The 16th Annual Solo and Small-Firm Conference
Earn up to 9.2 credits, including 3.5 in Ethics.
Fri, 2/21 from 6:30 – 8:30pm & Sat, 2/22 from 9:00 – 4:00pm
This Year at the Historic Nassau Inn in Princeton, New Jersey
Join New Jersey’s Most Respected Practitioners for the Solo & Small Firm Event of the Year.
Full Conference: NJSBA Members: $289 | Non-Members: $329
Individual Day Registration
Fri, 2/21 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Member: $169.00 | Non-Member: $189.00
Sat, 2/22 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Member: $225.00 | Non-Member: $249.00
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The New & Expanded Conference
Now in its 16th year, the NJSBA Solo and Small-Firm Conference is the premier opportunity for solo and small firm practitioners in New Jersey to elevate their practices and achieve remarkable success. This year, we’re committed to providing you with unparalleled networking opportunities, proven strategies from some of New Jersey’s most respected solo and small firm practitioners, and essential updates to help you not just succeed- but thrive – in 2025 and beyond.
Experience enhanced networking and strategy sessions on Friday night, followed by Saturday’s kickoff with a session moderated by NJSBA Past President Jeralyn Lawrence – featuring distinguished New Jersey Appellate Division and Trial Court judges.
Unlock Proven Strategies, Become More Successful, and Achieve a Better Work-Life Balance:
- Expert Insights: Gain valuable knowledge from highly successful New Jersey practitioners who understand the unique challenges you face.
- Practical Strategies: Learn actionable strategies to enhance your practice’s profitability, streamline operations, and improve client satisfaction.
- Innovative Tools: Discover the latest tools and technologies designed to boost your efficiency and effectiveness in managing your practice.
- Professional Development: Sharpen your skills through specialized workshops and sessions tailored to your specific needs and interests.
- Exclusive Resources: Access exclusive resources and materials that you can implement immediately to drive your practice forward.
- Reclaim Your Life: Find balance and reclaim your personal time with strategies that help you manage your practice more effectively, allowing for a healthier work-life integration.
Navigate through our comprehensive program agendas using the tabs below to explore all that the 2025 conference has to offer. Whether you’re interested in keynote presentations, interactive workshops, panel discussions, or networking events, our intuitive layout makes it easy to customize your conference experience. Discover the carefully curated sessions designed to provide maximum value for solo and small firm practitioners, ensuring you gain actionable insights and practical strategies.
- Friday, Feb. 21 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 22 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Solo and Small Firm Section Leadership
Friday Night Program | Make Your Mark in 2025! Pathways for Greater Success
The event will feature a Friday night program – To Niche or Not to Niche, That is the Question!
Are you thinking of branching out? Are you looking for ways to be more successful in your current practice areas? People who have done both will show you how to make your mark in 2025.
Building a new practice area is never easy. Hear from a panel of solo attorneys who have undertaken that challenge and are building new practice areas, some with a unique niche focus. Then hear from a professional firm administrator who crunches the numbers on the key performance indicators all attorneys should be using to evaluate the health of their practices.
After the program ends, join us from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. for a “Sweet 16” party to celebrate the 16th Solo and Small-Firm Conference! There will be food, drinks and some “sweet” surprises!
Moderator/Speaker:
Jill A. Roth-Gutman, Esq.
Roth-Gutman Law, LLC, Vorhees
Speakers:
Elyssa A. Goldstein, CLM, PHR, SHRM CP
Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo, LLP, New Brunswick
Lindsay Lieberman, Esq.
Lindsay Lieberman, LLC, Bloomfield
Brandon H. Rutter, Esq.
Brandon Rutter Law, LLC, Jersey City
Victoria A. Schall, Esq.
Schall at Law, Marlton
Anthony W. Vaughn, Jr., Esq.
