NJSBA Annual Meeting: Daily Educational Programming Schedule

In its 2024 decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, 603 U.S. 369 (2024), the United States Supreme Court overruled the principle of "Chevron deference" that had been established four decades prior. Many observers predicted this ruling signaled the beginning of the end of deference to agency rulemaking, including environmental agencies. However, the Appellate Division of New Jersey recently signaled that the reports of the demise of agency deference may have been greatly exaggerated. On January 5, 2026, New Jersey's Appellate Division, in its decision in IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF N.J.A.C. 7:1C., A-2936-22, A-2959-22, upheld the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's adoption of its Environmental Justice rules and regulations at N.J.A.C. 7:1C, which implement New Jersey's Environmental Justice Law, N.J.S.A. 13:1D-157 to -161. In so upholding, New Jersey's Appellate Division appears to have conducted its administrative law analysis unconstrained by the Loper decision. This decision is considered a win for New Jersey's low-income communities and communities of color, as a stated purpose of the EJ Rules is to "correct [the] historical injustice" of "New Jersey's low-income communities and communities of color hav[ing] been subject to a disproportionately high number of environmental and public health stressors..." This panel will explore the bases for EJ Rules, how those Rules are expected to impact life in overburdened communities, how and when they are applied, and how the foundations for rulemaking affected the Appellate Decision's analysis of agency deference.

Experienced eminent domain trial lawyers will discuss recent trends in the area of eminent domian and recent decisions impact the practice. Topics to be discussed include valuation issues in redevelopment cases, affordable housing and eminent domain, and case law update.

This program will provide a very unique and relevant, out-of-the box offering on issues that strike right at the heart of so much that both ADR practice and family court practice are supposed to be about in addressing the REAL "best interests" of the child. The panel will also offer tips for mediators on potential ways to address and attempt to break through stalemates in mediation of highly contentious custody and parenting-time litigation. The program honors National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day/Month.

The ABA did a study in 2020 whereby they concluded almost 4 of 10 (38.5%, 1,076) of all respondents reported perceptions or experiences of subtle but unintentional biases. More than 1 in 5 respondents (21.7%, 607) noted the experience of subtle and intentional biases. More than half of the LGBTQ lawyers surveyed in that study indicated that they had experienced discrimination in their workplaces. For most clients, being involved with a legal action, particularly things of a personal nature such as family, civil or estate litigation, can be stressful, traumatic and triggering just in the mere existence of the need for the interaction. Lawyers can become trauma informed in their practices and work to reduce retraumatization for all clients, but particularly LGBTQ clients who may experience misgendering, discrimination, bias and other forms of trauma atypical for many other types of clients. This panel will incorporate both academic information about trauma informed approaches, practical tips from pracitioners in the field, and an exploration about how the profession as a whole can address these issues in a client-centered and compassionate way.

Across New Jersey, low-income individuals face devastating civil legal issues without access to counsel. The NJSBA Pro Bono Committee presents this program to make the case for pro bono work across the state, and to demonstrate the role attorneys play in closing the justice gap. The session will focus on the most pressing legal needs, with an emphasis on immigration work. Panelists will review the applicable court rules and considerations governing pro bono work, along with a practical panel discussion focused the “how” and “why” of expanding your pro bono practice. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how and where they can make a difference in New Jersey.

Don't miss out on a chance to hear what happens in Trenton from true insiders on either side of the aisle -- and how they work together.

This presentation will address the educational considerations that need to be considered when handling a divorce. What school district is best for the student, who can make the decisions, how will child support affect the special needs child ability to receive government assistance and many more topics.

Join this important discussion about the best way for lawyers and paralegals to work together in an efficient, effective and ethical partnership. Learn practical strategies that can be put into play immediately.

This seminar will focus on this particular area of young lawyer's (or a transitioning lawyer's) development. Topics shall include the rules of the different courts, preparing the filings, and oral argument.

This program will address practical tips and real-world scenarios for land use practitioners (whether representing applicants or land use boards) with respect to, for example, issues that arise when negotiating language for conditions of approval and navigating the resolution compliance process before the issuance of building permits.

This panel will address several significant developments impacting New Jersey's gaming industry: the North Jersey casino referendum, New York casinos, and the proliferation of prediction markets offering event-based contracts. With respect to the North Jersey casino referendum, the panel will review the constitutional and legislative framework governing casino gaming in New Jersey, including the history of prior referendum efforts and the legal mechanisms that would be required to authorize casino operations outside of Atlantic City. The panel will also touch upon the potential impact of New York casinos on the New Jersey market. With respect to prediction markets, the panel will examine the emergence of platforms offering event-based contracts that may overlap with traditional sports wagering. Topics will include the current federal and state regulatory landscape and the distinctions between commodities-based event contracts and sports wagering. The CLE is intended to provide an overview of how these developments may influence New Jersey's gaming industry and to highlight the legal and regulatory issues practitioners should monitor going forward.

This new and unique seminar will focus on the specific challenges young lawyers face. This seminar seeks to plug the gaps and provide pinpoint information and insight for young lawyers. Topics to include, for example, how to manage the many demands of interpersonal and office dynamics simultaneously with learning the practice of law and managing your first clients.

AI is all around us, and it is raising urgent questions that every litigator and judge needs to consider. This session brings together members of the judiciary and experienced attorneys to examine the many questions and issues surrounding AI in the courts - including the AOC's internal AI program used by the judiciary, AI-generated evidence and its admissibility, the ethical obligations attorneys face when using AI in litigation, the real dangers of AI hallucinations in legal filings and briefs, and how the bench is approaching AI-assisted decision-making. A rare opportunity to engage directly with judges and practitioners on how AI is shaping the future of courtroom practice.

