In This Issue
Member News
2015-2016 Executive Board
Feature Article: 8th Annual WILL Platinum Gala
Upcoming Events
Message From the President
Member News
Past President, Kirsten Scheurer Branigan, co-authored “Magna Carta: Still Paving the Long Road to Equality” published in the June 2015 addition of the New Jersey Lawyer Magazine. You can find the article here.
Board Member,
Pamela Craven, has been elected to the American Law Institute.
Board Member,
Jodi Rosenberg, won the primary election for the Millburn Township Committee.
Board Member,
Elyse Wolff,
gave birth to a baby girl on April 24th.
Have you recently …
Won a summary judgment motion?
Closed a big deal?
Tried your first case?
Started a new job?
Had a baby?
Earned a promotion?
Returned to the workforce?
Celebrated 10, 20, 25, etc. years as a lawyer?
Been named a Rising Star or SuperLawyer in your field?
Whatever your good news is, we want you to share your success! Please email njwlacomm@gmail.com with any details you would like to be included in our next NJWLA newsletter
2015-2016 Executive Board Officers and Directors
The following is the complete list of the 2015-2016
Executive Board Officers and Directors of
New Jersey Women Lawyers Association.
We congratulate all of
our newly elected Board Members
for the 2015-2016 Board Year (Executive Board) and for the 2014-2016 Board Term (Director and Trustee at Large Positions).
We welcome you to the NJWLA Leadership if you are new to our Board and thank you for your continuing commitment if you are a returning Board Member.
All Board positions will become effective July 1, 2015.
President –
Jessica Stein Allen
President-Elect –
Loren Pierce
Vice President –
Annmarie Simeone
Chief Financial Officer –
Michelle Schaap
Co-Chief Operating Officers–
Linda Harvey
Susan Kleiner
Sandra Moran
Co-General Counsel –
Susan O’Connor
Brett Harris
Co-Chief Diversity Officers
Carmen M. Garcia,
Eboneé Hamilton Lewis,
Osatu Chitou
Co-Secretaries –
Jemi Goulian Lucey
Kathleen Barnett Einhorn
Immediate Past President –
Randi Kochman
Nominations Co-Directors
Suzanne Cerra
Galit Kierkut
Committee Chairs/Directors
Best Practices –
Michele Haas,
Nicole Bearce,
Laura Conway
Diversity –
Lora Fong,
Khabirah Myers
Endorsements –
Michellene Davis,
Susan Feeney,
Stefani Schwartz,
Angela Iuso
Gala Committee Co-Chairs
Dina Mastellone,
Elyse Wolff
Grants/Charitable Giving–
Wendy Klein,
Karen Wachs,
Elizabeth Gramigna,
Jen Barna
Judicial Outreach–
Heather Boshak
Teddy McCormick
Ellen Torregrossa-O’Connor
Marketing–
Tanya Mascarich,
Irina Elgart,
Jennifer Borek
Membership –
Loryn Lawson,
Melissa Bracuti,
Theresa Donahue Egler, Thomasina Thornton
Programming/Sponsorship
Nancy Lottinville,
Michelle Sekowski,
Diana Manning,
Jaimee Katz Sussner
Public Policy –
Jody Carbone,
Christine Bator,
Anne Breslin
Solo/Small Firm –
Carole Lynn Nowicki,
Jodi Rosenberg,
Sharon Bittner Kean, Renee Rubino
Women’s Leadership –
Cherie Adams,
Nancy Arencibia
Stacey Adams
Young Lawyers–
Silvia Courtney
Jewel Waston
Trustees at Large–
Kristin Sostowski, Elizabeth Legiec,
Donna Jennings,
Sharmila Jaipersaud,
Lisa Presser
Past Presidents –
Kirsten Scheurer Branigan
Lynda Bennett
Lynne Anne Anderson
Wendy Johnson Lario |
July 2015
Featured Article
8th Annual WILL Platinum Awards Gala
March 26, 2015
The Grove at Cedar Grove
 
Cedar Grove, New Jersey– Approximately 650 accomplished attorneys and elite leaders of the New Jersey bench and bar attended the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association’s sold out 8th Annual Women’s Initiative and Leaders in the Law (WILL) Platinum Gala at The Grove in Cedar Grove on Tuesday, March 24th. The NJWLA awarded six exceptional leaders of the bench and bar with the WILL Platinum Award, an honor bestowed upon individuals for their outstanding achievements in the legal profession and their sustained contributions to gender equity challenges and other issues unique to women in the legal profession.