Anthony W. Vaughn, Jr., LLC, Bridgewater
CLE Credits: |
|
| NJ CLE: | NJ CLE information: This program has been approved by the Board on Continuing Legal Education of the Supreme Court of New Jersey for 2.4 hours of total CLE credit (NJ General: 2.4). |
| NY CLE: | NY Professional Practice Transitional: 2.0 |
| PA CLE: | PA Substantive Credit: 2.0 New: No PA CLE fee is required for this program. To earn PA CLE credits, a valid PA Bar ID number must be entered into the CLE form provided after attending the program. |
Saturday Program – The 16th Annual Solo and Small-Firm Conference
Program Agenda
9:00 | Welcome from the Chair – Catherine Finnerty, Esq., Chair, NJSBA Solo and Small-Firm Section
9:05 | “All Rise” – A Conversation with Judges on the Tangible Benefits of Civility and How Solo and Small-Firms Can Work with the Judiciary to Promote It
Courts have a daily challenge in encouraging and promoting the goal of civility in litigation. In this panel, members of the judiciary will discuss this challenge and explain how solo and small-firm practitioners can assist with finding common ground, being a zealous advocate while still being civil and how civility can benefit all parties and facilitate the courts in providing access to justice and meeting the needs of parties.
Moderator:
Jeralyn L. Lawrence, Esq.
Past President, NJSBA
Lawrence Law Firm, Watchung
Speakers:
Hon. Harry G. Carroll, J.A.D. (Ret.)
Hon. Marie E. Lihotz, J.A.D. (Ret.)
Hon. Hany A. Mawla, P.J.A.D.
Hon. Thomas D. McCloskey, J.S.C., Middlesex
Hon. Marcy McMann, J.S.C., Morris
10:35 | Break
10:40 | Breakout Sessions – Choose from Three
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Option 1 – Cybersecurity: Anatomy of a Hack
Protecting your client’s data has always been a top priority for law firms and the stakes are getting higher. The state Judiciary is considering a comment to RPC 1.1 that will caution lawyers to keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology.
Join a tech expert and an attorney who is passionate about technology as they discuss the vital topic of cybersecurity for lawyers. They will show you some of the latest methods hackers employ to try to gain access to your system. Then, they will demonstrate various methods of protecting your firm ethically, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Audience participation encouraged!
Moderator:
Kevin Curran, Esq.
Curran Counsel, Wayne
Speaker:
Jason Bosslett
President & CEO, CMIT Solutions, Morristown
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Option 2 – All About Escrows
Some of the most respected and experienced lawyers have been disciplined and even disbarred because of unintentional missteps in their escrow accounting.
Join the deputy ethics counsel from the Office of Attorney Ethics, an attorney with an LLM in tax and esteemed solo practitioners and title company officers as they present this important session on escrows. Learn how to appropriately and ethically handle an escrow for transactions ranging from residential and commercial real estate, purchases of businesses and beyond. Find out how you can protect yourself and minimize exposure for your firm in case of a dispute over the escrow.
Moderator/Speaker:
Karen Wachs, Esq.
Law Office of Karen Wachs, Springfield
Speakers:
Ronald J. Cappuccio, JD, LLM
Office of Ronald J. Cappuccio, JD, LLM, Cherry Hill
HoeChin Kim
Deputy Ethics Counsel, Office of Attorney Ethics, Trenton
Scott Sumner
Vice President and Underwriting Counsel, FNF Family of Companies
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Option 3 – Tips for a Successful Mediation
Mediation can expeditiously resolve cases while saving both you and your clients money. Hear from an accredited mediator and attorneys who have used mediation to obtain successful outcomes for their clients about how you can have a successful mediation and zealously and ethically represent your clients.
Moderator:
Erdal Turnacioglu, Esq.
Secretary, NJSBA Solo and Small-Firm Section
Erdal Employment Law, Verona
Speakers:
Janine Dickey, Esq., APM
Office of N. Janine Dickey, APM, Bridgewater
Ayesha Krishnan Hamilton, Esq.
Hamilton Law Firm, PC, Princeton
Robyn E. Ross, Esq.