In 2017, Governor Chris Christie signed into law the Statewide Veterans Diversion Program for justice-involved servicemembers and veterans diagnosed with a mental health condition. The topics will include: representing justice-involved veterans in the New Jersey Veterans Diversion Program; identifying charges eligible for entry into the program; the role of county prosecutors in determining whether a defendant is qualified and he role of the mentors in the program.

Join us for a dynamic session exploring how the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights is modernizing and expanding its enforcement of state civil rights laws. This seminar will highlight the Division's bias‑incident tracking processes, recent landmark enforcement actions, latest regulatory initiatives, and its growing focus on housing discrimination, emerging technologies, and systemic discrimination. Discover how DCR is shaping the future of civil rights protection in New Jersey—and what these developments mean for legal professionals, community members and advocates, and policymakers.

In today’s legal landscape, connection is no longer a “nice to have”...it’s a strategic advantage. The firms that win the next decade won’t just have strong reputations; they’ll attract, engage, and retain top talent across generations. With Gen Z entering the profession and expectations rapidly evolving, many firms are facing a quiet challenge: disconnection. In fact, 72% of professionals report feeling disconnected at least monthly, undermining performance, collaboration, and retention. In this engaging keynote, Ryan Jenkins, CSP shares how law firm leaders (from managing partners to judges) can bridge generational gaps without lowering standards. Drawing on a decade of research and real-world experience, Ryan equips leaders to turn connection into a driver of performance, alignment, and long-term loyalty. In this session, attendees will: • Discover how the next generation evaluates employers, and what firms can do to stand out • Learn the three key drivers of performance, engagement, and retention across generations • Understand how generational shifts are reshaping leadership, communication, and expectations • Apply practical strategies to strengthen trust, alignment, and collaboration

Have you ever wondered whether an issue is emergent? Are self-created custody issues emergent? Are financial issues emergent? This panel of experienced attorneys and Judges will delve into what is actually an emergent issue in family court and the best practices for handling those emergent issues.

This will be a primer on tax-exempt organizations, formation, applying for tax-exempt status, a brief discussion on private foundations versus public charities, unrelated business income tax, NJ charities registration, games of chance, sales tax, audit requirements, the Form 990, changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill, and more.

This program will explore the many legal issues currently facing higher education that are also implicated by the regulations governing institutions of higher learning – including Free Speech/First Amendment, anti-semitism, Title IX, immigration, among others. It will include law school representatives and private practitoners

Most real estate transactions do not fail at the bargaining table. They fail when a legal issue that seemed minor at the outset suddenly resurfaces days before closing. It is no longer a footnote, but an eyesore no one wants to touch. We see this constantly in real estate transactions: tenant disputes, municipal and code violations, environmental concerns, title defects, and last-minute lender conditions. Any one of these issues can derail an otherwise well-negotiated deal, whether residential or commercial often when time, patience, and leverage are in short supply.When this happens, attorneys across practice areas are forced to pivot quickly from transactional planning to risk management, dispute resolution, or outright litigation strategy often with little warning and, occasionally, a side of Pepto-Bismol. This program is practical and cross-disciplinary. It provides a framework for spotting deal-threatening issues early, responding effectively when transactions begin to unravel, and protecting clients—and your practice—when closings cannot be salvaged. Drawing on extensive experience with New Jersey real estate transactions, landlord–tenant matters, municipal compliance issues, and post-closing disputes, the panel will examine common failure points and outline concrete strategies to preserve leverage, mitigate exposure, and reduce risk to you and your client. Designed for real estate attorneys, litigators, business lawyers, and general practitioners, this program bridges the gap between contract drafting and courtroom reality. Attendees will leave with actionable guidance and decision-making tools they can use immediately—whether they’re trying to save the deal or preparing for what comes next.

SO, you have decided that you are ready to hire someone – but there is more to the process than just posting on Indeed! Panelists will discuss key issues on hiring staff such as creating the job listing, reviewing resumes and what to look for, conducting an interview the right way, making an offer, integrating new employees into your practice. Panelists will also discuss key issues on the flip side for when you need to terminate an employee, such as the need for an employee handbook, write-ups for the file, final termination, access to operating systems, etc.

Construction arbitrations are complex by their very nature, offering many opportunities for participants to engage with AI. Proceedings in construction typically include many technical exhibits, detailed witness statements, expert reports and analyses -- all areas in which AI could streamline the process for advocates and arbitrators alike. Attendees will get an overview of the most common AI products currently in use in construction arbitration. Attendees will also learn how these tools are assisting advocates and arbitrators. The program will close with a look at the ethical implications of using AI in construction arbitration, followed by a demo of the American Arbitration Association's AI Construction Arbitrator in action.

This program designed for attorneys navigating the evolving landscape of land use law. The panel will provide a timely and comprehensive update on recent affordable housing changes, new case law developments and potential legislative changes that every practitioner should know.

Hear about the latest happenings from the state capitol from the legislators who make change happen.

As an encore last year's "How To Try Your First Jury Trial," we focus on the initial stages of a trial. What goes in a pretrial information exchange? What motions in limine should I file? How do I conduct a Rule 104 hearing? How should I select a jury? What should I say in opening statements? Judges and trial lawyers will discuss the do’s and don'ts of a jury trial to help you try your first case!

One of the Annual Meeting's most popular programs is back and brings together judges from the state and federal bench to provide a meaningful, inside perspective on important differences between state and federal civil practice. The discussion will be among federal district court and magistrate judges and a retired Superior Court assignment judge for a candid dialogue about some of the most important distinctions between the two systems – from the latest in AI and hallucinations, immigration matters, discovery, interactions with the jury, motions in limine and judicial independence and security – with an emphasis on federal practice and procedure.

