NJSBA Annual Meeting: Daily Educational Programming Schedule
Type a word or phrase below to find a specific program (title, speaker, description, etc.):
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Animal Law | Artificial Intelligence | Bankruptcy, Business & Taxation | Business of Law | Cannabis and Psychedelics | Civil Litigation | Criminal Litigation | Dispute Resolution | Diversity and Inclusion | Environmental Law | Ethics and Professionalism | Family Law | Federal Practice | Immigration | In-House | In-House Counsel | Labor & Employment | Law Practice Management | Municipal Court | Real Property Trust and Estate Law | Solo and Small-Firm | Special Interest | Women in the Profession | Workers Compensation | Young Lawyers
Or see programs by day:
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday
FRIDAY, MAY 16
9:00AM - 10:30AM
States of the Judiciaries
N/A Track (Music Box Theater)
Featuring New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Stuart Rabner and U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey Chief Judge Renée Marie Bumb.
Speakers:
Chief Judge Renee Marie Bumb, Chief U.S.D.J.
Chief Justice Stuart Rabner
FRIDAY, MAY 16
9:30AM - 12:30PM
Workers' Compensation May Bench-Bar
Workers Compensation Track (Central Ballroom CD)
Make plans to join this program to find out the latest about issues facing the workers compensation practice as well as gain valuable insights and tips on topics such as physical therapy, functional capacity evaluations, permanency and more. The director and chief judge of the courts will share the latest from the bench.
CLE: Earn up to 3.6 CLE Credits. Full Credits: NJG (3.6); NYPN (3.5); PAS (3); WCG (3.6).
Moderator/Speaker:
Kathleen M. Dotoli, Esq., Law Office of Kathleen M. Dotoli, LLC
Speakers:
Hon. Maria Del Valle-Koch, Director and Chief Judge, New Jersey Division of Workers Compensation
Michele Haas, Esq., Brown & Connery, LLP
Kathleen Hart, Esq., Weiner Law Group
Matthew J. Koster, Esq., Strive Physical Therapy
Jason Melnyk, Strive Physical Therapy
Peter F. Ward, Esq., Wegner Wegner & Ward PC
Kimberly W. Young, Gordon Rees
FRIDAY, MAY 16
10:30AM - 11:30AM
Reading the Constitution – A Conversation with Retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer
Special Interest Track (Music Box Theater)
The May 16 program, moderated by retired state Supreme Court Justice Barry T. Albin, will center on themes in Justice Stephen Breyer’s latest book “Reading the Constitution: Why I Chose Pragmatism, Not Textualism.” Together, these two titans of jurisprudence will dissect the pragmatic approach to interpretating the Constitution and the competing judicial philosophy – textualism – which guides decisions from the current court.?
CLE: Earn up to 1.2 CLE Credits. Full Credits: NJG (1.2); NYPT (1); PAS (1).
Moderator/Speaker:
Justice Barry T. Albin (Ret.), Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Speaker:
Justice Stephen Breyer (Ret.)
FRIDAY, MAY 16
11:45AM - 1:15PM
Cannabis and CBD Issues for Use in Veterinary Medicine
Animal Law Track (Central Meeting Room 1 )
A description of the general regulatory framework for the use of cannabis and CBD products in the veterinary space and the legal issues for consideration. Other Related Tracks: Cannabis and Psychedelic Law
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits. Full Credits: NJG (1.8); NYPT (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Dr. Nancy Halpern, Esq., Fox Rothschild LLP
Speakers:
Sarah Lyness, Esq., Fox Rothschild LLP
Jonathan J. Madara, Esq., Fox Rothschild LLP
Fruqan Mouzon, Esq., Fox Rothschild LLP
FRIDAY, MAY 16
11:45AM - 1:15PM
Civil Trial Bench-Bar
Civil Litigation Track (Central Ballroom AB)
Join us for the latest updates with practitioners and members of the bench to discuss issues facing the civil trial bar.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits. Full Credits: CT (1.8); NJG (1.8); NYPN (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Diana C. Manning, Esq., Bressler Amery & Ross, PC
Speakers:
Justice Douglas M. Fasciale
Hon. Michael J. Blee, J.A.D., Acting Administrative Director of the New Jersey Courts
Hon. Michael V. Cresitello, Jr., P.J.Cv.
Hon. Heidi Willis Currier, P.J.A.D.
Hon. Owen C. McCarthy, P.J.Cv.
William H. Mergner, Jr., Esq., Leary Bride Mergner & Bongiovanni P.A.
FRIDAY, MAY 16
11:45AM - 1:15PM
Ethics and E-Discovery
Solo and Small-Firm Track (Central Meeting Room 2/3)
Discovery production of electronically stored information can be challenging and costly (particularly to a solo/small-firm practitioner). What once adversaries would accomplish through a “document dump” is now done via ESI particularly hundreds if not thousands of emails. This panel will discuss how E-Discovery can be managed by the solo and small-firm practitioner in an efficient manner, so it does not become overwhelming. This panel will also discuss the relevant Rules of Professional Conduct that the practitioner needs to know. See attached document for specific points covered and potential speaker information.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits, including 1.8 in ethics. Full Credits: CT_CRT (1.8); NJE (1.8); NYET (1.5); PAE (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Thomas J. Perry, Esq., Hutt Shimanowitz & Plocker PC
Speakers:
Jordan Ellington, Virtual Data Corp.
