I hope to see many of you at the Winter Seminar 2024 next week. This event takes place from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm immediately before the Awards Dinner. There are four programs to choose from and an exhibit hall with companies that support our daily practice. Attend the event, network with other trial lawyers and pick up new information in the exhibit hall.

The 2022-2024 Supreme Court Rules Committee Reports were published at the court’s website on February 6. The NJAJ Civil Practice Committee will review the report and make recommendations to the Board of Governors on whether the association should submit written comments that are due on or before March 29, 2024.

The Amicus Curiae Committee meets regularly to review cases submitted by members through the NJAJ website. They also review the court’s website for cases of interest. The committee makes recommendations to the Board of Governors on what cases the association should petition the court to enter as a friend of the court. If you are interested in volunteering to serve as an Amicus Advocate you should send an email to info@nj-justice.org with the subject line of “Amicus Advocate.” If you have a case that you would like the committee to consider submit that request through the website and all information will be forwarded to the co-chairs and staff.

Speaking of Amicus Advocates, I hope you are making plans to attend the Awards Dinner on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at the Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset, NJ. The members who have served as Amicus Advocates in cases that have been decided since last February will be recognized for their efforts. In addition to the Amicus Advocates, all the other award winners will be recognized. This is a great opportunity to show support and give thanks to those members who continue to advance the cause of the organization and to protect the rights of citizens of New Jersey. In addition to the members being recognized, the Gold Medal for Distinguished Journalism will be presented to Susan Livio and Ted Sherman of the Star Ledger for their continuing work on Nursing Homes and Veteran’s Homes.

The Nominating Committee will be meeting in the next few weeks to name the 2024-25 slate of officers. That slate will be voted on at the 9:30 am, Thursday, April 18, 2024, Membership Meeting & Elections taking place during the Boardwalk Seminar. If you are interested in placing your name in nomination, you should submit a letter of interest to info@nj-justice.org and complete the candidate in-take form.

The Women Trial Lawyers Caucus is hosting two WTLC Roundtables that will take place on Zoom. The first will take place from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm on March 6 and the next Roundtable will be held June 5. The events are free to Regular Members and offer an opportunity to have questions on your cases answered. The WTLC will also be hosting the 30th Annual Women Litigators Luncheon at the Boardwalk Seminar. Details are on the website. All are welcome to attend every WTLC event.

The Boardwalk Seminar 2024 takes place Wednesday – Friday, April 17 – 19 at Harrah’s in Atlantic City. This event is one of the largest gatherings of trial lawyers in the country. Last year’s Boardwalk Seminar had over 1,500 registrants in attendance, and we are working to attain the pre-pandemic registration numbers closer to 1,900. There are close to 30 programs being offered with 300+ faculty members presenting. The exhibition hall will have over 200 booths. There are plenty of opportunities for networking at Thursday evening’s Happy Hour, the New Lawyers Party, New Members Breakfast, President’s Reception and more. Make your room reservation now and then register with NJAJ online or by calling headquarters at (609) 396-0096.

The 18th annual Ryder Cup is soon to be announced and will take place August 15 at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe, NJ. This event is always a fun day filled with golf, networking and a little competition between the north and south jersey teams. Be sure to join us on the links. If you do not golf, you can attend the lunch, reception and dinner. The 6th annual golf clinic will also be offered if you are looking for tips from the golf pro.

With all the upcoming events I do hope to see many of you soon.