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
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
9:30AM - 11:00AM
How To Try Your First Jury Trial
Young Lawyers Track | Civil Litigation Track (Central Ballroom AB)
Young lawyers have expressed interest in learning about the basics of jury trials. There are less and less jury trials, so lawyers do not get to second chair or observe. For example, we learn in law school what a hearsay objection is but do not learn how to apply it practically at trial; how to admit business records; how to do a Rule 104 hearing. Judges and trial lawyers will discuss the do’s and don'ts of a jury trial to help you try your first case! Other Related Tracks: Civil Litigation, Federal Practice, Solo and Small-Firm, Young Lawyers
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits. Full Credits: NJG (1.8); NJ_NACT (1.8); NYPT (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Yongmoon Kim, Esq., Kim Law Firm LLC
Speakers:
Hon. Darren DelSardo, P.J.Cv., Passaic
Hon. Joseph A. Turula, P.J.Cv.
Keith S. Balla, PKF O'Connor Davies LLP
Andrew M. Milz, Esq., Flitter Milz, PC
THURSDAY, MAY 15
8:45AM - 10:00AM
What I Wish I Knew
Young Lawyers Track (Waves)
A panel will discuss their experiences in the legal world and what they have learned in their careers, including from early successes as well as “teachable moments.” The panelists will discuss practical issues which are not taught in law school such as networking, climbing the career ladder, managing billable hours, navigating financial matters, asking for help, and engaging with your adversaries.
CLE: Earn up to 1.5 CLE Credits. Full Credits: NJG (1.5); NYPT (1.5); PAS (1).
Moderator/Speaker:
Rasmeet Chahil, Esq., Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Speakers:
Justice John J. Hoffman
Bria Beaufort, Esq., Gibbons PC
Yvette Cave, Esq., Archer & Greiner
Christopher S. Porrino, Esq., Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Marc A. Rollo, Esq., Archer & Greiner 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
10:30AM - 11:45AM
Cultivating a Thriving Practice: From Public Service to Rainmaking, and the Ethics of It All
Solo and Small-Firm Track | Women in the Profession Track | Young Lawyers Track (Studio 4)
SPONSORED BY: Solo and Small Firm Section, Women in the Profession Section, Young Lawyers Division. This panel offers actionable strategies to begin, build, and sustain a successful practice or impactful public service career while maintaining happiness, fulfillment, and ethical standards. Topics include— GROWTH STRATEGIES: Cultivating relationships and maximizing professional networks, bar memberships, and public service opportunities to expand your career while upholding ethical standards. SUSTAINABILITY: Strategies for maintaining long-term career momentum while balancing leadership responsibilities, client advocacy, ethical obligations, and personal well-being. CAREER POSITIONING: Aligning your practice or public service role for long-term success through ethical branding, strategic growth, and expanding your impact with integrity. TRANSITIONS AND SUCCESSION: Navigating career shifts, from securing your first role to advancing into leadership, ensuring ethical continuity in client service, institutional values, and succession planning.
CLE: Earn up to 1.5 CLE Credits, including 1.5 in ethics. Full Credits: NJE (1.5); NYET (1.5); PAE (1).
Moderator/Speaker:
Jamie M. Zug, Esq., Law Office of Jamie M. Zug
Speakers:
Jonathan Ilan Amira, Esq., Gloucester County, Prosecutors Office
Craig M. Aronow, Esq., RAM Law (Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo LLP)
Judith Bachman, Esq., The Bachman Law Firm PLLC
Kimberly M. Gilhooly, Esq., Monmouth County, Prosecutor's Office
Jennifer Gillman, Esq., Gillman Strategic Group, LLC
Corinne McCann Trainor, Esq., Fox Rothschild
Brandon Lee Wolff, Esq., Brandon Wolff
THURSDAY, MAY 15
1:15PM - 2:45PM
Roles That You May Not Expect When You Think of Government and Public Sector Jobs
Young Lawyers Track (Central Meeting Room 4)
Join members of the Government, Public Sector, and Public Interest Lawyers special committee as they share information about their career paths and finding fulfilling roles. You'll have the chance to learn tips for landing a public sector law job, areas of the public sector that you might not have considered, and how to be successful once you land the role.
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits. Full Credits: NJG (1.8); NYPT (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Eileen M. O'Connor, Esq. (Ret.), Essex County, Prosecutor's Office
Speakers:
Karen Gwynn, Esq., Bergen County, Prosecutor's Office
Mary Beth Hennessy-Shotter, Esq., Public Employment Relations Commission
Roger Lai, Esq., Office of Legislative Services
Aziz Nekoukar, Esq., Office At New Jersey Transit
THURSDAY, MAY 15
1:15PM - 2:45PM
What You Need to Know About Trust Accounting and Law Firm Planning
Young Lawyers Track (Waves)
Join this discussion to learn everything you need to know about trust accounting, how to structure a firm and what to do when it is time to wrap up, all through the lens of ethics.
CLE: Earn up to 1.9 CLE Credits, including 0.6 in ethics. Full Credits: NJE (0.6); NJG (1.3); NJ_NATB (1.3); NYET (0.5); NYPT (1); PAE (0.5); PAS (1).
Moderator/Speaker:
Samuel J. Berse, Esq., Berse Law, LLC
Speakers:
Jacob P. Davidson, Esq., Falk, Flotteron & Davidson, LLP
Susan Miano, CPA, ABV, CFF, CBIZ
Ryan J. Moriarty, Office of Attorney Ethics
Joseph A. Natale, Esq., Greenbaum Rowe Smith & Davis
Alicia F. Williams, Esq., New Jersey Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection
THURSDAY, MAY 15
3:15PM - 4:45PM
Litigation 101
Young Lawyers Track | Civil Litigation Track (Central Meeting Room 2/3)
The purpose of this seminar will provide a complete, big-picture litigation overview for law clerks, young lawyers, and new associate. Other Related Tracks: Civil Litigation
CLE: Earn up to 1.8 CLE Credits. Full Credits: NJG (1.8); NJ_NACT (1.8); NYPT (1.5); PAS (1.5).
Moderator/Speaker:
Chelsea Turiano, Esq., Day Pitney LLP
Speakers:
Hon. Rukhsanah L. Singh, U.S.M.J.
Mikayla R. Berliner, Esq., Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Yvette Donaldson-Brown, Esq., Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC
Christopher L. Jackson, Esq., Goldberg Segalla
Paul R. Marino, Esq., Day Pitney LLP
Gigio K. Ninan, Esq., Shankar Ninan & Co., LLP
Travis Nunziato, Esq., Laddey Clark & Ryan LLP