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Note: The Commission does not regulate, investigate or discipline lawyers. For advice on filing a complaint against a lawyer please contact the Office of Attorney Ethics, PO Box 963, Trenton, NJ. You may call them at (609) 530-4010.
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Background
The New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law is a unique cooperative venture of the NJSBA, the state and federal judiciary, and New Jersey's three law schools. The Commission was formed in response to increasing displeasure within the bar about the future direction of the profession, and public criticism of lawyers and the legal system. We hope to contribute to a strengthening of the traditional values, and sense of responsibility and public purpose, that have made the practice of law a distinguished profession. Moreover, we hope our work helps to increase public respect for judges and the justice system.
Towards this end the Commission develops programs and initiatives for lawyers, judges, and law students. We sponsor and participate in educational seminars, take positions on professional responsibility issues, and serve as an information resource for bar associations. The Commission operates from the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick.
The Commission's Chair is Richard J. Badolato, Esq., immediate past president of the New Jersey State Bar Association and a partner with Connell Foley in Roseland. Members include a member of the New Jersey Supreme Court, a federal district court judge, representatives of the state trial and appellate courts, the Deans of New Jersey's law schools, distinguished members of the bar, an academic from Rutgers College, and a public representative. The Commission's Executive Director is Charles J. Hollenbeck.
Professionalism Commission Events and Information
Useful link for information about ethics and professionalism
Anyone in need of a comprehensive listing of articles, seminars, events, and law school and bar association programs devoted to ethics and professionalism need look no further than the website of the Professionalism Center at the University of South Carolina Law School – SCProfessionalism . Funded by one of the state’s largest law firms, the Center and its website is one of the nation’s premier clearing houses for information about professional responsibility topics.
Recent Events
In-House Counsel Seminar
In partnership with the Institute for Continuing Legal Education (ICLE), the commission presents a professionalism seminar for in-house counsel who receive limited licenses to practice law in New Jersey. Seminars were offered in January and March 2007, with another scheduled in June.
Seminars for Recently Appointed Judges
Commission Chair Richard J. Badolato and Appellate Division Judge Jack C. Lintner put on seminars for recently appointed Superior Court and Tax Court judges. The seminar focuses on the need for judges to establish a climate of professionalism by setting a positive example for attorneys and others, respond effectively to abusive conduct by attorneys, and control the courtroom and the litigation process. The seminar included practical advice and the discussion of hypothetical litigation problems that included incidents a judge may face during the course of a trial. Commission Executive Director Charles Hollenbeck and Assignment Judge Linda Feinberg discuss professionalism issues with newly appointed municipal court judges.
Seminars for Newly Admitted Lawyers
Commission representatives participate in Skills and Methods training for newly admitted lawyers. Each professionalism seminar panel includes a Superior Court judge and two lawyers. General professionalism definition and concepts are covered, along with a discussion of hypothetical situations that may confront lawyers during the course of everyday practice. These seminars are offered twice each year at locations across the state.
September 28, 2007
Professionalism Awards Luncheon
The New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law celebrated the achievements of New Jersey Attorneys at the Commission’s Annual Professionalism Awards Luncheon on Friday, September 28, 2007 at the New Jersey Law Center. Cynthia M. Jacob, Esq. received the 2007 Daniel J. O’Hern Award. The O’Hern Award is presented annually to an attorney who exemplifies commitment to the highest standards of professional conduct, career achievement, and service to the legal profession and community.
Cynthia Jacob is Senior Counsel, and formerly partner, with Fisher & Phillips of Somerset, a national labor and employment firm. She was a partner and founding member of Collier, Jacob & Mills which merged with her current firm in 2005. Ms. Jacob is a graduate of Yale Law School and Vassar College and is currently a Ph.D candidate in Art History at Rutgers University.
Ms. Jacob is a past president of the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) and the Somerset County Bar Association. She has long been active in the organized bar and as a member of committees of the state and federal judiciary. She has served on the NJSBA’s Board of Trustees and Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee. She has been a member of numerous committees appointed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey including the Civil Practice Committee, Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics, the Committee on Rules of Evidence, and the Character and Fitness Committee. Ms. Jacob has served as chair of the Lawyer’s Advisory Committee of the United States District Court. She is past chair of the District XII Ethics Committee and has served on the boards of Legal Services of New Jersey and the Education Law Center.
