|

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