Over two years have elapsed since October 7th and the disturbing upsurge of antisemitism in the world. This seminar will explore the development of legal remedies being utilized to protect Jewish persons on campus, in the workplace, in their homes and their places of worship such as Title VI, state discrimination laws, the FACE Act and the Anti-Terrorism Act. The seminar will also explore what lawyers can do to combat and prosecute hate crimes against Jews in light of these laws and recent legal decisions.

A discussion about some of the hot-button ethical issues criminal law practitioners are facing today.

Everyone wants to be Equity Partner, Section Chief or Team Leader, right? But, being knowledgeable about your practice area and knowing how to take a deposition and try case doesn’t necessarily mean you know how to manage a team of attorneys, assistants and other staff members, while balancing oversight of the office’s finances, human resources, marketing and host of other issues. How do you respond when your new associate does not perform to expectation and wants to work remote? Should your firm invest in a new AI program? As one of the equity/senior partners at the firm with management responsibility, do you have greater responsibility over all of the associates billing practices? In this program, the panelists will prepare you for these and other unexpected and sometimes difficult questions that requires strategic moves for you to succeed in management.

An introduction to municipal court practice for recently admitted attorneys or for attorneys who are new to municipal court practice or would like a refresher course. Experienced practitioners and judges will discuss important procedures, practical information and practice tips. The program will cover topics to include the initial intake with the client, court representation, discovery issues, motions practice and practical suggestions for handling the cases in municipal court representation.

Off-duty employee speech and conduct are no longer off the radar. One post, one comment, or one viral moment can trigger legal exposure, labor disputes, and reputational risk. In social, political, and legal landscapes evolving at lightning speed, the challenges facing employers, employees, and unions abound. This panel will explore the spate of adverse employment actions arising from employee remarks about Charlie Kirk’s murder, as well as similar trends that have surfaced as employers and employees express opinions on potentially volatile topics, ranging from transgender rights to the Israeli-Gaza conflict. This panel is sure to be a fast-paced, intense discussion of some of the most current and cutting-edge issues facing both sides of the labor and employment bar.

Mergers and acquisitions are inherently complex transactions. When handling M&A transactions involving businesses in New Jersey, special attention must be paid to a host of state-specific legal issues. This presentation will address a number of such issues that practitioners should be mindful of, including corporate and contract law nuances, state tax issues, environmental law obligations, and employment law matters.

Join us for a thought provoking seminar led by a distinguished panel of judges, where we focus on key legal principles of landlord-tenant law. Gain valuable insights into the court process, post judgment applications, explore evolving legal trends, and engage in a dynamic exchange of perspectives. This seminar offers a unique opportunity to learn from the collective wisdom of judges who bring years of experience presiding over cases that shape the landscape of landlord tenant law.

This program, in conjunction with NJLAP, provides an experiential opportunity for attendees to learn about the unique combination of personality traits and both the benefits and detriments they may provide. - Identify your own personality pattern based on the Big 5 personality theory; - Learn how your personality profile shapes the way you think, communicate and respond to stress; - Increase awareness about how the legal environment reinforces or suppresses certain personality traits; - Develop strategies to harness different personality domains to optimize your well-being.

Navigate the evidentiary rules to strengthen your practice. This seminar explores how the New Jersey Rules of Evidence apply to family law proceedings and how to use them to best advocate for your clients.

Often during the same time of your life when you want to focus on advancing in your legal career at a firm, or when you want to build out a solo or small-firm practice, you have added pressures from your growing family. This panel will highlight lawyers who are in the midst of that struggle. They will discuss both the career and family stresses they experience and the things they do to cope while continuing to build their practices.

This program will examine suggestions and strategies for tailoring estate plans to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community: Identifying Agents and Fiduciaries for single LGBTQ+ folks (encouraging planning prior to partnership); Drafting Healthcare POAs with HIPPAA language for use in travel emergencies in homophobic/transphobic States or countries; Drafting clauses for Wills, Trusts and other EP documents to protect families if marriage equality is overturned or when the Grantor/Testator is non-monogamous/poly and may have multiple co-equal partners

This is a can't-miss look at the ethics developments all New Jersey attorneys need to know. This panel will cover ethical issues involving retainers; how to advocate in defense of an ethics complaint, criminal defense and prosecution ethical obligations, cybersecurity issues and more.

This introductory CLE is designed to provide new practitioners and attorneys new to immigration law with a clear, practical foundation in U.S. immigration basics. The program will cover the structure of the immigration system; the roles of immigration-related agencies, and the immigration courts; and the distinction between nonimmigrant and immigrant classifications. Participants will be introduced to common employment-based and family-based pathways, basic eligibility concepts, and the lifecycle of an immigration case from intake through adjudication. It will also highlight frequent pitfalls for new practitioners, considerations unique to immigration practice, and issue-spotting tips to help attorneys recognize when immigration consequences may arise in employment, family, or criminal matters. Emphasis will be placed on practical understanding rather than technical mastery, equipping attendees to communicate competently with clients and identify when referral or further specialization is appropriate.

A panel discussing the role, obligations, and responsibilities of attorneys serving as local counsel in the District of New Jersey. Topics will include a dissection of relevant local rules and how to navigate thorny issues that may come up.

Join this panel discussion focused on: (1) planning for and avoiding business divorces; (2) strategies for negotiating pre-litigation resolutions; and (3) practical tips and considerations in litigating business divorce matters, including minority shareholder oppression claims.

In cases that require expert testimony, providing an expert who does not properly provide the why and wherefore for the expert's conclusion will cause the court to bar the expert. Navigating this simple concept often leads to issues that cause you to become the defendant in a legal malpractice case. Learn how to properly vet your experts, how to defeat a motion to strike your expert, and understand the reasons why a court will strike the expert's opinion as a net opinion.

