S-2822 Signed Into Law –

Acting Governor Scutari signed S-2822 into law on August 22. This new law will increase the cap on Workers’ Compensation attorney’s fees from the current limit of 20% to 25%, subject to judicial discretion. The new law, which goes into effect immediately, applies to all pending and future claims.

NJAJ continues to monitor new and pending legislation. The legislature will resume its work of committee meetings and voting sessions as we return from the Labor Day holiday. I will keep you informed as information develops.

NJAJ Files Comments on Disparate Impact Rule –

NJAJ filed public comments with the Attorney General’s Office of Law and Public Safety – Division of Civil Rights on August 1, 2024 in response to a proposed rule.

You can view the comments that were filed here.

The proposed rule can be found here.

Thank you to the NJAJ Employment Law Committee Co-Chairs, Kevin Costello, Ben Folkman, Virginia Pallotto and Heidi Ruth Weintraub, for their review of the proposed rule and for drafting the comments. 

Law Student Relations -

Thank you to the NJAJ members who were present at Rutgers University School of Law in Camden last Tuesday from 3:00 pm to 4:15 pm. NJAJ was present to be a part of the School Fair 2024 and signed up 70 new Law Student members. See related article for more information.

NJAJ will attend the Seton Hall University Law School Career Services Boot Camp on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This event is for first-year students. If you are interested in representing NJAJ at this event, send an email to info@nj-justice.org with the subject line Seton Hall Law Boot Camp. I look forward to seeing you there and signing up more Law Student members.

Judicial Law Clerks -

The Law School Relations Committee and the New Lawyers Committee met recently to continue the discussion of replying the Court’s request to have more students become judicial law clerks. Several ideas were discussed to create a solution including outreach to the law schools and directly to the students.

ACPE – Opinion 745 (Referral Fees) -

The Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics published Opinion 745 – Referral Fees on March 12, 2024. NJAJ filed its Brief in Support of Petition for Review of Opinion 745 on April 11, 2024. On July 23, 2024 the New Jersey Supreme Court issued a stay of enforcement of Opinion 745. I will keep you informed as new information becomes available.

Upcoming Events -

I hope to see you at the Endless Summer event on September 12 in Sea Bright. Thank you to the Matrimonial Trial Lawyers Section Co-Chairs Bettina Munson, Alice Plastoris and Robert Goldstein for once again creating a social event for all members of NJAJ to attend. Thank you to the sponsors of this event as well. The full list can be found at the website.

Meadowlands Seminar 2024 will be held Nov. 20 – 22, 2024 at the Meadowlands Hilton in East Rutherford. Registration is open and programs will be added over the next few weeks. If you are staying at the Hilton make your reservation now.