Takeaways From to Kill a Mockingbird – Lessons in Ethics and Professionalism for Today’s Lawyers
Date: Mar 25, 2026 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 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: Ethics
Earn up to 3.3 credits, including 3.3 in Ethics! (More Information)
Keynote
Moderator
Presenters
- Hon. James Den Uyl, J.S.C. (Ret.)
- Yardstick ADR, LLC
- Roy D. Curnow, Esq
- Law Office of Roy D. Curnow, Spring Lake
- Brian D. Gillet
- Assistant Prosecutor, Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, New Brunswick
- Richard J. Shaklee, Esq.
- McLaughlin Stauffer & Shaklee, PC, Wall Township
“Lawyers, I suppose, were children once” - So writes Harper Lee in the prologue of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel will serve as a backdrop as our distinguished panel of practitioners explore the importance of being a professionally responsible lawyer. Atticus Finch took Tom Robinson’s case even though he knew he would lose. Despite his belief that he most likely couldn’t win, as Atticus explained to Scout, he argued the case to do justice and uphold his sense of self-respect.
How do we adhere to the RPCs, diligently represent our clients, and apply concepts of ethics, justice and civility when practicing law in 2026 and beyond?
Our panel will tackle this question and offer perspective on tried-and-true practices to perform competently, ethically and with civility.
Topics include:
- Representing your clients diligently without compromising your principles
- Framing your own narrative and making it happen win, lose or draw much the same as the stand taken by Atticus Finch when he accepted Tom Robinson’s case
- The role of the citizen-lawyer in society - bringing civility, decency, and fairness to our practice and daily life, day in and day out
- Recent developments in New Jersey ethics decisions
- And more!
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/