With five generations working together in today’s workforce, it is more important than ever to understand and appreciate the unique contributions of each generation and lean into bridging generational gaps in values, communication, and expectations, to build a cohesive and thriving workforce. Effectively understanding the differences between Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z is key to fostering a more respectful, inclusive, and productive workplace, and will help organizations reduce the risk of negative stereotypes, bias incidents, and avoid age-related discrimination and harassment lawsuits. This program will also include important data trends specific to law firms and the legal profession that is valuable for law firm leaders and managing partners.

This program is designed for new and experienced practitioners as a comprehensive seminar focusing on this year's changes in DWI representation, discovery, post conviction relief and breath testing in the municipal court practice. The panel of experienced practitioners will provide an overview of the developments in DWI and DUI cases being handled by the municipal courts and updates in DWI and DUI practice in the municipal courts and the new breath testing technology using the Alcotest 9510, now replacing the Alcotest 7110. This seminar will provide valuable insights, guidance and practical strategies for 2026.

Join this panel of legal industry leaders as they discuss the critical issues facing the profession, including how to effectively use AI while managing the risks that it brings.

This seminar is for attorneys who litigate a range of matters, including discrimination, whistleblower, and retaliation disputes, and who are interested in learning what happens behind closed doors on “the other side.” A panel of experienced plaintiff-side and defense-side lawyers will offer practical insights into how each counsel prepares for settlement negotiations, including valuation of claims, strategies regarding evidence, managing client expectations, effective positioning and communications, as well as the impact of changes in the law and recent verdicts. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to evaluate and present their best-case scenarios, assess risks, and achieve durable settlement outcomes for their clients.

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport will discuss the agency’s priorities and goals in a fireside chat.

Cocktails and Conversation

The current hit series Heated Rivalry (on HBO Max/Crave) asks the simple question, 'are any of the players in the NHL out of the closet?' The current answer is 0-0. In this seminar we are going to discuss what it means to be out and examples of the different places where people can be out—work, home, community—and the potential impact of being out. We will cover workplaces from the federal government to the private arena. In addition, we will cover what rights someone has once they are out in New Jersey and nationwide.

Insurance policies are often overlooked or addressed only after litigation has progressed, sometimes resulting in missed opportunities for defense or indemnity coverage. This presentation is designed to help attorneys who do not regularly practice in the insurance coverage space identify potential coverage issues that commonly arise in their practice areas.Through a moderated, practitioner focused discussion, several experienced practitioners will walk participants through common insurance policy provisions, exclusions, and procedural pitfalls that can impact coverage. The presentation will emphasize practical guidance—what to look for, when to raise coverage questions, and how early issue spotting can preserve client rights and improve outcomes across a wide range of practice areas.The program will be accessible to attorneys in litigation, environmental, employment, construction, real estate, and other practices which may encounter insurance issues incidentally but need to recognize when coverage may exist or when further analysis is warranted.

This panel will examine the legal actions and issues around microplastics, the latest wave of environmental litigation stemming from PFAS issues.

How are premarital assets, inheritances, personal injury awards, and other exempt assets proven? Using creative arguments and tracing to determine exempt assets or to include exempt assets as part of the marital estate.

This is an introductory seminar for practitioners addressing basic estate administration procedures and common issues confronted by attorneys who assist clients with probate and administration of estates. The seminar will include a review of the amended New Jersey Inheritance Tax Return (Form IT-R) and newly amended Inheritance Tax Regulations.

It is no secret that the labor market has been shrinking and competition has been more intense than ever, and so this seminar is meant for young lawyers including law students and law clerks and also transitioning attorneys who are in the job market or are seeking guidance on their next moves.

Join us for an insightful seminar focused on the latest updates on the hottest topics in civil trial practice and procedure. This seminar is tailored to both new and experienced attorneys who want to gain a better understanding of the latest practical issues civil cases face and refine their skills in navigating the complexities of civil litigation.

This program will discuss how women can advocate for themselves in their careers for compensation, client access, cases/projects, work from home arrangements etc. It will discuss how this advocacy fits with intentional career growth with lessons learned from the women in this profession. The objective is to provide an inspiring and mentoring conversation, to allow a conversational atmosphere where the audience can ask questions and to continue the in depth conversations that women want to have to learn from each other

So you want to be a judge? Maybe navigating that process seems daunting. Join this conversation to understand the process of being nominated and appointed to the state court bench. Learn from judges, those involved in the vetting process and people behind the nomination scenes to demystify the process.

Step into the dynamic world of attorneys who successfully balance the demands of legal practice with entrepreneurial ventures beyond traditional law. This program features real-life stories of lawyers who have built profitable side hustles while continuing to advance their legal careers. Redefining what it means to practice law; these innovative professionals will share how passion-driven ventures evolved into thriving businesses. Discover how they leverage legal skills, networks, and entrepreneurial spirit to identify opportunities, manage risk, and scale their enterprises without compromising client obligations. Whether you’re curious about starting a side hustle or growing an existing one, this session delivers practical strategies, compliance guidance, and inspiration for making business moves while staying true to your legal career. Attendees will gain insights into balancing dual careers, managing time and risk—all while building businesses beyond the law.

A panel of general equity judges and attorneys will discuss and analyze new case law addressing NJ LLCs.

From hiring algorithms to workplace surveillance, AI is rewriting the rules of the employer-employee relationship. Top New Jersey labor and employment experts will break down the legal implications of AI-driven hiring decisions, bias in automated decision-making, and the evolving liability landscape for employers deploying these tools. Practitioners will leave equipped to advise clients on the fast-moving intersection of AI and employment law.

A program designed for new and experienced attorneys handling municipal court practice. Experienced practitioners and judges will engage in an interactive discussion on timely topics and an overview involving municipal court practice in the courts, municipal court rules and procedures in the municipal courts and updates to municipal court practice in the courts.

