NJSBA Annual Meeting: Daily Educational Programming Schedule
Type a word or phrase below to find a specific program (title, speaker, description, etc.):
Click To See Programs In A Specific Track:
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
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
1:30PM - 3:00PM
Impact of U.S. Immigration Policies on Families: Legal and Emotional Consequences for Kids and Equitable Distribution
Family Law Track (Signature)
Several aspects of the incoming federal administration’s policy on immigration will have significant effects on families. Those proposed policy changes include the aggressive deportation of undocumented immigrants, strict border and wall control, enhanced enforcement within the U.S., particularly in sanctuary cities, and the increase of worksite raids, and the elimination of Temporary Protected Status and the DACA programs. This seminar will discuss the effects that these policies will have on the children and families remaining here in the state of New Jersey when a family member is deported or affected by the policy changes detailed herein. Topics for discussion will include: the effect on the ownership and management of assets (real property, bank accounts) and the necessary shift in custody arrangements that will occur, including perhaps the relocation of the child.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits. Full Credits: NJG (1.8); NYPT (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Hon. Marcia Silva, J.S.C.
Speakers:
Hon. Angela W. Dalton, J.S.C. (Ret.)
Cesar M. Estela, Esq., Law Offices of Cesar Martin Estela
Aleksandra Gontaryuk, Esq., AG Law Firm
Jerard Gonzalez, Esq., Bastarrika, Soto, Gonzalez & Somohano, LLP
Mahesh Rajan, Esq., Rajan Legal PC
Prema L. Roddam, Esq., Compunnel, Inc.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
1:30PM - 3:00PM
Doctors, Divorce and Health Law- Danger Zone
Family Law Track | Special Interest Track (Central Meeting Room 2/3)
The panel will address concerns for family lawyers when representing doctors and other health professionals. Some topics will include HIPAA and access to records of children and spouses in divorce and child custody matters; valuation/goodwill issues; corporate practice restrictions (e.g., restrictions on ownership by non-licensed spouse); active practice restrictions in facility ownership documents; confidentiality/reputation issues; reporting obligations to professional boards.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits. Full Credits: NJG (1.8); NYPT (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Grace D. Mack, Esq., Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer P.A.
Speakers:
John F. DeBartolo, Esq., Law Office of Timothy F. McGoughran LLC
Nicole DiMaria, Esq., Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC
Judy Doyle, CPA, ABV, WithumSmith+Brown, PC
Timothy F. McGoughran, Esq., Law Office of Timothy F. McGoughran LLC
Thomas J. Reck, WithumSmith+Brown, PC
Elizabeth Rozin-Golinder, Esq., Rozin Golinder Law, LLC
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
1:30PM - 3:00PM
New Jersey Child Welfare Law: An Essential Primer
Family Law Track (Studio 2)
This panel will offer attendees a thorough overview of the issues involved in litigating child welfare cases in New Jersey. It will cover essential legal information that practitioners need to know during the pre-litigation phase, trial phase, and potential crossover issues affecting case outcomes. The panel, comprising attorneys from the Office of Parental Representation, Office of the Law Guardian, and Office of the Attorney General, will provide practice tips and considerations from the initial filing of the complaint through case closure.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits. Full Credits: NJG (1.8); NYPT (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Rachel Rosenblum, Esq., Office of the Public Defender
Speakers:
William T. Harvey, Jr., Esq., Office of Attorney General
Steph Kozic, Esq., Office of the Public Defender
Israel Segarra, Jr., Esq., Office of the Public Defender
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
1:30PM - 3:00PM
Ethics in Family Law ADR
Family Law Track (Salon C)
Most family law practitioners spend a substantial part of their practice in Alternative Dispute Resolution. Learn the specific ethics considerations when practicing in this area as a mediator, arbitrator, parenting coordinator, or attorney representing clients in Alternative Dispute Resolution.
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:
Cheryl E. Connors, Esq., Tonneman & Connors, LLC
Speakers:
Robin C. Bogan, Esq., Pallarino & Bogan LLP
Derek M. Freed, Esq., SeidenFreed, LLC
Bonnie C. Frost, Esq., Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost, Botwinick, Nunn & Musmanno, PC
Jennifer Stone Hall, Esq., McKenna, DuPont, Stone & Washburne
Lauren A. Miceli, Esq., Arndt, Sutak & Miceli, LLC
Christopher R. Musulin, Esq., Musulin Law Firm, LLC
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
3:45PM - 5:15PM
Domestic Violence
Family Law Track (Salon C)
This program explores tips and techniques for new and cutting-edge issues in domestic violence matters. It will address how bias impacts case handling and explore domestic violence statistics. The panel will also explore how the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act should be used as a shield and not a sword.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits. Full Credits: CRT (1.8); NJG (1.8); NYPN (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Cassie Murphy, Esq., Law Offices of Paone Zaleski & Murphy
Speakers:
Hon. Gary Potters, J.S.C., Hudson
Hon. Marcia Silva, J.S.C.
