It was an eventful 2016 for Crystal West Edwards, who not only was installed as Garden State Bar Association president but also made partner at Schenck, Price, Smith & King in Florham Park after six years practicing elder law and related areas at the firm. She also served as president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and is active in the State Bar Association. Edwards is also known for, as one colleague put it, “the compassion and kindness she demonstrates on a daily basis, not only in her practice but in her day-to-day actions both in and out of the firm.”

Distinguished Leaders in many cases have praiseworthy careers, but most importantly they continue to be leaders in the profession. What are some of your proudest recent achievements?

Serving as president of the Garden State Bar Association, whose goal is assisting African-Americans and other minorities in becoming an effective part of the judicial system.