Immediate Past Chair, NJSBA Solo and Small-Firm Section
Ross & Calandrillo, LLC, Mountainside
Linda A. Mainenti Walsh, Esq.
Linda A. Mainenti Walsh, LLC, Morristown
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
12:05 | Lunch and Solo and Small-Firm Attorney of the Year Presentation
1:00 | Breakout Sessions – Choose from Three
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Option 1 – Insurance Roundtable
Malpractice, cybersecurity, business liability, workers’ compensation – what insurance do you need to protect your practice? Insurance experts and experienced solo practitioners will have a roundtable discussion about the different types of insurance out there, why you may need it, how you can ensure you are covered if there is an issue and ethical requirements and considerations.
Moderator:
William E. Denver, Esq.
The Denver Law Firm, Red Bank
Speakers:
USI Affinity – Speaker to discuss malpractice and cybersecurity insurance TBA.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Option 2 – Well-Being Update and Learning to Deal with Mistakes/Self-Forgiveness
Everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes they are serious and impact your practice directly. Sometimes they are less serious but impact your self-image and self-worth in ways that make you less effective as a lawyer. Learning to give yourself grace and forgiveness can help you recover and move forward with your life. This panel will discuss the concept of self-forgiveness and recovery, learning to ask for help and what resources the NJSBA can provide if you are struggling with this. This panel will also discuss the New Jersey’s new path to readmission program for disbarred attorneys.
Moderator:
Noreen Braman
Communications Manager, New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program
Speakers:
Catherine Finnerty, Esq.
Chair, NJSBA Solo and Small-Firm Section
Goldman & Beslow, LLC, East Orange
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Option 3 – “You’ve Been Served” – What You Need to Know About Subpoenas
This session will focus on tips and strategies for solo and small-firm practitioners on subpoenas – including both state and federal considerations – how to defend against them, jurisdiction, motions to quash, protective orders and more. This panel will also address what to do if you are the target and claims of attorney client privilege.
Moderator:
Alice M. Plastoris, Esq.
Law Office of Alice M. Plastoris, Morristown
Speakers:
Tracey C. Hinson, Esq.
Hinson Snipes, LLP, Princeton
Hanan M. Isaacs, Esq.
Kingston NJ Law Group, Princeton
Matthew H. Mueller, Esq.
Clemente Mueller, P.A., Cedar Knolls
John C. Uyamadu, Esq.
John C. Uyamadu, Esq., Cedar Knolls
2:25 | Break
2:35 | Video Marketing – An Ethics Panel for All Lawyers
Video marketing can be a powerful tool for getting business. Yet, as with all marketing, how far you can take it is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct. Join a panel of experienced lawyers who have achieved measurable results with video marketing and Carol Johnston, counsel to the Committee on Attorney Advertising, for this wrap-up session. You will receive practical ideas for how to market yourself in a way that expands your business while staying within the ethics rules. Don’t miss it!
Moderator:
Thomas J. Perry, Esq.
Vice Chair, NJSBA Solo and Small-Firm Section
Hutt Shimanowitz & Plocker, PC, Woodbridge
Speakers:
Carol Johnston, Esq.
Staff and Counsel
Advisory Committee on Attorney Ethics, Committee on Attorney Advertising, Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law
Ruma Mazumdar, Esq.
Key, Esquire: Law Office of Ruma Mazumdar, LLC, Woodbridge
Ashley E. Molson, Esq.
Molson Law Firm, LLC, Hoboken
Elliot Stern
CEO, Accel Marketing Solutions, Inc.
4:00 | Wrap Up – Thomas J. Perry, Esq., Vice Chair, NJSBA Solo and Small-Firm Section
4:00-5:00 | Wine and Cheese Reception sponsored by Hamilton Law Firm, PC
CLE Credits: |
|
| NJ CLE: | NJ CLE information: This program has been approved by the Board on Continuing Legal Education of the Supreme Court of New Jersey for 6.8 hours of total CLE credit, including 3.5 in Ethics (Full Credits Available: NJ Ethics: 3.5, NJ General: 3.3). |
| NY CLE: | NY Ethics Transitional: 3.5, NY Professional Practice Transitional: 3.5 |
| PA CLE: | PA Ethics Credit: 2.5, PA Substantive Credit: 2.5 New: No PA CLE fee is required for this program. To earn PA CLE credits, a valid PA Bar ID number must be entered into the CLE form provided after attending the program. |
Chair:
Catherine Finnerty, Esq.