This year’s WILL award recipients were the Honorable Esther Salas, United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey, the Honorable Barbara Byrd Wecker, Judge, Appellate Division (Retired), Susan Feeney, Partner at McCarter & English and NJSBA Past President, Michele C. Meyer-Shipp,Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Prudential Financial, Inc., the Honorable Grace H. Park, acting Union County Prosecutor, and Phoebe A. Haddon, Chancellor of Rutgers- Camden Law School, who was presented with the 2015 Trailblazer Award. The Honorable Madeline Cox Arleo, United Staes District Judge for the District of New Jersey, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies.
The NJWLA was very proud to spotlight its 2015 class of Grant Recipients and to announce the 2015 Grantees, who will receive grants totaling over $25,000. The 2015 Grant Recipients are: Partners for Women and Justice, the Alice Paul Institute, and NJLEEP. Scholarships were awarded to Sabrina Baig (Rutgers School of Law -Newark), Ilijana Kalezic (Seton Hall University Law School) and Alexi Machek Velez (Rutgers School of Law- Camden) who wrote poignant essays that appeared in the 2015 Gala Journal.
4th Annual
“Fore Ladies Only”
Golf Outing & Clinic
May 21, 2015
Cedar Hill Golf and Country Club
 
Livingtston, New Jersey – Since its inception in 2011, The NJWA & ECBF “Fore Ladies Only” Golf Outing and Clinic has always been more than a day of golf and networking. The attendees have done more than learn putting, driving, chipping and course etiquette. Each year, these female attorneys provide a deserving women’s organization with support, funding and a platform to express their story and mission.
The first charitable partner, Girls on the Run, is a non-profit that educates and empowers girls at an early age through running games and physical activities in order to prevent the display of at-risk activities in the future. Proceeds of this event funded scholarships for girls between 3rd and 8th grade across Essex County who may not otherwise have been able to enjoy this program. Past charitable partners include The American Heart Association and the Displaced Homemakers Network of New Jersey. The DHN currently has 15 programs in place to make women who have to re-enter the workforce more marketable in today’s job market. The goal is to help them become economically self-sufficient by providing education, job readiness training, networking, outreach, referrals and emotional support.
This year’s reception included a pop-up shop featuring jewelry from Operation Bling, a non-profit foundation that provides a free assortment of sterling silver cubic zirconium rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets to oncology patients in area hospitals. NWJLA and ECBF presented Operation Bling with a $1,000 check in addition to the proceeds from all jewelry sales transacted at the event.
How To Become a Judge,
Commissioner or
Board Member
April 15, 2015
The Law Center
New Brunswick, NJ – Over 100 attorneys attended the “How To Become a Judge, Commissioner or Board Member: Nuts and Bolts of the Judicial and New Jersey State Appointments Process” panel discussion and networking reception on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at the Law Center in New Brunswick, NJ. Panelists provided practical advice on best practices for potential candidates to achieve an eventual appointment through a vibrant and well-informed discussion. – Over 100 attorneys attended the “How To Become a Judge, Commissioner or Board Member: Nuts and Bolts of the Judicial and New Jersey State Appointments Process” panel discussion and networking reception on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at the Law Center in New Brunswick, NJ. Panelists provided practical advice on best practices for potential candidates to achieve an eventual appointment through a vibrant and well-informed discussion.
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Upcoming Events
Empower. Engage. Enjoy.
Join “Women at the Bar” to connect over cocktails,
light dinner and conversation.