This CLE will provide New Jersey attorneys with a timely, practice-focused overview of current trends in U.S. immigration law affecting both business and family-based cases. The program will cover evolving adjudication patterns at USCIS, DOL, DOS, ICE and CBP, including heightened scrutiny in employment-based petitions (H-1B, L-1, O-1, PERM, and I-9 compliance), shifts in consular processing and visa issuance, and increased enforcement and compliance risks for employers. On the family-based side, the CLE will address processing backlogs, changes in adjustment-of-status and consular practices, humanitarian and discretionary considerations. Emphasis will be placed on practical strategies, recent policy guidance, and emerging trends that impact counseling, risk assessment, and case planning for New Jersey clients in the current enforcement and adjudication environment.

This CLE will provide a comprehensive, practice-oriented examination of expungement law and procedure in New Jersey, with real-world insights from prosecutors, defense attorneys, and public officials. It will address eligibility requirements under N.J.S.A. 2C:52, practical filing and record-retrieval challenges, and the impact of policy considerations that guide expungement decision-making. Emphasis will be placed on common pitfalls, best practices, and effective advocacy, while highlighting the roles of system stakeholders in ensuring accurate, fair, and efficient expungement outcomes. The program will include an panel discussion designed to equip practitioners with actionable guidance they can immediately apply in their expungement practice, with a Q&A at the conclusion.

During this seminar, the presenters will provide a deeper dive into New Jersey estate planning. The speakers will share sophisticated planning tools, offering practical insights to maximize the utility of standard estate planning instruments while exploring innovative approaches and drafting strategies for increased flexibility in an unpredictable environment. In addition, attendees will learn about planning opportunities and strategies to adeptly customize plans to address clients' unique situations. Key topics to be discussed: practical insights to maximize the utility of standard estate planning instruments (e.g., revocable trusts); sophisticated planning techniques (e.g., ILITs, SLATs, GST trusts, GRATs, charitable trusts, intra-family loans, IDGTs); and controlling tax burdens (e.g., planning for NJ Inheritance Tax, DSUE etc.). The program will review recent developments in the Estate, Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax arena that ca impact clients’ estate plans.

A group of panelists will discuss issues of current concern facing attorneys who litigate matters through their assignment by insurance companies

This panel will examine recent federal and New Jersey legal developments that have reshaped the definition, regulation, and enforcement of hemp products this past year. Panelists will address how changes in statutory language, agency guidance, and enforcement priorities affect hemp production, possession, and sales, with particular attention to "intoxicating" hemp products. The discussion will conclude with practical compliance considerations, emerging legal risks, and anticipated regulatory trends relevant to attorneys, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

New Jersey Public Defender Jennifer N. Sellitti and key staff will discuss the issues facing the agency and what lawyers in private practice need to know. This session will provide an overview of the OPD's current priorities and the evolving role of public defense in strengthening communities and the justice system. The presentation will highlight key initiatives, including the expansion of holistic representation models, increased community engagement efforts, advancements in youth defense, the office's leadership in expungement work to remove barriers to employment and housing and growing capacity in forensic science and mental health advocacy. It will also focus on how attorneys can incorporate these developments into their own practice. Attendees will gain practical strategies for leveraging multidisciplinary approaches, utilizing social services and mitigation resources, engaging with community-based supports, identifying and pursuing expungement opportunities for eligible clients, and effectively raising forensic and mental health issues in litigation and negotiation.

This popular program explores a broad range of topics including basic law firm management and structure, trust accounting, ethics, business disputes between attorneys, and the importance of attorney succession planning and what happens if a succession plan is not in place resulting in the need for court intervention. The discussion offers guidance for setting up a law firm and smooth law firm operations and also touches upon issues concerning AI usage and disclosure in retainer agreements and handling situations when attorneys leave one firm for another. This program is designed for all attorneys in private practice or attorneys transitioning to private practice.

A discussion of best practice in superior (and municipal court) relating to representation of noncitizens. Timing of questions; advice that must be sought; how to present Padilla advice; what (not) to disclose to court and state about client's status.

This CLE is directed at private practitioners looking to enter into a niche area of family law - child welfare litigation. The presenters include the deputy of the Law Guardian's appellate section, a deputy from the Office of the Attorney General, a very experienced and skilled presenter from the Office of Parental Representation, and a private practitioner who presided over child welfare mediations in the busiest region in the state for many years before retiring to work these cases privately.

Join esteemed appellate jurists and practitioners as they present a seminar in which they highlight the best practices for representing your clients on appeal.

A panel of Magistrate Judges from the Federal District Court of New Jersey who will discuss their function, how they can assist in the case, and what to expect when appearing before them. They will also compare and contrast their role as compared to state Superior Court Judges.

This program will explore the need for attorneys to attend to their mental health and well-being in order to serve clients competently, as well as properly caring for themselves, their families and loved ones. The panel will help attendees to recognize the need to seek professional help and destigmatize therapy. The outstanding panel consisting of psychologists, a criminal attorney who is a TEDx speaker and a frequent speaker on wellness and mindfulness, and a financial expert who will speak on the link between financial well-being and mental and emotional well-being. The panel will impart tips, tools and guidance on addressing stress and secondary trauma, discuss how to deal with self-comparison and imposter syndrome and the importance of reaching out for help for addictions, depression and other mental health issues, and the resources to do so.

You are never just managing one investigation, even when it feels like you are. Cyber incidents move fast. Criminal investigations move slow. The danger zone is the overlap—where facts are still developing, statements are already on the record, and prosecutors are watching silently. This panel explores how a cyber incident evolves into overlapping investigations—internal, regulatory, civil, and criminal. 

Join this experienced panel for an update on the decisions and trends in the employment law world.

