Laddy Clark's Leo Lectures on Workplace Bullying and Harassment at Rutgers

Ursula H. Leo of Laddey, Clark & Ryan in Sparta conducted a full-day lecture on workplace bullying and harassment on Nov. 2 at the Labor Education Center, 50 Labor Center Way, Cook Campus of Rutgers University, New Brunswick, to students in the Labor and Employment Law Certification Program. The course examined laws that prohibit workplace discrimination. Leo discussed issues regarding workplace bullying, including the latest legislative developments, how to negotiate protective collective bargaining agreements and policies, and the technological impact of harassment claims. “Workplace bullying, although not illegal, is a real concern for employees,” Leo said. “It is my hope that our audience learned tactical strategies and solutions for workplace bullying and discrimination issues.” Leo focuses her practice on employment and labor, municipal, and land use law. She advises clients in all aspects of employment and labor law, including employment contracts, compensation agreements, noncompetition and nondisclosure agreements, and severance agreements. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of New Mexico, and her law degree from Syracuse University College of Law, cum laude. She is a frequent lecturer on employment and labor law topics.

Sparta Attorneys Hold Wills for Warriors Program

Askin & Hooker in Sparta hosted their second annual Wills for Warriors program on Nov. 6. The program was established by attorneys Todd Hooker and William Askin, to allow Sussex County veterans to have their last will and testament prepared free of charge. Since the program started in 2016, Askin & Hooker have prepared more the 50 wills for Sussex County veterans, they said.

“We understand that estate planning can be an uncomfortable and expensive process regardless of the size of an estate,” said Hooker, a U.S. Army veteran. “We are grateful to be able to provide this service for Sussex County veterans.”

Askin added: “We understand the important role veterans play in our country and in our communities. We are honored by the positive response we have had so far for the Wills for Warrior program, and we are looking forward to continuing this program next year.”

Gibbons' Dunican Named Professional Lawyer of the Year by Essex Bar

The Essex County Bar Association (ECBA) has chosen Patrick C. Dunican Jr., chairman and managing director of Gibbons in Newark, as 2017 Professional Lawyer of the Year. Dunican received his award at the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) Professionalism Awards Luncheon on Nov. 9 at at the Imperia in Somerset.

The Professional Lawyer of the Year Awards are presented by the New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law, in conjunction with bar associations throughout the state, to honor lawyers of outstanding character who are recognized by colleagues for a commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and involvement in the organized bar and community. The New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law is a joint initiative of the NJSBA, state and federal judiciaries, and New Jersey's three law schools, formed to strengthen the reputation of the legal profession and public respect for judges, attorneys, and the justice system. Dunican is the third Gibbons attorney to earn an award from the commission, joining past recipients Thomas J. Cafferty (2016) and Michael R. Griffinger (1999).

Dunican is a longtime member of the Essex County and New Jersey State bar associations, and is a former trustee of the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey. Gibbons has realized significant growth under his leadership, moving into the AmLaw 200 in 2007. Two years later, Gibbons was one of only 20 firms nationwide to be named to the National Law Journal's inaugural “Midsize Hot List,” which recognized firms with fewer than 300 lawyers that have found innovative ways to position themselves.

Schenck Price Marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, on Oct. 27, Schenck, Price, Smith & King in Florham Park held a fundraising event, “Wear Jeans to Work Day,” to raise awareness and raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.