NJSBA Annual Meeting: Daily Educational Programming Schedule
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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
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Wednesday | Thursday | Friday
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
9:30AM - 11:00AM
DEI v. Meritocracy: Examining the Myth of Objectivity in Legal Systems and Beyond
Diversity and Inclusion Track (Salon C)
This CLE program will explore the tension between Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and the concept of meritocracy, particularly within the legal profession. Participants will critically examine the historical and contemporary realities of meritocratic systems, questioning whether true objectivity has ever been achieved. Through expert presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how systemic biases, structural inequities, and cultural norms have shaped notions of merit and success. The program will also highlight the role of DEI in creating a more just and inclusive legal system.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits, including 1.8 in Diversity. Full Credits: NJDA (1.8); NYDIVN (1.5); PAE (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Leonard V. Jones, Esq., Jackson Lewis PC
Speakers:
Hon. Andrea J. Sullivan, J.S.C.
Clifford D. Dawkins, Esq., Rutgers Law School
Dina M. Mastellone, Esq., Jackson Lewis PC
Thomas H. Prol, Esq., Sills Cummis & Gross, PC
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
9:30AM - 11:00AM
Combating Hate: Tackling Rising Incidents of Bias
Diversity and Inclusion Track | Criminal Litigation Track | Civil Litigation Track (Central Meeting Room C/D)
Incidents of hate and bias in New Jersey and across the nation have surged to record-breaking numbers, and recent spikes in antisemitism and Islamophobia have added to the disturbing trend. Get a closer look at information on bias incidents across the state and what the New Jersey Attorney General's Office is doing to combat the rise, from criminal and civil enforcement to tracking data to providing education and training.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits, including 1.8 in Diversity. Full Credits: NJDB (1.8); NYDIVN (1.5); PAE (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Yolanda N. Melville, Esq., Office of Attorney General
Speakers:
Kristin Golden, New Jersey Office of Justice Data
Theresa Hilton, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
3:45PM - 5:15PM
Disparities in Government Contract Awards, Challenges Facing Under-Represented Attorneys Building a Law Practice
Diversity and Inclusion Track (Luna)
The panelists will engage in a discussion of the New Jersey Disparity Study released Jan. 23, and examine the percentage distribution of government contracts to minority contractors in various industries in comparison to non-minority contractors. The study includes prime contracts, subcontractor utilization in construction and professional services, and formal goods and services. Remedies will be proposed to reduce the significant disparities. The panelists will also discuss the direct relationship between the lack of government contracts and the challenges faced by minority attorneys to build a law practice.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits, including 1.8 in Diversity. Full Credits: NJDB (1.8); NYDIVN (1.5); PAE (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Diana-Marie Laventure, Esq., Kaufman Borgeest & Ryan LLP
Speakers:
Kelly Castor, Esq., Castor Law LLC
Robert L. Johnson, Esq., Gibbons PC
Jason Redd, Esq., Stono Public Affairs
Calvin Souder, Esq., Souder Law Group, LLC
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
Beyond the Courtroom: Lawyers Leading, Innovating, and Blazing Trails in Unconventional Legal Roles
Diversity and Inclusion Track (Signature)
This program will highlight the remarkable journeys of trailblazing attorneys who have ventured beyond traditional legal careers to make significant impacts in various fields. We’ll gain insights they’ve each leveraged in legal expertise to break barriers and forge new paths in areas such as corporate and/or government leadership, public interest, academia, and more. Their stories will provide valuable insights into the diverse opportunities available within the legal profession and will inspire the exploration of unconventional career paths. This program is for all, with a particular appeal to young lawyers considering their career path and lawyers in career transition.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits, including 1.8 in Diversity. Full Credits: NJDB (1.8); NYDIVN (1.5); PAE (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Valerie A. Jackson, Esq., NJ Department of the Treasury/Division of Administration
Speakers:
Rhasheda Douglas, Rutgers Law School-Camden
Trina L. Glass, Esq., BurgherGray LLP
Jayne J. Johnson, Esq., Office of the Governor
Kia A. King, Esq., Department of Community Affairs
James A. Lewis, V, Esq., Cole Schotz PC
THURSDAY, MAY 15
1:15PM - 2:45PM
To Thine Own Self Be True: When Public Misconceptions Influence Transgender Policies and the Repercussions
Diversity and Inclusion Track (Aqua)
One of the dangers of democracy is that it is only as good as the people who vote. Misinformed voters influence their representatives and the policies they pass. Public misconceptions about gender identity is a powerful force shaping policy at the local, state and national level. Misinformed policies concerning transgender people include bans against puberty blockers for gender-affirming purposes, bathroom regulation, book bans, government interference in sports participation, and an Executive Order holding that only two genders exist. This seminar confronts and debunks such myths and misconceptions and discusses how anti-trans policies harm everyone and how these federal policies may impact NJ State Law.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits, including 1.8 in Diversity. Full Credits: NJDB (1.8); NYDIVN (1.5); PAE (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Michael Poreda, Esq., Lydecker
Speakers:
Leslie A. Farber, Esq., Leslie A. Farber LLC
Robyn B. Gigl, Esq., Dilworth Paxson LLP