The managing partners of New Jersey law firms of differing sizes will come together to discuss the issues facing the profession and what practices all firms can use to improve business.

The panel will explore the following topics: Deep fakes, impersonations and AI issues as they affect NIL; New tactic of schools suing players who breach contracts; Transfer portal issues- are coaches violating it?; Topics that now come up regularly in negotiating NIL deals, (i.e. claw back money, buy outs); FTC – letters of inquiry to agents/schools and revival of the Sports Agent Act; Legislation updates and ethics overview.

Family Law Section Swearing-In Ceremony

The format will be a discussion among panelists sparked by responses to four hypothetical scenarios based on real-life occurrences. The goal is to explore how attorneys can address situations with challenging clients, some of whom may be having mental health crises, without alienating clients and impacting the attorney’s solo and small firm practice. Issues to be discussed include: is there a point where an attorney may wish to disengage from the representation; how can you address issues with staff if needed; ensuring that you handle your own emotional health and well-bring in a stressful situation, etc.

Join us for a discussion on the latest developments, trends, issues and important cases coming from the Chancery Division. The new conference chair and several judges will share insights that practitioners need to know.

When a business is in financial distress, the high stakes decisions it makes — and those of its lenders and their respective counsel — will determine whether meaningful distributions are made or whether its estate collapses. This program, co-presented by the NJSBA Bankruptcy Law Section and Banking Law Section, brings together practitioners from both sides of the lending and restructuring table to examine the legal tools, strategies, and frameworks that define high-stakes commercial finance and bankruptcy matters. Topics will include Chapter 11 elections and case types, including standard Chapter 11 cases, small business debtor cases, and Subchapter V elections; SBA loan negotiations and restructuring; debtor-in-possession financing; factoring and merchant cash advances; the scope of federal bankruptcy jurisdiction; and the growing use of judicial mediation to resolve contested matters and adversary proceedings.

This program will feature current and former securities regulators from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and the New Jersey Bureau of Securities. The program will focus on combatting financial fraud and would feature a discussion of the most noteworthy financial fraud cases brought in recent months.

In January 2026, the Governor signed S4510/A5761 in law. This bill includes a significant change from the custody statute, N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 and presents practitioners with questions as to how this law will be interpreted and creates challenges for attorneys advocating for our clients in custody cases.

This marquee program will examine the critical issues anyone who litigates should know and consider, including brief writing, oral argument, dispositive motions and appeals, depositions, dealing with experts and the nuances of trials.

From legal challenges to the New Jersey bear hunt, to the use of AI in promoting animal welfare, animal rights are at the forefront of modern legal and ethical discourse. Panelists from a range of legal backgrounds will address the most timely animal-related issues facing practitioners and advocates. The discussion will explore policy developments in New Jersey, such as community cat protections and veterinary malpractice legislation, and the practical impacts of recent litigation. Attendees will gain insight into how these issues intersect with broader questions of public policy, and the future of animal protection in New Jersey and beyond.

Structural inequities, gender inequality and racial disparities in our legal system have existed and persisted for generations. What has the organized bar and the New Jersey Judiciary done to examine and promote change and educational awareness? Is diversity, equity and inclusion a movement or a moment? In this seminar, the Supreme Court Committee on Gender in the Courts will discuss these important issues, including a look back at the recommendations of the NJSBA Commission of Racial Equity in the Law and an examination of the status of implementation of those recommendations, and an analysis and critique of Action Planning to Advance Systemic Change authored by Glenn Grant, former Acting Administrative Director of the New Jersey Courts, and Jessica Kelly, Special Assistant to the Administrative Director of the New Jersey Courts, published by the National Center for State Courts. The seminar will focus on what law firms and lawyers can do to foster racial and gender equity in the practice of law through education and training, active recruitment and retention of diverse associates, rainmaking and client generation opportunities, transparent access to partnership, and equal pay.

One of the hottest programs of the Annual Meeting returns with a fresh panel of judges an practitioners who will discuss their journeys in the legal profession and what strategies attorneys can use in their day-to-day practices.

This program will delve into immigration and detention law. The panel will cover the nuts and bolts of the process of apprehension by federal immigration authorities – who is brought into detention, why they are being detained, and where people are ending up. The panelists will discuss current detention policies, opportunities for bail and bond, and different administrative and litigation options advocates can consider when seeking to obtain a client's release.

Every legal journey follows a different path; experiences shape practices and change the way lawyers approach the practice of law.  This panel will explore the paths of leaders of the New Jersey legal community and the moments and experiences that shaped their legal careers.

The Supreme Court recently clarified when a non-client is allowed to sue an attorney for legal malpractice in Christakos vs. Boyadjis. This CLE will review the status of this area of the law with two focuses. First, the CLE will address attorneys as potential defendants highlighting the recently adopted Restatement Test and when the attorney needs to report a potential claim to their malpractice carrier. Second, the CLE will address attorney who is representing a potential plaintiff, what facts they need to consider to determine if there is a valid claim.

The most pressing governance challenge in legal AI is not whether to use it - it is how to govern it. This key session brings together the Administrative Office of the Courts and top New Jersey thought leaders to tackle AI use policies head-on: how to create them from scratch, how to adapt them as tools evolve, and how to enforce them across a firm or court system. What should an AI use policy cover? How do you balance innovation with risk? What does the AOC expect from attorneys and judges using AI? Attendees will get a rare inside look at the judiciary's own technology strategy and policy development, and will leave with actionable guidance for drafting or updating their own AI use policies.

Former federal and state prosecutors bring an insider’s perspective to government investigations, having once built the very cases they now defend against. Today, they couple that experience with advanced AI tools to analyze large volumes of data and identify key risks. With deep knowledge of enforcement strategies, charging decisions, and negotiation tactics, these panelists help clients anticipate risks, respond effectively, and navigate complex regulatory scrutiny. Their experience on both sides of the courtroom enables a strategic, informed defense at every stage of a government investigation.

