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
9:30AM - 10:45AM
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.
Moderator/Speaker:
Leonard V. Jones, Esq., Jackson Lewis PC - Berkeley Heights
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
1:30PM - 3:00PM
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.
Moderator/Speaker:
Anthony W. Vaughn, Jr., Esq., Anthony W. Vaughn, Jr., LLC
Speakers:
Robert L. Johnson, Esq., Corporate Director & Chief Diversity Officer, Gibbons PC
Leonard V. Jones, Esq., Jackson Lewis PC - Berkeley Heights
Diana-Marie Laventure, Esq., Kaufman Borgeest & Ryan LLP
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
3:45PM - 5:15PM
Cultural Competency and Awareness in Alternative Dispute Resolution (2025)
Diversity and Inclusion 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.
Moderator/Speaker:
Hon. Lawrence R. Jones, J.S.C. (Ret.), Adjunct Professor, University of New Mexico , Lawrence R. Jones NM LLC
Speakers:
Hon. Karen M. Cassidy, A.J.S.C. (Ret.), Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC
Hon. Lisa F. Chrystal, PJFP (Ret.), Brach Eichler LLC
Hon. Marie E. Lihotz, PJAD (Ret.), Archer & Greiner PC
LaDonna M. Cousins, Esq., Williams Law Group, LLC
Michelle M. Cresti, Esq., Macce & Cresti
Jeffrey Fiorello, Esq., Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP
Robyn B. Gigl, Esq., Author of the Erin McCabe Series , 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.
Moderator/Speaker:
Valerie A. Jackson, Esq., Deputy Director Legal, Compliance & Diversity, NJ Department of the Treasury/Division of Administration
Speakers:
Rhasheda Douglas, Assistant Dean, Director of the Minority Student Program , Rutgers Law School-Camden
Trina L. Glass, Esq., BurgherGray LLP
Jayne J. Johnson, Esq., Director of Equity, Office of the Governor
Kia King, Esq., Chief of Staff, Department of Community Affairs
James A. Lewis, V, Esq., Chief Diversity Officer & Of Counsel, Cole Schotz
THURSDAY, MAY 15
1:15PM - 2:45PM
To Thyne Ownself be True: When Public Ignorance influences Gender Policy and its Reprocussions
Diversity and Inclusion Track (Aqua)
One of the dangers of democracy is that it is only as good as the people who vote. Ignorant voters influence their representatives and the policies they pass. Public ignorance about gender is a powerful force shaping policy at the local, state and national level. Ignorance-fueled gender policies 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 tow genders exist. This seminar confronts and debunks the myths and misperceptions about our non-binary gendered world and how anti-trans policy harms EVERYONE.
Moderator/Speaker:
Michael Poreda, Esq., Lydecker
Speakers:
Robyn B. Gigl, Esq., Author of the Erin McCabe Series , Dilworth Paxson LLP
Jamie M. Zug, Esq., Law Office of Jamie M. Zug