AFBNJ Past Events
AFBNJ Adopts American Bar Association’s Statement Supporting Judicial Independence
The Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey Adopts American Bar Association’s Statement Supporting Judicial Independence
Caldwell, NJ – February 19, 2020 – The Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey (AFBNJ) adopts the American Bar Association’s statement supporting Judicial Independence.
On February 12, 2020, on behalf of the American Bar Association, its President, Judy Perry Martinez, released the following statement:
“The American Bar Association steadfastly supports judicial independence and the sound exercise of prosecutorial discretion. Public officials who personally attack judges or prosecutors can create a perception that the system is serving a political or other purpose rather than the fair administration of justice.
It is incumbent upon public officials and members of the legal profession, whose sworn duty it is to uphold the law, to do everything in their power to preserve the integrity of the justice system.”
The Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey endorses this statement.
ReEntry/POP Courts Fundraiser: March 4, 2020
Wednesday, March 4, 2020 – AFBNJ Hosted Fundraiser for ReEntry/ POP Courts
Villanova vs. Seton Hall
The Prudential Center
The AFBNJ is proud to partner with our New Jersey United States District Court in all 3 vicinages to serve participants in the Federal ReEntry and POP programs. These programs involve intense life coaching, social and family skill development, and job mentoring.These efforts help participants to compete for a job, attain stable housing, support their children and families, and contribute to their communities.
Proceeds from the event will assist federal reentry and POP participants with their immediate financial needs while they work towards graduating from their programs.
Thank you to our Gold Sponsors:
Thank you to our Silver Sponsors:
Breakfast with Judges of the Third Circuit
Hon. Paul Matey, Hon. Patty Shwartz and Hon. Michael Chagares with AFBNJ Trustee Charlie Lizza
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Breakfast with Judges of the Third Circuit
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
8:30 am – 10:00 am
The AFBNJ hosted an insider’s discussion about the Third Circuit, topics discussed included the logistics of filing your appeal, how your case is decided, how to prepare a proper brief, and how to present an effective oral argument.
Camden Brown Bag Luncheon- January 23, 2020
Thursday, January 23, 2020 – Camden Brown Bag Luncheon
The Trial Penalty: The Sixth Amendment Right to Trial on the Verge of Extinction and How to Save It
Panelists:
The Honorable Noel L. Hillman, U.S. District Judge, District of New Jersey
Barry J. Pollack, Esq., Partner, Robbins, Russell, Englert, Orseck, Untereiner & Sauber, LLP
Matthew Skahill, Esq., Deputy U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey
Daniella Gordon, Esq., Partner, Hyland Levin Shapiro LLP (Moderator)
Topics included:
- The impact of the decline in jury trials upon the criminal justice system
- The disparity in sentences imposed after trial versus sentences imposed after entry of a guilty plea
- Factors that contribute to the decline in the federal criminal trial rate
- Sentencing enhancements, mandatory minimums, departure provisions
- Proposed recommendations for reform
Trenton Brown Bag Luncheon: November 7, 2019
Trenton Brown Bag Luncheon: Thursday, November 7, 2019
Federal Civil Jury Trial Practice: Topics included pretrial conference, final pretrial order, jury selection in the age of social media, preserving issues for appeal and overlapping criminal issues in civil trials.
Panelists:
Hon. Michael A. Shipp, U.S District Judge, District of New Jersey
Hon. Tonianne J. Bongiovanni, U.S. Magistrate Judge, District of New Jersey
Hon. Zahid N. Quraishi, U.S. Magistrate Judge, District of New Jersey
J. Andrew Ruymann, Chief, Civil Division, U.S. Attorney’s Office (DNJ)
Marc Haefner, Partner, Walsh Pizzi O’Reilly Falanga LLP
Moderator: Corinne McCann Trainor, Partner, Fox Rothschild LLP
AFBNJ Presents Inaugural Simandle Award to Thomas R. Curtin
The AFBNJ Presents Inaugural Simandle Award to Thomas R. Curtin at the Second Annual Pro Bono Institute on September 20.
Caldwell, NJ – September 23, 2019 –
The Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey (AFBNJ) presented the inaugural Simandle Award to Thomas R. Curtin at the Second Annual Pro Bono Institute.
The Simandle Award honors Chief Judge Jerome B. Simandle, who recently passed away at the age of 70. The Simandle Award will be presented annually to a lawyer and/or jurist who has exemplified exceptional service to the bench and the bar of the New Jersey federal court.
Ed Kole, AFBNJ President, said, “There is no one I can think of who better deserves this award than Tom Curtin.” Thomas R. Curtin is a partner with the law firm of McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter. Mr. Curtin is a former Trustee of the AFBNJ, a recipient of the Association’s prestigious Brennan Award, and a former President of the New Jersey State Bar Association.
Chief Judge Freda L. Wolfson presented the inaugural Simandle Award to Mr. Curtin. She spoke about Judge Simandle, “This is not an easy task, since there are so many accolades and comments that can be attached to this consummate judge and gentlemen who left us too soon.”
The Second Annual Pro Bono Institute took place at the New Jersey Law Center on September 20, 2019 from 9 am until noon. The event centered around panel discussions on the Court’s pro bono and re-entry programs, with speakers including Judges Freda Wolfson, Lois Goodman, Michael Hammer and Karen Williams. Additional speakers included Dianne Moratti, Chief, Deputy Attorney General, Melissa Rhoads, Deputy-in-Charge in the Trenton division of the U.S. District Court for the District of NJ, and Sheila Wiggins, Duane Morris.
Photo (left to right): Hon. Michael Hammer, Hon. Karen Williams, Edward T. Kole, Thomas R. Curtin, Chief Judge Freda L. Wolfson, Hon. Lois Goodman, Dianne Moratti, Sheila Wiggins and Melissa Rhoads.