Jeralyn Lawrence Installed as NJSBA President

JERALYN LAWRENCE INSTALLED AS PRESIDENT OF NJSBA: From left, Jeralyn Lawrence's children—Kyle Benvenuto, Abigail Lawrence, Carson Benvenuto, Lawson Benvenuto, and Amelia Benvenuto; parents Jerry and Carol Lawrence;  Jeralyn L. Lawrence; husband John Benvenuto; and Chief Justice  Stuart Rabner.         [Photo courtesy of  New Jersey State Bar Association/Jim Beckner.]

Jeralyn L. Lawrence was sworn in on May 19 as president of the New Jersey State Bar Association for the 2022-2023 term. New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner swore-in Lawrence at the organization's annual meeting and convention in Atlantic City. Lawrence's friends, family and colleagues—along with the association's executive committee and trustees—were on hand. Lawrence is the 10th woman to lead the association. "The ability to advocate and to bring about change is infectious. The power to identify issues within the practice, to work collaboratively with all stakeholders and to present real solutions that are then acted upon and results achieved is incredibly rewarding," Lawrence said in her remarks. She said "Putting Lawyers First" is the mantra for her term, a platform that aims to make life in the field better for attorneys. Lawrence announced the creation of an hoc committee to address such issues as helping attorneys navigate the world of working ethically in a virtual environment, looking at roadblocks in seeking payment for their work and finding creative ways to engage new members of the profession. "Our job now is to find ways to handle these stressors better and be open to real, meaningful change," Lawrence said. Lawrence is a managing partner and founder of Lawrence Law in Watchung. She has long been active in the state bar, and currently is involved with the Women in the Profession, Solo and Small-Firm and Family Law sections.  She also serves as president for New Jersey's chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Other members of the executive committee were sworn in for a one-year term:  Timothy F. McGoughran, president-elect;  William H. Mergner, first vice president;  Christine A. Amalfe, second vice president; and  Norberto A. Garcia, treasurer. Also,  G. Glennon Troublefield, is the first African American man to join the executive committee, becoming secretary. Domenick Carmagnola began a term as immediate past president. "It has been an honor and a privilege to have had the opportunity to serve the members as the president of the NJSBA," Carmagnola said. "I have always had the utmost respect for the bench, the bar, and my colleagues in this profession. But that respect has grown tenfold after working closely with so many smart, talented and committed members who have volunteered their time, expertise and passion to address the critical issues facing the profession."

McAndrew Joins Laddey Clark

Michael R. McAndrew [Photo Credit: © 2022 Steve Hockstein/HarvardStudio.com.]

Michael R. McAndrew joined Laddey, Clark & Ryan as a partner in Sparta. McAndrew has concentrated his practice on professional liability for the past 10 years and brings with him an established practice base, the firm said in an announcement. At his previous firm, in addition to overseeing the prosecution of professional liability claims, McAndrew represented clients in insurance coverage actions, commercial litigation, and employment matters. He has experience representing individual and corporate clients. McAndrew was formerly a partner at law firm McAndrew Vuotto.

Nehmad Davis Hires Three

Nehmad Davis & Goldstein, a real estate and commercial litigation firm, announced the hire of

Stephanie E. Farrell

three attorneys in its Egg Harbor Township and Avalon offices. "Growth is important and our firm is committed to building our team to serve our clients and the community," said managing partner Eric Goldstein in a statement. "While our home remains in Atlantic and Cape May counties, our clients take us to all 21 counties in the state. … The attorneys joining our firm will provide depth of legal services, emphasizing our focus on one-on-one communication with our clients." Partner Stephen Nehmad added: "I know we are cultivating the next

William J. Kaufmann