Learn from seasoned real estate attorneys as they discuss the latest trends in the law involving retail, office, and industrial transactions, including sales, financing, and insurance.

Learn the best strategies for the proper preparation for mediation. How should lawyers prepare for an effective mediation, both for individual matters and class actions. Get the perspective of experienced mediators and special adjudicators, as well as that of attorneys at this discussion that will set you up for success in your next case.

Public-sector attorneys increasingly advise clients on issues where constitutional law, governance, and public controversy intersect. Questions involving parental rights, free speech, religious expression, and social media often arise in fast-moving, high-visibility contexts, requiring sound legal judgment even when the law is unsettled. Using recent developments such as Mahmoud v. Taylor as a case study, this session explores how early-career attorneys can counsel public entities through emerging governance and constitutional challenges. Drawing on perspectives from education-law practice and public-sector leadership, the presenters will focus on translating evolving case law into practical, defensible advice for boards and administrators under public scrutiny.

This seminar is designed to educate and provide a timely presentation to new and experienced practitioners as to the ethical issues that arise in the handling of municipal court representation of clients in municipal court proceedings in court. This program is also designed to educate practitioners on timely issues involving immigration consequences of traffic offenses, disorderly persons offenses, DWI and DUI in the municipal courts and post conviction relief applications with immigration concerns. This seminar will provide valuable insights and recommendations as to immigration and ethical concerns in the handling of municipal court matters in practice.

This is an opportunity to learn the latest developments and issues in handling sex abuse cases from defense, plaintiff, and bankruptcy perspectives.

Retirement presents complex questions about alimony obligations. This panel examines the legal framework for early retirement, prospective retirement, retirement provisions in agreements, and handling open durational alimony in a gray divorce.

Perhaps you have just spent 20+ years at a law firm. Or maybe you had a distinguished career as a government lawyer but now have to find a new position. Or perhaps you are thinking of “retiring” but don’t really want to stop practicing law and you are looking to pivot to a new position. This panel will discuss the challenges of making a transition at a later point in your legal career, including making the decision, considerations on leaving or winding up your old practice, and practical advice for the possibilities for what a second career could look like. This panel will highlight lawyers who both successfully embarked upon and embraced a second career and other lawyers who are in a more recent transition and the challenges they are facing. The panelists will describe their “second act” practices to give a sense of the scope of possibilities – small firms, solo practice, per diem, part time, etc.

This program will be a highlight of the Annual Meeting with a meaningful discussion about civility and professional advocacy. Do not miss it.

This program will discuss current issues and developments of importance in class action practice in both state and federal courts in New Jersey. Always a favorite at the Annual Meetings among practitioners in the class action space, the program will include presentations and discussion by leading practitioners on both the plaintiff and defense sides. The participants will discuss topics such as these:Legal and Strategic Considerations in Selecting the Class Action Forum; Privacy Class Actions; Recent Developments Regarding Arbitration Clauses and Class Action Waivers; AI Issues Raised in the Settlement Claims Fraud Context; Litigation Funding of Class Actions.

This panel will address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by law clerks as they transition from judicial chambers to practicing law. While clerkships develop excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, the shift to advocacy, client counseling, and firm or courtroom practice requires a distinct set of competencies. Attendees will walk away with practical guidance on how to leverage clerkship experience, build client relationships, develop litigation and transactional skills, and navigate professional expectations in law firms, government, and public interest practice.

This interactive CLE program builds on prior seminars on stress, resilience, and professional well-being, while introducing a next-generation mental fitness framework designed specifically for high-performing legal professionals. Participants will learn the elements of burnout, how chronic stress fuels self-sabotage and disengagement, and how to implement practical tools that restore clarity, control, and professional standards without sacrificing ambition or identity as a lawyer. The session blends evidence-based research, real-world legal examples, and actionable frameworks that attorneys can immediately apply in practice, leadership, and daily decision-making.

New Jersey's 2023 Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (informally called the Anti-SLAPP Law) has become an important tool in defending against civil lawsuits that target speech and other protected conduct. Hear from experienced litigators regarding when and how to use this law, what types of suits it applies to, how plaintiffs should respond to defendants who invoke the Anti-SLAPP Law, and important recent caselaw developments.

This popular program returns to provide important insights into some of the biggest cases in New Jersey in the past year. Hear from members of the Supreme Court about the cases that matter to everyone and every client in the field.

Former U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Craig Carpenito will moderate a panel on legal developments impacting the False Claims Act law and what to expect in the coming years.

You have the policy - now what? This session picks up where the AI Use Policies panel leaves off, diving into the practical realities of putting AI to work in a law firm. Practitioners and risk management experts will cover how to integrate AI into daily workflows, how to use it ethically with proper citation, and the malpractice and insurance exposure that comes when AI is deployed without guardrails. The panel also brings a judicial perspective on how AI is being used in criminal prosecution and defense. Real-world experience in both workflow implementation and the liability consequences of getting it wrong.

Third-party litigation funding has moved from the periphery of complex litigation to the center of strategic case planning. What was once viewed as an alternative financing mechanism is now a significant and, at times, outcome-determinative feature of modern disputes. Join us to examine the current and evolving legal framework governing third-party litigation funding, with particular emphasis on New Jersey practice.

Despite remarkable progress, including entering law school and the legal profession at high rates, women lawyers continue to face significant hurdles in advancement, compensation, and career satisfaction which results in them leaving the profession. This panel will explore the persistent challenges encountered by women attorneys in New Jersey across all sectors —private firms, in-house, government, public interest, academia, and the judiciary. Attendees will gain insights into a cutting-edge project by the Gender Equity Project: Gender Equity Study: New Jersey Women in Law, which was founded through the Rutgers Law School International Human Rights Clinic. The panel will discuss effective strategies and actionable solutions to support women lawyers, reduce attrition, and promote meaningful change.