July 22, 2015
McLoone’sBoathouse
West Orange, NJ
Register Here
Message from the President
Randi Kochman
Cole Schotz P.C.
How bittersweet it is to be writing my last “Message From The President.” I have been honored and humbled to lead NJWLA this past year. While serving as President proved to be rewarding (and, if I am being honest, often exhausting), it was worth it! Leading this incredible organization has been a privilege and a pleasure. I am constantly amazed by the talent, professionalism and commitment exhibited by our Board and members. Together we support each other and make our professional and personal lives that much better.
Our 8th Annual Will Platinum Gala on March 24, 2015 was inspirational to say the least! At this premier event held at The Grove in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, over 650 attendees honored the accomplishments of our honorees, The Honorable Esther Salas, United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey; The Honorable Barbara Byrd Wecker, Judge, Appellate Division (retired) and Of Counsel at Greenberg Dauber Epstein & Tucker; Susan A. Feeney, Partner at McCarter & English and NJSBA Past President; Michele C. Meyer-Shipp, Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer at Prudential Financial, Inc.; The Honorable Grace H. Park, Acting Union County Prosecutor; and Phoebe A. Haddon, Chancellor of Rutgers University – Camden Law School, who received the NJWLA Trailblazer Award. NJWLA never tires of acknowledging individuals like this year’s honorees for their exceptional achievements and sustained contributions to gender equity challenges in the law.
On March 7, 2015, we were treated to an inspiring day as we cohosted the Women’s Empowerment Leadership and Law Conference with the Hispanic Bar Association – NJ at Rutgers University Law School. We enjoyed a day of stimulating programming on topics including navigating politics, leadership and sponsorship. Attendees also enjoyed an opportunity to network while more seasoned attorneys mentored and guided young attendees interested in a career in the law. This was a special program that exemplified the theme of mentoring and in which we were proud to participate.
On April 15, 2015, NJWLA again joined with the Hispanic Bar Association-NJ to proudly co-sponsor,”Nuts and Bolts of the Judicial and New Jersey State Appointments Process.” Attendees received insights into appointments process from very experienced judges, lawmakers and practitioners.
Our Young Lawyers Division presented another terrific program on April 23, 2015, “Building the Confident Layer, Part II: Building Your Brand and The Power of Persuasion,” featuring Yetunde A. Odugbesan-Omede, Founder of the Young Woman’s Guide, Inc. and Principal of Yetunde Global Consulting, and hosted by McElroy, Deutsch Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP. Seasoned and less experienced attorneys all learned the value of developing our personal brand through social media and other avenues.
On April 30, 2015, we proudly sponsored our annual judicial panel, securing invaluable tips from The Honorable Madeline Cox Arleo, United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey, The Honorable Claire C. Cecchi, United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey and The Honorable Katharine Sweeney Hayden, United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey. The NJWLA is extremely grateful for the time committed by these judges and the tips they generously offered to litigators and non-litigators alike regarding success in and out of the courtroom.
Rounding out our year, on May 21, 2015, we enjoyed a gorgeous day on the links at our “4th Annual Fore Ladies Only Golf Outing,” cosponsored by the Essex County Bar Association and held at Cedar Hills Country Club in Livingston, NJ. While supporting this year’s charity, Operation Bling, nearly 80 ECBA and NJWLA members had a fabulous time.
We are also overjoyed to present our first event for Inhouse Attorneys, “Corporate Counsel Hot Topics Roundtable,” to be held on May 27, 2015 at Investors Bank. Designed for inhouse attorneys, this program is not to be missed as we address issues unique to corporate lawyers including forging your career path within and outside the corporate law organization, navigating corporate politics, developing effective inhouse client relationships, professional responsibility and negotiating the intersection between inhouse law and compliance. Our inhouse committee promises to provide the resources and support enjoyed by all NJWLA members.
As you can see, NJWLA has something for every women attorney in New Jersey. We have created a resource for women in the State regardless of experience level or practice area and we hope you will take advantage of our programs and our members as we all strive to improve the profession for one another.
Enjoy Summer! |
