New Jersey Supreme Court justices, state legislators, and top legal experts gathered at the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting and Convention in Atlantic City.
With over 2,000 lawyers and judges in attendance, the event was the premiere gathering of the state’s legal community.
Supreme Court justices Barry T. Albin, Helen Hoens, and Anne Patterson, as well as retired justices Virginia A. Long and Roberto Rivera-Soto, spoke at educational seminars throughout the week.
Other seminars included discussions on the new anti-bullying legislation, the Occupy movement and the First Amendment, a look at one of the biggest political corruption scandals in recent New Jersey history, developments in Trenton, and the future of alternative energy.
A new slate of officers was installed to lead the association’s executive committee. Kevin P. McCann of Bridgeton became president of the association. New Jersey Chief Justice Stuart Rabner administered the oath of office. Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney offered remarks at the dinner.
President McCann said that he would dedicate himself to promoting diversity in the profession, the necessity of having an independent judiciary, and other cornerstone goals of the association. In addition, he outlined plans to take legislative advocacy to a higher level and to launch an educational project aimed at teaching civics to adults.
In addition, Ralph J. Lamparello became president-elect; Paris P. Eliades became first vice president; Miles S. Winder III was elected second vice president; Angela White Dalton is treasurer; and Thomas Hoff Prol is now secretary. Susan A. Feeney is the immediate past president.