Cynthia Jacob is a frequent lecturer and author in the areas of federal practice, employment litigation and rainmaking and has appeared before audiences of lawyers and judges, including the Conference of Chief Justices. She has been honored frequently for her achievements and is listed in Who’s Who in American Law, and New Jersey Superlawyers. Her legal ability and bar leadership has resulted in awards from Legal Services of New Jersey, the Trial Attorneys of New Jersey, the Hispanic Bar Association, the Woman’s Political Caucus of New Jersey and the Commission on Professionalism in the Law and Somerset County Bar Association, which jointly presented her with a Professional Lawyer of the Year Award.
Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards were presented to lawyers designated by Bar Associations from across the state who are respected by colleagues for their character, competence and exemplary professional behavior.Click here for a list of the recipients of the 2007 Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards.
October 13, 2006
Professionalism Awards Luncheon
The New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law celebrated the achievements of New Jersey Attorneys at the Commission’s Annual Professionalism Awards Luncheon on Friday, October 13, 2006 at the New Jersey Law Center. Albert Burstein of Hackensack received the 2006 Daniel J. O’Hern Award and attorneys nominated by their county and specialty bar associations were recognized with Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards.
Albert Burstein of Hackensack received the 2006 Daniel J. O’Hern Award for commitment to professionalism, career achievement, and service to the legal profession and community.
A partner in the Hackensack law firm of Herten, Burstein, Sheridan, Cevasco, Bottinelli & Harz, Burstein has practiced law for over five decades. He is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a Fellow of the American Council of Trusts and Estates Counsel. He is a past Master of the Morris Pashman Inn of Court, and in 1999 was named Professional Lawyer of the Year by the Bergen County Bar Association and the Commission.
Burstein served in the New Jersey General Assembly for ten years, including a term as Majority Leader. During this time he was instrumental in the study and passage of legislation concerning education, probate reform, ethics and the budgeting process. His interest in the legislative process continued in service as the chair, and now member, of the New Jersey Law Revision Commission, and as a member of the Election Law Enforcement Commission.
Mr. Burstein is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a member of the American Council of Trusts and Estates Counsel. He is a past member of the Bergen County Ethics Committee, and he is a past Master in the Morris Pashman Inn of Court. In 1993 he received the Bergen County Bar Association’s Lawyer Achievement Award, and in 1999 was named Professional Lawyer of the Year by the county bar association and the Commission on Professionalism in the Law.
Mr. Burstein’s interest in education is reflected in his past service on numerous boards and commissions, including the Development Board at Jersey City State College, the Board of Trustees of Bergen Community College, as Chair of the Education Funding Review Commission, and as a member of the Education Commission of the States.
Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards were presented to lawyers designated by Bar Associations from across the state who are respected by colleagues for their character, competence and exemplary professional behavior. Click here for a list of the recipients of the 2006 Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards.
October 6, 2005
Professionalism Awards Luncheon
The New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law celebrated the achievements of New Jersey attorneys at the commission’s Annual Professionalism Awards Luncheon on October 6, 2005 at the New Jersey Law Center. Mary Jean Gallagher received the Daniel J. O’Hern Award, and attorneys nominated by their county and specialty bar associations were recognized with Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards. U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie delivered the keynote address.
Mary Jean Gallagher of Upper Montclair received the 2005 Daniel J. O’Hern Award from the New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law for commitment to professionalism, career achievement, and service to the legal profession and community.
Gallagher is a solo practitioner in Bloomfield who has specialized in family law for the past twenty-nine years. She served as president of the Essex County Bar Association in 1990-1991 and held numerous positions within the association including chair of the Family Law Committee and chair of the Individual Rights Committee. In 2000 Gallagher received the Trial Bar Award from the Trial Attorneys of New Jersey. In 1998 she was selected by the Commission on Professionalism in the Law and the Essex County Bar Association for a Professional Lawyer of the Year Award.
Gallagher has long been active in the New Jersey State Bar Association and has held leadership positions in the Women’s Rights Section and General Council. She currently serves on the Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee. Gallagher also has a distinguished record of serving the New Jersey judiciary, having been a member of numerous Supreme Court appointed committees, including the District Ethics Committee, the Committee on Character, the Committee on Media Relations, the Committee on Gender Bias, and the Committee on Rules of Professional Conduct.
In addition to her law related achievements, Gallagher served for over a decade on the Board of Directors of Community Health Care of New Jersey and sat on the Essex County Advisory Board on the Status of Women, including a term as vice-chair.
