The New Jersey State Bar Association's award-winning, nationally recognized Government Relations program, first established over thirty years ago, advocates on behalf of NJSBA members. As the voice of New Jersey Attorneys, the NJSBA works closely with the Legislature, the governor and others on civil liability, judicial administration, budgetary issues, and other legislation that impacts the practice of law.
This page summarizes our most recent advocacy efforts. Click here or more information about our legislative policy and procedures.
Legislative Advocacy
Advocacy Town Hall Meeting
On March 4, 2009, President Peggy Sheahan Knee gave opening remarks at the NJSBA’s Advocacy Town Hall Meeting at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ. This event included four panels of key legislators and staff, AND THE Chief Counsel to the Governor, all of whom addressed an audience of over seventy people on various issues.
Gerald H. Baker, Chair of NJSBA’s Legislative Committee, moderated each panel and facilitated an ongoing conversation between the audience and invited speakers.
The first panel of key staffers provided an inside view on the legislative process and the background activity that is required to support advocacy in the State Legislature.:
Miriam Bavati – Office of Legislative Services (Judiciary Section), Principal Counsel
Mary C. Beaumont – Assembly Republican Office, Chief Counsel
Frank Dominguez – Senate Republican Office, Chief Counsel
Rafaela Garcia – Office of Legislative Services (Judiciary Section), Lead Counsel
Patricia K. Nagle – Office of Legislative Services (Judiciary Section), Section Chief
Robert C. Rothberg – Office of Legislative Services (Local Government Section), Lead Counsel
Tiffany Williams – Assembly Majority Office, Chief Counsel
A second panel of legislators discussed the committee review process and key issues in the State Legislature including wrongful death legislation, peremptory challenges, and legal malpractice among other issues:
Assemblyman Jon M. Bramnick – Republican Whip
Assemblyman Gordon M. Johnson – Chair Assembly Law & Public Safety Committee
Assemblywoman Sheila Y. Oliver – Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore
William J. Castner, Jr., the Governor’s Chief Counsel addressed the audience on issues in the Executive Branch including budgetary concerns and working with the NJSBA and NJ Senate on judicial appointments.
Finally, the program ended with a discussion with Senator Paul. A. Sarlo, Chair Senate Judiciary Committee and Assemblywoman Linda R. Greenstein, Chair Assembly Judiciary Committee on their important role in identifying and helping to move important bills through the State Legislature.
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How to Organize a Successful Breakfast or Dinner Event for Legislators
A step-by-step guide to hosting an event for legislators
Click here to download the brochure
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NJSBA Legislative Department Activity Schedule 2009
The following is the NJSBA Legislative Department Activity for the coming year.
Legislative Department Calendar
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County Bar Legislative Chairs
List of County Bar Legislative Chairs
Click here for a list of county bar legislative chairs
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Attorney Members of the State Legislature
List of attorney members of the State Legislature
Click here to see the list of attorney members of the State Legislature
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Archived Legislative Advocacy