David J. Bruno, Esq., The Bianchi Law Group, LLC
Carmen M. Diaz, Esq., Goodgold West Diaz Bennett & Klein, LLC
Jhanice V. Domingo, Esq., Pashman Stein Walder Hayden, PC
Jeralyn L. Lawrence, Esq., Lawrence Law, LLC
Andrew J. Rhein, Esq., Manzi Epstein Lomurro & DeCataldo, LLC
THURSDAY, MAY 15
8:45AM - 10:00AM
Resistant Litigants - Strategies to Deal with Uncooperative Parties
Family Law Track (Salon C)
Family law cases involving resistant litigants are among the most challenging. This program will explore how to address roadblocks in the discovery process with uncooperative parties and strategies for dealing with parties who violate court orders including sanctions, powers of attorney and other methods to gain compliance.
CLE: Earn up to 1.5 CLE Credits, including 1.0 in ethics. Full Credits: MG (1.5); NJE (1); NJG (0.5); NYET (1); NYPT (0.5); PAE (0.5); PAS (0.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Robert A. Epstein, Esq., Manzi Epstein Lomurro & Decataldo
Speakers:
Hon. Natalie Esposito Capano, J.S.C., Bergen
Hon. Marcella Matos Wilson, J.S.C., Essex
Lizanne J. Ceconi, Esq., Javerbaum Wurgaft Hicks
Alexandra M. Freed, Esq., SeidenFreed, LLC
Karin Duchin Haber, Esq., Haber Silver & Russoniello
Beatrice E. Kandell, Esq., Skoloff & Wolfe PC
Timothy F. McGoughran, Esq., Law Office of Timothy F. McGoughran LLC
Susan Miano, CPA, ABV, CFF, CBIZ
Matheu D. Nunn, Esq., Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost, Botwinick, Nunn & Musmanno, 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
How to Maximize and Optimize ADR in Family Law Cases
Family Law Track (Salon C)
Learn strategies for maximizing Alternative Dispute Resolution in your family law cases. This panel will explore ways to utilize mediation, arbitration, parenting coordination, and collaborative principles to assist with moving family law cases towards resolution. Other Related Tracks: Dispute Resolution
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits. Full Credits: NJG (1.8); NYPN (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Jeffrey Fiorello, Esq., Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP
Speakers:
Hon. Supti Bhattacharya, J.S.C., Mercer
Hon. Bonnie J. Mizdol (Ret.)
Hon. Angela W. Dalton, J.S.C. (Ret.)
Candice L. Drisgula, Esq., Drisgula Divorce & Family Law
Stephanie Lomurro, Esq., Manzi Epstein Lomurro & DeCataldo, LLC
Megan S. Murray, Esq., The Family Law Offices of Megan S. Murray
Brian G. Paul, Esq., Szaferman Lakind Blumstein & Blader
Sheryl J. Seiden, Esq., SeidenFreed, LLC
William R. Stabile, Cowan Gunteski & Co PA
THURSDAY, MAY 15
3:15PM - 4:45PM
High-Conflict Custody Matters
Family Law Track (Salon C)
This panel will discuss strategies in handling high conflict custody matters including using experts to perform best interests evaluations, preparing clients for such evaluations, interventions such as therapy and parenting coordination, interaction of DCPP matters and custody matters, and use of guardian ad litems or guardians for the children.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits. Full Credits: MC (1.8); NJG (1.8); NYPN (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Rita M. Aquilio, Esq., Lawrence Law
Speakers:
Hon. Marc R. Brown, P.J.F.P., Union
Hon. Dina M. Mikulka, J.S.C., Sussex
Thomas DeCataldo, Jr., Esq., Manzi Epstein Lomurro & DeCataldo, LLC
Stephanie F. Hagan, Esq., Hagan, Weisberg & Nunn, LLC
Francesca O'Cathain, Esq., O'Cathain Law Group
Dr. Marcy A. Pasternak, Esq., Office of Marcy A. Pasternak, PhD
Jenna Shapiro, Esq., Szaferman, Lakind, Blumstein & Blader, PC
Lauren Sharp, Esq., Haber Silver Russoniello & Dunn
Albertina Webb, Esq., Sarno Da Costa D'Aniello Maceri Webb 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
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