Todd Mattson, Esq., Law Office of Todd Mattson, Esq.
Asaad K. Siddiqi, Esq., Trenk Isabel Siddiqi & Shahdanian PC
Anthony C. Valenziano, Esq., Sherman Atlas Sylvester & Stamelman LLP
FRIDAY, MAY 16
11:45AM - 1:15PM
Employment Arbitration Practice Points: Dispositive Motion Practice in Arbitration and Award Enforcement
Dispute Resolution Track (Studio 2)
This panel will discuss a range of issues, including vacating and enforcement of arbitration awards. It will examine recent decisions including Newark Fire Officers Union Local 1860 v. City of Newark that raised questions regarding the authority of the federal and state courts and the standards to be applied in both labor and employment arbitration cases for enforcing or vacating arbitration awards. This distinguished panel of labor and employment law arbitrators will discuss those standards and share practice tips. It will also cover dispositive motions in labor and employment arbitration, such as motions to dismiss or summary judgement are commonplace during pre-hearing proceedings in employment arbitration or for statutory claims of discrimination raised arising under collective bargaining agreements. While not as common pre-hearing for non-statutory claims in traditional labor arbitrations, motions are a frequent tool for raising procedural or substantive defenses to arbitrability during the hearing itself. Join our distinguished panel of labor and employment arbitrators as we discuss how and why we rule on such motions, and how best to position your arguments and the evidence.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits. Full Credits: NJG (1.8); NYPN (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Dean L. Burrell, Esq., Burrell Dispute Resolution
Speakers:
Chief Justice James R. Zazzali (Ret.)
Yvette Gibbons, Esq., Employment Compliance Strategies, LLC
Ann Lesser, American Arbitration Association
Jed L. Marcus, Esq., Marcus ADR Services LLC
FRIDAY, MAY 16
11:45AM - 1:15PM
Family Law Bench-Bar Conference
Family Law Track (Salon C)
Don’t miss this popular program that brings together practitioners with members of the bench to discuss the latest developments in the field. The gathering will also feature the presentation of the 2025 Eugene D. Serpentelli Award to the Hon. Glenn Berman J.S.C. (Ret.)
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits. Full Credits: MG (1.8); NJG (1.8); NYPN (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Christine Fitzgerald, Esq., SeidenFreed, LLC
Speakers:
Hon. Juliana E. Blackburn, J.S.C., Essex
Hon. Daniel H. Brown, J.S.C.
Hon. Edward Hoffman, P.J.F.P, Burlington
Hon. Benjamin Podolnick, J.S.C.
Hon. Jeyanthi C. Rajaraman, J.S.C., Union
Hon. Tara Schillari-Rich, J.S.C.
Cheryl E. Connors, Esq., Tonneman & Connors, LLC
Jeffrey Fiorello, Esq., Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP
FRIDAY, MAY 16
11:45AM - 1:15PM
Fiduciary Litigation Update
Real Property Trust and Estate Law Track | Civil Litigation Track (Tides)
This segment will include a panel discussion of recent developments in the area of fiduciary litigation. Not only will the panel address recent cases, but also pending and proposed legislative changes that will impact the area.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits. Full Credits: CPETX (1.5); NJG (1.8); NYPN (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Christine Socha Czapek, Esq., Borteck & Czapek, PC
Speakers:
Andrew J. DeMaio, Esq., Wilentz Goldman & Spitzer, P.A.
Timothy M. Ferges, Esq., McCarter & English, LLP
Steven K. Mignogna, Esq., Archer & Greiner PC
FRIDAY, MAY 16
11:45AM - 1:15PM
Sexting, Cyberbullying and Media Manipulation and Their Dangerous Consequences
Special Interest Track (Studio 3)
Cyberbullying is rampant. Sexy pictures end up in the wrong hands. Rumors and lies go viral. People are impersonated on social media. We are facing an unprecedented crisis of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation. The average person can now find cutting-edge tools that can alter photos and videos. And artificial intelligence and machine learning can manipulate videos—called deepfakes—that look insanely real. The New Jersey State Bar Foundation presents a discussion on the state of the law and where it is headed.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits. Full Credits: NJG (1.8); NYPT (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Kimberly A. Yonta, Esq., Yonta Law LLC
Speakers:
Felicia T. Farber, Esq., Farber Resolutions, LLC
Dr. Stuart Green, DMH, LCW, NJ Coalition For Bullying Awareness & Prevention
Michael F. Kaelber, Esq., Legal One/NJPSA/FEA
Karen Painter Randall, Esq., Connell Foley LLP
FRIDAY, MAY 16
11:45AM - 1:15PM
Navigating the 2024 Amendments to OPRA and Recent Caselaw
Special Interest Track (Central Meeting Room 4)
The panel will discuss how practitioners can navigate the amendments to the Open Public Records Act that became effective on Sept. 3, 2024, as well as recent caselaw developments in OPRA. We have three confirmed speakers plus the moderator, but we are working on adding additional speakers, including a member of the Judiciary, an attorney who represents Boards of Education, and the Executive Director of the Government Records Council.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits. Full Credits: NJG (1.8); NYPT (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Walter M. Luers, Esq., Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP
Speakers:
CJ Griffin, Esq., Pashman Stein Walder Hayden, PC
Lauren James-Weir, Esq., Gibbons PC
Vittorio S. LaPira, Esq., Fogarty & Hara, Esqs.
