Volume 12
WLIB
NEWSLETTER
WOMEN LAWYERS IN BERGEN
Fall 2023
WLIB Membership
To renew or begin your membership with WLIB
please go to www.womenlawyersinbergen.org.
If you have any questions regarding membership,
please contact Cathe McAuliffe, Esq., Membership Chair
at 201-488-2030 or [email protected].
I
am once again writing my message
to the Women Lawyers in Bergen
members and readership. I am
wondering who is actually reading
this? I rarely get a comment on
my President’s Message and wonder if anyone
is reading this Newsletter? is Newsletter is
a beautiful work of art. It is an organized,
quarterly report containing many valuable
articles, reviews, information and advertising.
But I fear it is not being read. Linda
Spiegel works extremely hard producing this
Newsletter but because it is not mailed out
in hard copy, I fear that the readership has
declined.
What is the solution to this problem?
I strive as President of WLIB to spread
our inuence and this Newsletter is such a
wonderful volume of information. If we were
to send it by mail it would cost at least $5000
a year, which we don’t have. Anyone having
any suggestions for how to solve this problem
and who obviously is reading this Newsletter,
please advise, as this quarterly piece of work is
valuable and important.
I am making a change during my tenure
as president in making the Annual Dinner in
alternating years more of a Judicial Reception.
is is partly because we are not electing
ocers and we need a draw and because we
have a Supreme Court Justice as speaker this
year. erefore, I hope this continues into
the future. Instead of having a separate Judicial
Reception and Annual Dinner, in alternate
years we can have a combination Judicial
Reception and Annual Dinner.
We have many good CLE’s coming up.
One will be by the mother/daughter team
of Lynn Feldman and Erica Fields on the
Sovereign Nation Movement. A very well
written article was in last quarter’s Newsletter
by them on that issue and it is a relevant topic
today. ere also will be other CLE’s coming
up, one of which may be motivational speaker
Debbie O’Connell, who happens to be our
golf pro and a professional motivational
speaker. She will be speaking at some point
this winter on performance anxiety and the
law profession. Mental health is an integral
part of success in our profession, and she
speaks on anxiety in all professions. We look
forward to that. Furthermore, Debbie has
been coaching us golfers for over a year now
and we hope to continue this into the future as
her skill level is tremendous and her teaching
ability is working for us. e Annual Bergen
County Bar Golf Outing was postponed from
Spring to Fall and she is enabling us able to
participate without embarrassing ourselves at
that event.
e Susan Luciana Breast Cancer Rally,
which we held last year on October 28th,
will also be an alternate year event. I have too
much on my plate to plan and execute that
event this year and I know our board, Lynn
Feldman, Erica Fields and our committee
who have helped me tremendously regarding
that, also agree. erefore, we will plan for
that event for next year and although I will
not be president, I will, of course, be happy
to spearhead that event. It will be outside the
Bergen County Courthouse on the green and
I hope to get substantial involvement by the
county employees.
We will be looking for a new Secretary
for the Women Lawyers in Bergen Board as
my term ends in June 2024 and it’s never
too early to start looking. If any of you are
interested in that position, please contact us
and we will have you on the ballot for the
spring election as we would have to get that
going by April 2024.
This Board has worked together in
a tremendously cooperative and pleasant
manner and we have enjoyed our work
on the Board. As I had always said,
camaraderie to me is an important
part of WLIB and the foundation for
networking, mentoring and tightening
our organization in a friendly manner.
Thank you everyone who has read this, and
I look forward to the next several months
of remaining your president.
Sincerely,
Diane M. Lucianna
INSIDE:
• Honorable Julie Lee Kim - 3
• Book Review - "Farenheit 451" - 5
•
Recipies for a Home Luau - 5
• The Legislative Report - 6
• Announcements - 7
• Jean Robertson Update - 10
• Weekend Getaways - "Historic Triangle" - 11
• Gayle D. Hargrove - 13
• Jhanice V. Domingo, Esq. - 14
• ABA Standing Committee on Ethics - 16
• Young Lawyers Corner - 27
• Notice to Readerss - 27
• WLIB Committees - 28-29
• Calendar of Events - 30
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3
I recently had the honor and privilege of interviewing the
Honorable Julie Lee Kim, J.S.C., our newest female Judge appointed to
the Bergen County Superior Court Family Division on June 26, 2023.
While Bergen County has over 60,000 residents of Korean descent,
Judge Kim is the rst Asian American to be appointed to the Bergen
County Superior Court bench. Judge Kim’s parents were immigrants
from South Korea, and Judge Kim is the youngest of three children.