Gallagher is a graduate of Mt. St. Mary’s Academy in North Plainfield, and Trinity College in Washington, D.C. She received a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center, and a Masters of Law from New York University.
Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards were presented to lawyers designated by Bar Associations from across the state who are respected by colleagues for their character, competence and exemplary professional behavior. Click here for a list of the recipients of the 2005 Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards.
September 30, 2004
Professionalism Awards Luncheon
The New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law celebrated the achievements of attorney honorees at its annual Professionalism Luncheon and Awards Ceremony held on September 30, 2004 at the New Jersey Law Center. The Commission presented its Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards and Daniel J. O’Hern Award at the event. U.S. District Court Judge Katharine S. Hayden delivered the keynote address.
NJSBA Past President Adrian M. "Bud" Foley Jr. was presented with the 2004 Daniel J. O’Hern Award in recognition of his commitment to professionalism, career achievement, and service to the profession and community.
Foley is a partner in Connell Foley LLP in Roseland, and served as president of the New Jersey State Bar Association in 1964-1965. He has long been active in the American Bar Association where he served on the Board of Governors and in the House of Delegates. He was the first New Jersey attorney to serve as chair of the ABA’s largest entity, the Section on Litigation.
Foley is a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a Fellow of the American College of Probate Counsel, and a member of the American Law Institute. In 2001, he received the Essex County Bar Association award for lifetime achievement.
A native of North Dakota, Foley is a decorated veteran of World War II where he served in the Army Air Corps. He graduated from Columbia Law School and was admitted to the bar of New Jersey in 1948. He was elected Surrogate of Essex County at age 32, and later served as the presiding officer at New Jersey’s Fourth Constitutional Convention. He was appointed by Governor William Cahill as the first treasurer and chief financial officer of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and was reappointed to that post by Governor Brendan Byrne. Foley was instrumental in devising the bond issue that generated funding for Giants Stadium and the Meadowlands Racetrack.
Foley has served on the boards of trustees for many educational institutions, including Seton Hall University, Columbia Law School and St. Peter’s College. He was the first recipient of Seton Hall’s All University Award, and has also been honored by St. Benedict’s Prep.
Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards were presented to lawyers designated by Bar Associations from across the state who are respected by colleagues for their character, competence and exemplary professional behavior. Click here for a list of the recipients of the 2004 Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards.
June 4, 2004 Promoting Professionalism Conference Attracts Bar Leaders
On June 4, 2004 the Commission held a conference designed to provide leaders of bar associations and inns of court with ideas about how to encourage professionalism among members, and the bar in general.
Justice Barry Albin of the Supreme Court of New Jersey was the opening speaker and he indicated that the Court strongly supports bar and bench efforts to improve the professional climate within New Jersey’s legal community. He stressed that the most important message that can be imparted to young lawyers is that civility and upright professional behavior are keys to a successful practice. He recounted his own experience during a lengthy and contentious jury trial involving out-of-state counsel. Despite the antics if his adversaries he cam away with the most significant jury award of his career.
After Justice Albin spoke, a panel of county bar association representatives (consisting of Douglas Brierley of the Morris County Bar Association, Dennis Estis of the Middlesex County Bar Associaiton, and Hal Haveson of the Mercer County Bar Associaiton) discussed programs they have undertaken, including:
· - Distribution of the Morris County Bar Association’s code of professionalism by the clerk of the Family Division in mailings to lawyers
· - A survey of judges perceptions about lawyers by the Morris County Bar Association
· - A professional mediation program (a version of professionalism counseling recommended by the Commission) of the Middlesex County Ba Association, that not only handles complaints about lawyers, but also handles complaints about judges and court staff. This program is being reviewed by the Supreme Court for possible statewide adoption.
· - Mentoring programs, aimed at young lawyers, adopted by the Middlesex County Bar
· - An annual bench-bar luncheon sponsored by the Mercer County Bar, attended by all the county’s judges, featuring an ethics and professionalism “play” followed by discussion.
· - The Mercer Bar also specially honors its Professional Lawyer of the Year Award recipient, a great idea that we should encourage all associations to follow.
The programs were presented as examples of successful professionalism initiatives that can be undertaken by bar associations.
