deputy Attorney General with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, Division of Law, for 15 years. She was Ethics Officer for the Department of Law and Public Safety and a member of the Prosecutor’s Code of Ethics Committee.
Ms. Johnston has lectured for ICLE, the American Law Institute-American Bar Association (ALI-ABA), the New Jersey State Bar Association, the New Jersey Judiciary, the National Association of Retail Collection Attorneys, and several county bar associations and American Inns of Court. In 2017 she was the recipient of ICLE’s Distinguished Service Award for Excellence in Continuing Legal Education.
Ms. Johnston is a graduate of Hamilton College and New York Law School. She clerked for Chief Justice Robert N. Wilentz.
For many New Jersey attorneys, government practice offers invaluable experience and immense job satisfaction. Government lawyers handle complex matters, bear significant responsibility, gain precious courtroom experience, and have the opportunity to serve the public. At the same time, there may come a time when moving from public service to private practice is enticing.
There are many reasons government attorneys consider transitioning to private practice, but there are also many daunting unknowns. This program will help any government attorney considering that move by answering the questions you have been thinking about—and even some that you haven’t yet considered.
Practical Tips for Seeking Employment in the Private Sector:
- The indispensable checklist for seeking a new job mid-career
- How to translate government experience into marketable private-sector skills
- Essential ethical considerations, applicable RPCs, and ethics opinions, including conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and privilege
- Special considerations when moving from government prosecution to private defense clients
- Fulfilling volunteer options when leaving public service
Important Considerations You May Not Have Contemplated:
- Types of malpractice insurance coverage you need
- Protecting your pension – jobs that may negatively impact your pension status and questions to ask before you accept an offer
- How to prepare for the mindset shift of a new career path
- Post-employment restrictions on prosecutors, attorneys general, and public defenders
Of course, our panel of speakers will also answer your specific questions.
If you are considering a move or are just curious about your options, join us for this informative webcast and gain the insights you need to successfully transition your career. Register today to secure your place.
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