Before we close out the month of January, I wish you a Happy New Year. Although we seem to be bombarded on an almost daily basis with chaos and concern, I hope that you were able to find peace and tranquility celebrating the holidays with family and friends. My wish for each of us is that the peace and tranquility present during the holidays carries forth into the remainder of this year.  

Despite January 1st representing the new year on the world’s calendar, it represents the mid-way point of the year on NJAJ’s calendar. It is hard to believe that I am halfway through my term as President. I will take this time and space to say thank you to those who have helped me along the way so far. The Executive Committee is a group of talented and dedicated individuals. They approach the association’s business with careful thought and consideration. The organization is well-served by this governing body. The Board of Governors are also to be commended for their commitment to, and leadership of NJAJ. The board selflessly gives their time and resources. The many committee co-chairs and committee members work to advance NJAJ’s position with the legislature, the courts and for improving member services. The program co-chairs continue to produce top quality educational programs both live and virtually. The professional staff at headquarters, who are our unsung heroes, keep these many plates spinning and do so with exemplary customer service. There is always work to be done and certainly there is much more to be done before I end my term.

While I am not quite ready to turn over the gavel, this is as good a time as any to let you know that the Installation Dinner for my friend and colleague, Adam Lederman, has been set for Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Adam will be installed as the 63rd President of the association at The Grove in Cedar Grove, NJ. The Host Committee will be named shortly and their work will begin. Mark your calendar and plan on joining the festivities. The event is live at the website so you can act now to reserve a seat and place an advertisement in the ad journal.

Other upcoming events include the Winter Seminar 2024 that will feature four programs and an exhibit hall. The four programs are: Auto,  Deposition College, Maximizing Damages, and Premises Liability. This event takes place from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm at The Place at Somerset Park in Somerset, NJ. A cocktail reception begins at 5:00 p.m. and is followed immediately by the  Awards Dinner, also at taking place at The Palace. Be sure to register for both events and place an ad in the Tribute Journal to congratulate the many award winners.

January 8th marked both the end of the lame duck legislative session as well as the end of the 220th Legislature. NJAJ members appeared and testified on a number of bills during the lame duck session. I am pleased to report that no anti-consumer legislation passed. Moreover, pending bills, including those which NJAJ opposed, on which the legislature did not take action expired at the end of that session. The 221st legislative session began the following day with Senator Nicholas Scutari continuing to serve as Senate President and Assemblyman Craig Coughlin being elected by his caucus to continue in his capacity of Speaker of the General Assembly. The committees have been reconstituted. I will continue to provide updates on legislative activity as they occur.

The Women Trial Lawyers Caucus continues to offer virtual one-hour roundtables where you can share ideas and have your questions answered. The next offering is Wednesday, March 6. If you cannot make that one, mark your calendar for May 5 as the last offering in this fiscal year.

The Boardwalk Seminar 2024 will take place Wednesday – Friday, April 17 – 19 at Harrah’s in Atlantic City. Registration opened earlier this month at the website. Be sure to reserve a seat and make your hotel reservations. This year’s seminar features nearly thirty programs being offered over three days. Earn CLE credits, learn to better represent your clients, network with hundreds of other trial lawyers and gather new information from the more than 190 exhibitors.

As you can see, NJAJ, like all of us, is busy. Nevertheless, I hope to see you soon at one of our many outstanding upcoming events.