A panel of Inns of Court representatives explained the development and philosophy of the inns movement, and how they train and mentor younger lawyers. Underscoring the inn philosophy is a commitment to professionalism and the core values of the legal profession, such as honesty, fairness, and integrity. Dick Page, director of development for the American Inns of Court was in attendance. The panel consisted of
Joel Leyner (Hudson Inn), Frank Petro (Workers Compensation Inn), Bruce Matez (Family Law Inn), and Andrew Turner (Bankruptcy Inn).
The conference concluded with a presentation of a shortened version of the Commission’s "model" professionalism seminar that was presented by the lawyers who worked to develop it (Kevin Michels, Bob Hollingshead Lynn McDougall and Steve Menaker), with the assistance of Assignment Judge Sybil Moses. The seminar is intended for use by bar associations, inns of court, law firms, and law schools and combines a limited amount of lecture with an interactive examination of hypothetical scenarios that illustrate professionalism and ethics problems that often confront lawyers. Based on the conference experience, the seminar will be fine-tuned, and formally released before the end of the year.
January 17, 2004
New Jersey Law Center, New Brunswick
Ethics & Professionalism: Playing By The Rules
Presented in Cooperation with the New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law
At this practical program, moderated by Charles J. Hollenbeck, Esq., Executive Director of the NJ Commission on Professionalism in the Law, a panel of distinguished judges and lawyers will provide insight on how to handle some of the more trying situations lawyers often confront. Some of the topics include what impresses judges and what turns the off, why zealous representation does not include torching the adversary, recognizing and dealing with ethics problems, why practicing with professionalism makes good sense, and what changes in the ethics rules are coming and how they will affect lawyers. There will also be a discussion of important changes in the Rules of Professional Conduct now pending before the state Supreme Court.
November 25, 2003
Judicial College
Commission representatives, including Chair Richard J. Badolato, Esq., presented two seminars for judges at the November 2003 New Jersey Judicial College. The seminars focused on judge's responsibility to promote professionalism and effectively address obnoxious conduct that disrupts litigation. The seminar panel included seasoned judges and trial lawyers. Topics addressed included disruptive deposition conduct and what to do when courtroom eruptions occur.
October 2, 2003
Professionalism Awards Luncheon
The New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law celebrated the achievements of attorney honorees at its annual Professionalism Luncheon and Awards Ceremony held on Oct. 2, 2003 at the New Jersey Law Center. The Commission presented its Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards and Daniel J. O’Hern Award at the event. Chief Judge John W. Bissell of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey delivered the keynote address.
NJSBA Past President Jay H. Greenblatt was presented with the 2003 Daniel J. O’Hern Award in recognition of his commitment to professionalism, career achievement, and service to the profession and community.
Vineland attorney Jay Greenblatt is a partner in the law firm of Greenblatt & Laube and has been practicing law in New Jersey for forty years. He is a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American College of Trial Lawyers and American Bar Foundation. Greenblatt is a past president of the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) and the Cumberland County Bar Association, and has served both organizations in a variety of ways since his admission to the bar. His bar activity includes service on the board of trustees of the NJSBA, the New Jersey State Bar Foundation, and New Jersey Lawyer– the Newspaper in addition to participation on numerous committees at both the state and county bar level. Greenblatt was appointed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey to sit on the Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics and served for eleven years. In addition to his bar activities, Greenblatt is past chair of the board of directors of Newcomb Health Services and Newcomb Medical Center, and a former member of the board of directors of the South Jersey Health System. In 1998, he received the Equal Justice medal from Legal Services of New Jersey, and in 2002 was honored with the Bishop's Medal from the Diocese of Camden.
Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards were presented to lawyers designated by Bar Associations from across the state who are respected by colleagues for their character, competence and exemplary professional behavior. Click here for a list of the recipients of the 2003 Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards.
October 2, 2003
Bar Presidents Meeting
The Commission met at the Law Center with presidents of county and minority bar associations to discuss grassroots efforts to promote professionalism among lawyers and judges.
December 2002
Ethics and Professionalism Seminars
On December 7 and 14, 2002, Commission Executive Director Charles J. Hollenbeck moderated regional ethics seminars presented by the Commission in cooperation with the Institute for Continuing Legal Education. The three-hour programs, “Ethics & Professionalism: Playing By the Rules,” featured lectures and audience involvement through the use of law practice "scenarios" that focused on professional responsibility issues present in everyday practice situations. A panel of judges and lawyers provided insight on how to handle some of the more trying situations lawyers often confront. Some of the topics included what impresses judges and what turns them off, why zealous representation does not include torching the adversary, recognizing and dealing with ethics problems, why practicing with professionalism makes good sense, and what changes in the ethics rules are coming and how they will affect lawyers.