Goldman & Beslow, LLC, East Orange
Vice Chair:
Thomas J. Perry, Esq.
Hutt & Shimanowitz, P.C., Woodbridge
Secretary
Erdal Turnacioglu, Esq.
Erdal Employment Law, LLC, Verona
Immediate Past Chair:
Robyn E. Ross, Esq.
Ross & Calandrillo, LLC, Mountainside
Moderators/Speakers:
Kevin Curran, Esq.
Curran Counsel, Wayne
William E. Denver, Esq.
Past Chair, NJSBA Solo and Small-Firm Section
The Denver Law Firm, Red Bank
Jeralyn L. Lawrence, Esq.
Past President, NJSBA
Lawrence Law Firm, Watchung
Thomas J. Perry, Esq.
Vice Chair, NJSBA Solo and Small-Firm Section
Hutt Shimanowitz & Plocker, PC, Woodbridge
Alice M. Plastoris, Esq.
Law Office of Alice M. Plastoris, Morristown
Erdal Turnacioglu, Esq.
Secretary, NJSBA Solo and Small-Firm Section
Erdal Employment Law, LLC, Verona
Karen Wachs, Esq.
Law Office of Karen Wachs, Springfield
Speakers:
Hon. Harry G. Carroll, J.A.D. (Ret.)
Hon. Marie E. Lihotz, J.A.D. (Ret.)
Hany A. Mawla, J.A.D.
Hon. Marie E. Lihotz, J.A.D.
Hon. Thomas D. McCloskey, J.S.C., Middlesex
Hon. Marcy McMann, J.S.C., Morris
Jason Bosslett
President & CEO, CMIT Solutions, Morristown
Noreen Braman
Communications Manager, New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program
Ronald J. Cappuccio, JD, LLM
Office of Ronald J. Cappuccio, JD, LLM, Cherry Hill
Janine Dickey, Esq., APM
Office of N. Janine Dickey, APM, Bridgewater
Catherine Finnerty, Esq.
Chair, NJSBA Solo and Small-Firm Section
Goldman & Beslow, LLC, East Orange
Ayesha Krishnan Hamilton, Esq.
Past Chair, NJSBA Solo and Small-Firm Section
Hamilton Law Firm, PC, Princeton
Tracey C. Hinson, Esq.
Hinson Snipes, LLP, Princeton
Hanan M. Isaacs, Esq.
Livingston New Jersey Law Group, Princeton
Carol Johnston
Staff and Counsel
Advisory Committee on Attorney Ethics, Committee on Attorney Advertising, Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law
HoeChin Kim
Deputy Ethics Counsel, Office of Attorney Ethics, Trenton
Ruma Mazumdar, Esq.
Key, Esquire: Law Office of Ruma Mazumdar, LLC, Woodbridge
Ashley E. Molson, Esq.
Molson Law Firm, LLC, Hoboken
Matthew H. Mueller, Esq.
Clemente Mueller, P.A., Cedar Knolls
Robyn E. Ross, Esq.
Immediate Past Chair, NJSBA Solo and Small-Firm Section
Ross & Calandrillo, LLC, Mountainside
Elliot Stern
CEO, Accel Marketing Solutions, Inc.
Scott Sumner
Vice President and Underwriting Counsel, NF Family of Companies
John C. Uyamadu, Esq.
John C. Uyamadu, Esq., Cedar Knolls
Linda A. Mainenti Walsh, Esq.
Linda A. Mainenti Walsh, LLC, Morristown
Main: I200925MD | Friday Night Only: I194325 | Saturday Only: I000125