Installation Ceremony

Afterparty

Join New Jersey Chief Justice Stuart Rabner and Federal District Court Chief Judge Renee Marie Bumb for a can't-miss update on the issues and developments in the state and federal judiciaries.

Legal updates, medical information and more!

This is a can't miss opportunity to hear from experienced family law judges from around the state.

The panel will discuss recent developments in the area of fiduciary litigation. Not only will the panel address recent cases, but it will also address proposed and pending legislative that will impact this area of law.

We are living in a country and world that increasingly can be characterized as a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) or BANI (brittle, anxious, non-linear, incomprehensible) environment. Global geopolitics, disputed elections, population shifts, artificial intelligence, automation, conflicting economic data, controversial court decisions, and social/cultural change are many issues that have impact workplaces, communities, neighborhoods, families, and the legal community. As lawyers, not only are we spectators to these changes as citizens, but we are also some of the main protagonists in a system that some people see as the source of many of these problems. The reality is this period we are in only seems to be headed in the direction of more change and more uncertainty. Given this challenge, how do we as lawyers develop a practice of resilience and a philosophy of well-being as lawyers (and humans) to flourish in our lives and in our careers? This program will explore four concepts that will assist us in our journey: 1) What is VUCA and what impact does it have on our lives and the practice of law; 2) What does it mean to “practice” resilience and to “develop a philosophy” of well-being as a lawyer and in the legal profession; 3) How can resilience and well-being inform our ethical practices and increase civility and professionalism with the practice of law; and 4) What evidence-based practices and strategies can participants implement as part of a personal and professional well-being plan.

This panel examines the current status of cannabis and psychedelic policy in New Jersey, with a primary focus on proposed psilocybin legislation and the state’s consideration of regulated therapeutic access models. Panelists will review pending and recent legislative efforts including CREMA and (A3852 which just passed both houses), the limits imposed by federal controlled substances law, and how New Jersey policymakers are approaching regulation in the absence of a fully developed federal framework. In addition to legal analysis, the panel will include clinicians engaged in psychedelic-assisted therapy, research, or adjacent clinical practice to discuss patient screening, safety protocols, and real-world clinical experience. The discussion will emphasize lessons learned from New Jersey’s cannabis rollout, including the risks of premature commercialization, the importance of regulatory guardrails, and opportunities to design a system that balances access, public health, and legal compliance from the outset.

Join this annual program for key insights from esteemed members of the bench to discuss the latest issues and cases that matter to your clients.

The purpose of this seminar is to provide business lawyers with the foundational knowledge needed to navigate the evolving landscape of franchise law. This introductory session will address key topics, including: - Essential provisions in franchise agreements—what to negotiate and why; - Identifying “hidden” franchises and understanding their implications; - Common pitfalls in the franchisor–franchisee relationship; and - Typical disputes and how they arise. This seminar is an excellent introduction to franchise law, as well as an opportunity for litigators and transactional attorneys to familiarize themselves with franchise issues they may encounter in their own practices.

A panel of experienced business lawyers will offer insights into business law as a practice. Aimed at young lawyers seeking guidance in deciding on a specialty for their careers and more experienced lawyers seeking a career change the panel will discuss what constitutes a business law practice, how to get started and how to become established in the business law community.

This seminar will explore challenges and strategies surrounding commercial foreclosure matters in New Jersey. Panelists will discuss the pros and cons of pursuing a judicial foreclosure and deed in lieu agreements, as well as various title issues, transfer taxes, and Bulk Sales requirements. The seminar will highlight several recent commercial foreclosure matters and the unique experiences each presented.

Organizations are moving fast with AI adoption - but many are running into the same challenges. This session tackles the most common risks and pitfalls that in-house legal teams, general counsel, and outside attorneys advising corporations are facing right now, from data privacy exposure to vendor due diligence gaps to employee misuse. Panelists will cover the AI fundamentals every corporate practitioner needs to understand, then turn to responsible deployment strategies, organizational risk management frameworks, and how to build a culture of ethical AI use across the enterprise. Practical, actionable guidance for legal leaders who need to get ahead of AI risk before it gets ahead of them.

Join this annual program for key insights from esteemed members of the bench to discuss the latest issues and cases that matter to your clients.

This panel discussion features seasoned in-house counsel from a variety of industries sharing their career journeys and day-to-day experiences. The panelists will provide insights into how they transitioned into in-house roles, whether from law firms, government positions, or other professional backgrounds. They will offer practical advice for those considering this career path. Attendees will learn about the diverse responsibilities that in-house counsel handle daily, from managing legal risks and advising business leaders to overseeing compliance and litigation. The panelists will also touch upon the strategic and collaborative nature of their roles and how they contribute to the success of their organizations. The speakers will share what they find most rewarding about being in-house counsel, such as the opportunity to work closely with business teams, engage in problem-solving, oversee complex litigation, and make a tangible impact on their companies’ goals. This session is ideal for legal professionals at any stage of their career who are curious about the challenges and rewards of working as in-house counsel.

The legal landscape for restrictive covenants is evolving at unprecedented speed. With nearly 30 million U.S. workers -- roughly one in five employees -- currently subject to noncompete agreements, the impact of the FTC’s now-abandoned noncompete rule and the litigation that followed continues to have a ripple effect across industries. Employers and counsel are revamping how to protect competitive assets in an era where employee mobility is increasingly favored, and regulatory outcomes remain uncertain. This program will deliver a clear, practical roadmap for attorneys advising businesses, executives, and HR leaders through this shifting terrain.