NJSBA Annual Meeting: Daily Educational Programming Schedule
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Wednesday | Thursday | Friday
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
1:30PM - 3:00PM
Ethical Considerations in Construction Contracts, Mediation and Arbitration
Dispute Resolution Track (Studio 4)
This program is sponsored by the Construction Law Section. The panel will delve into the ethical considerations involved in negotiating construction contracts and will explore how adherence to ethical standards can impact both sides of a negotiation. The panel will also involve those same considerations in the context of mediation and arbitration.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits, including 1.8 in ethics. Full Credits: NJE (1.8); NYEN (1.5); PAE (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Stephanie G. Reckord, Esq., Greenbaum Rowe Smith & Davis
Speakers:
Jacqueline Vega Cintron, American Arbitration Association
Richard H. Steen, Esq., Richard H. Steen, LLC
Jacqueline Greenberg Vogt, Esq., Mandelbaum Barrett PC
THURSDAY, MAY 15
10:30AM - 11:45AM
Cultural Competency and Awareness in Alternative Dispute Resolution (2025)
Diversity and Inclusion Track | Family Law Track | Dispute Resolution Track | Young Lawyers Track | Ethics and Professionalism Track (Central Ballroom CD)
Attend a program on a highly important topic: Cultural competency and awareness. This is a relevant component of advancing principles and policies of both ADR and settlement of litigation and diversity, inclusion, belonging, and cultural competency and sensitivity. The program will focus on legal, social and cultural issues and challenges which may frequently arise in ADR forums in 2025, with additional discussion on potential utilization of restorative justice practices in dispute resolution.
CLE: Earn up to 1.5 CLE Credits, including 1.5 in Diversity. Full Credits: NJDA (1.5); NYDIVN (1.5); PAE (1).
Moderators/Speakers:
Hon. Lisa F. Chrystal, PJFP (Ret.)
Hon. Lawrence R. Jones, J.S.C. (Ret.)
Speakers:
Hon. Raquel Vallejo, J.S.C.
Hon. Karen M. Cassidy, A.J.S.C. (Ret.)
Hon. Marie E. Lihotz, PJAD (Ret.)
LaDonna M. Cousins, Esq., Williams Law Group, LLC
Michelle M. Cresti, Esq., Macce & Cresti
Robyn B. Gigl, Esq., Dilworth Paxson LLP
THURSDAY, MAY 15
1:15PM - 2:45PM
ADR in Civil Matters
Dispute Resolution Track (Luna)
This seminar presents on the status of alternate dispute resolution in civil cases. R. 1:20 mediation and 4:21a arbitration will be discussed. Additional topics will include filing date for arbitration, changes to the rules and the application of those.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits. Full Credits: NJG (1.8); NYPN (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Michelle M. Cresti, Esq., Macce & Cresti
Speakers:
Chief Justice James R. Zazzali (Ret.)
Hon. Mary F. Thurber, Ret., J.S.C.
David J. Karbasian, Esq., Law Offices of David J. Karbasian, PC
Dara A. Quattrone, Esq., Westmoreland Vesper & Quattrone
Stuart Reiser, Esq., Shapiro Croland Reiser Apfel & Di Iorio, 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