The programs offered CLE credits for New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
September 2002
Professionalism Awards
On September 26, 2002, the Commission presented its annual Daniel J. O’Hern Award and the Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards during a luncheon at the New Jersey Law Center. Attorney General David Samson delivered the keynote address.
The Daniel J. O'Hern Award was presented to Alan V. Lowenstein for career achievement and commitment to the highest ideals of professionalism. Lowenstein has been a major figure in New Jersey’s legal community for decades, having founded one the state’s premier firms, Lowenstein Sandler. He played a key role in reforming statues governing banking and corporate law and was an important figure in Newark’s charter reform movement that changed the city’s governmental structure. Long active in community organizations, his efforts helped the development of Liberty State Park and the transformation of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra into a nationally recognized institution.
Professional Lawyer of the Year awards were presented to twenty-six distinguished lawyers designated by bar associations from across the state. The awards recognize lawyers for their outstanding professional conduct, competence and demeanor.(click here for article with list)
Chief Justice Poritz presented the awards.
April 2002
Promoting Professionalism
On April 12, 2002, Commission members met with county bar association presidents, officers, executive directors, and a number of assignment judges at the New Jersey Law Center to explore ways to encourage professionalism among the bench and bar.
Chief Justice Deborah Poritz, chair of the Commission, began the half-day conference by urging bar leaders to continue to offer seminars and programs aimed at “teaching, promoting professionalism, and encouraging excellence in the law through continuing legal education.” She also encouraged county bar associations to adopt the Professionalism Counseling Program developed by the Commission.
Currently, fifteen bar associations have adopted the program in some form.
The program also included presentations on education, professionalism counseling, and cooperation with the judiciary. Speakers on these topics included Harold Braff, a member of the national board of directors of the American Inns of Court; Joseph Bottitta, a Commission member and former president of the New Jersey State Bar Association; and Steven Menaker of the Hudson County Bar Association’s Professionalism Committee.
Commission on Professionalism
Chair
Dean Rayman L. Solomon
Rutgers Law School – Camden
217 N. 5th Street
Camden, NJ 08102
Phone: 856-225-6191
Fax: 856-225-6487
raysol@camlaw.rutgers.edu
Executive Director
Charles J. Hollenbeck, Esq.
Adivsors
Hon. Barry T. Albin
Hon. John W. Bissell
Hon. Daniel O'Hern (retired)
Ronald J. Riccio, Esq.
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Frank R. Allocca
Richard J. Badolato, Esq.
Hon. Louis J. Belasco
Hon. Garrett E. Brown Jr.
Dean Stuart Deutsch
Alan I. Gould, Esq.
Dean Patrick E. Hobbs
Joel A. Leyner, Esq.
Hon. Jack L. Lintner
Hon. Sybil R. Moses
Hon. Stuart Rabner
Edward J. Rebenack, Esq.
Hon. Thomas S. Smith Jr.
Dean Rayman L. Solomon
Karol Corbin Walker, Esq.
James Youngelson, Esq.
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Agenda and Accomplishments
In 1998 the Commission received the American Bar Association's Gambrell Award in recognition of outstanding achievement in the design and implementation of a professionalism program.
The Commission has developed or participated in the following initiatives and programs:
An Annual Symposium on Professionalism.
Presentation of professionalism awards to deserving lawyers from across the state.
Principles of Professionalism - guidelines for lawyers and judges.
Professionalism Counseling Program - for use by county bar associations to address situations of egregious or persistent unprofessional behavior.
Revisions to the Skills and Methods Course - Suggested changes so that required courses for new lawyers include professionalism themes.
Lawyers Pledge - a supplement to the traditional oath used to swear-in new lawyers, the Pledge stresses professional responsibility and positive values.
Judges Education - participation in the annual Judicial College for state court judges.
Educational efforts - participation in bar association, law firm, law school, and inns of court seminars.
Articles - periodically issue positions and articles on professionalism issues.
Outreach - continue to meet with individuals and groups from throughout New Jersey's legal community, including federal and state judges, and managing partners from major law firms.
Further information about the Commission and its work may be obtained from the Executive Director, New Jersey Law Center, One Constitution Square, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.