Samora F. Noguera, Office of the City Clerk
FRIDAY, MAY 16
11:45AM - 1:15PM
Bankruptcy Ethics
Bankruptcy, Business & Taxation Track | Ethics and Professionalism Track | Federal Practice Track (Studio 1)
Don't miss this panel of experts discussing how to safely navigate the ethics of bankruptcy practice. This conversation will ensure you have the latest information about representing clients and handling thorny issues in bankruptcy matters.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits, including 1.8 in ethics. Full Credits: NJE (1.8); NYET (1.5); PAE (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
David Edelberg, Esq., Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Speakers:
Andrew Finberg, Chapter 13 Trustee's Office
Melinda D. Middlebrooks, Esq., Middlebrooks Shapiro, PC
FRIDAY, MAY 16
11:45AM - 1:15PM
Criminal Law Bench-Bar: Holistic Criminal Defense Comes to New Jersey
Criminal Litigation Track (Signature)
One of the most-anticipated programs of the year for criminal law practitioners returns with insights and updates in cases, strategies and developments from around the practice. Join the discussion with experienced litigators and judges to find out everything you need to know to effectively represent clients.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits. Full Credits: CRT (1.8); NJG (1.8); NYPN (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
James J. Gerrow, Jr., Esq., Persiano Law Office
Speakers:
Hon. Sohail Mohammed, P.J.Cr., Passaic
Hon. Natalie S. Watson, J.S.C
Robert J. Brass, Esq., Dughi, Hewit & Domalewski, PC
Darren Gelber, Esq., Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer P.A.
Nicole Guyette, Law Office of Nicole Guyette
Prescott Loveland, Esq., Office of the Public Defender
Angelo J. Onofri, Esq., Hinkle Prior & Fischer
FRIDAY, MAY 16
11:45AM - 1:15PM
A Road Map to Success: Developing a Plan and Effectively Representing Parents with Disabilities
Family Law Track | Special Interest Track (Studio 4)
A program on effectively representing clients with cognitive disabilities, provided by attorneys from the Office of Parental Representation and Dr. David Brandwein, Chair, Department of Advanced Studies in Psychology, at Kean University. This panel will focus on supporting parents with disabilities by assessing their needs and advocating for appropriate evaluations, services, and therapy. The panel will discuss the factors used to provide accommodation for parents with cognitive delays and how to develop a plan to meet their individualized needs. The panelists will review the importance of retaining experts in these cases to perform various evaluations and provide a roadmap for success. Complex case studies will be presented to examine parents diagnosed with cognitive delays and their children who are likewise in need of services for cognitive disabilities. The discussion will feature insights from attorneys, social workers, and experts in the field, who have significant experience in these matters. Ethical concerns and best practices for attorneys will also be discussed. The primary objective of the panel will be to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and solutions in supporting parents and families with disabilities.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits, including 1.8 in Diversity. Full Credits: NJDB (1.8); NYDIVN (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Jacob B. Sless, Esq., Office of the Public Defender
Speakers:
David Brandwein, PsyD, Kean University
Maria Hernandez, Esq., Office of the Public Defender
Keri Popkin, Esq., Office of the Public Defender
FRIDAY, MAY 16
11:45AM - 1:15PM
Navigating AI in Law: Practical Tools, Ethical Considerations, and Future Directions
Artificial Intelligence Track (Waves)
Attendees will gain valuable insights into how AI is transforming consumer behavior, businesses, and the practice of law. Our expert panelists will share actionable strategies for effectively implementing AI tools while navigating the critical ethical considerations under the Rules of Professional Conduct. You'll discover the lesser-known impacts of AI on client businesses, learn which AI platforms are appropriate for specific circumstances, and understand how to avoid potential pitfalls while leveraging these powerful technologies. This practical program will help you stay competitive in an increasingly technology-driven legal landscape by providing clear guidance on when AI use is always acceptable, sometimes appropriate, or never advisable.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits, including 1.0 in ethics. Full Credits: NJE (1); NJG (0.8); NYCET (1); NYCGT (0.5); PAE (0.5); PAS (0.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Dr. Robert Spangler, New Jersey State Bar Association
Speakers:
Roosevelt J. Donat, Esq., Murphy Schiller Wilkes LLP
Jill Roth-Gutman, Esq., Roth-Gutman Law, LLC
Brad Wetherall, Esquire Digital
Brandon Lee Wolff, Esq., Brandon Wolff