She was born and raised in New Jersey. As co-chair of the Diversity
in the Profession Committee, a committee dedicated to promoting
diversity within the legal profession,
Judge Kim felt that the Asian American
population was unrepresented in Bergen
County. “is was the main reason for me
wanting to become a judge,” said Judge
Kim. “I wanted to ensure that the Asian
American population is represented within
the community with a diverse bench.”
ere is no question that Judge
Kim’s extensive educational background
and experience makes Her Honor well-
suited for the Family Part. Judge Kim
received her undergraduate degree from
New York University, with a major in
Political Science. She went on to obtain
her Master of Business Administration
with a concentration in Finance from
Boston College, Carroll School of
Management in 2002. Judge Kim worked
for Putnam Investments Management as
the Assistant Vice President of Global
Trading for approximately ve years.
After receiving her MBA, Judge Kim
went on to obtain her law degree from
Seton Hall University School of Law,
Class of 2006. While in law school, Judge
Kim interned for the Honorable Harold C. Hollenbeck, J.S.C. (Ret.),
and upon graduating law school, became his law clerk. Judge Kim was
responsible for handling the management of Judge Hollenbeck’s Post-
Judgment motion calendar, the Juvenile calendar and the Children-in-
Court docket.
Judge Kim was in private practice for over 17 years before her
appointment to the Superior Court. Judge Kim was a Partner at Cohn
Liand Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf, LLP where she specialized in
Family and Matrimonial Law. When asked if she will miss the days
of private practice, Judge Kim remarked, “I don’t miss the complaining
clients, but I do miss my legal colleagues. at is going to be the biggest
challenge.” While the transition from private practice to the Superior
Court may come with a feeling of isolation, Judge Kim noted that the
Judiciary has been very welcoming. “Both current and retired judges have
been tremendous in oering their support and mentoring me during this
process.” Judge Kim acknowledged that while the volume of cases to be
heard and the judicial shortage may be a challenge, “the diculty will be
learning to manage the calendar while making sure we are hearing litigants
and allowing lawyers to be lawyers.” Judge Kim is looking forward to
hearing cases and making decisions. With her background in nance,
Judge Kim is certainly not afraid of the numbers!
Despite her busy private practice, Judge Kim always made
public service a priority, having volunteered with various committees
throughout her legal career. Not
only was Judge Kim co-chair of
the Diversity in the Profession
Committee and a member of the
Asian Pacic Lawyers Association,
but Her Honor was also a member
of the District II-B Ethics
Committee, a trustee with the
Bergen County Bar Association,
a member of Women Lawyers
in Bergen County and the New
Jersey State Bar Association, a
board member with the Asian
Women’s Christian Association,
a member of the Collaborative
Divorce Association of North
Jersey, and a volunteer for the
Early Settlement Panels for both
Passaic and Bergen Counties.
Judge Kim spoke highly of
WLIB, noting how great it is
that the organization honors and
recognizes women members of
the Judiciary and the Bar.
As I sat across the table from
Judge Kim in her Chambers, it
was obvious to me that she is eager and ready to work full steam ahead.
“I am energized with the fact that I can make a
dierence. It will take time to get there, but I hope once
my feet get wet, I’ll be able to make a meaningful impact
to the citizens of the state and the legal profession as a
whole. ere is still a lot to learn. No matter how much
you practiced law, it’s not the same. I’m in the learning
process now, and there will be a learning curve. I see
every case as an opportunity to learn. I hope that I am
able to make good decisions.”
On behalf of the members of Women Lawyers in Bergen County,
we welcome Judge Kim to the bench and wish Her Honor a very
successful future in the Family Division, where we hope she will stay
for years to come!
Bergen County Welcomes the Honorable Julie Lee Kim,
J.S.C. to the Family Division
By: Evelyn F. Nissirios, Esq.
4
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45 Eisenhower Drive, Suite 280
Paramus, NJ 07652
Phone: (201) 444-4493
Fax: (201) 485-7014
bcomerford@barbaracomerfordlaw.com
www.tristatedisabilitylaw.com
The Law Offices of Barbara B. Comerford concentrates
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Barbara B. Comerford is a Lawline Faculty member who
presents national seminars on ERISA LTD and Disability
insurance claims. She has also conducted seminars
throughout the country on Social Security Disability law.
5
Book Review
Recipes for a Home Luau
By: Kathleen A. Hart, Esq.
This summer simply went by and I am sad to say, we did not
dine out much. Likely a combination of the weather, vacation
and my husband’s broken foot. Long story, moral is don’t kick
a car while wearing crocs as it does not end well. However, I
did manage to put together a small sixtieth birthday for the big
guy for a few friends and family. Here are some of the recipes
I served, and I hope you enjoy!
John’s Birthday Luau Menu
Sweet & Sour Meatballs
Meatballs:
1.5 pounds ground beef
1 egg
¼ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup gojuchang (you can nd in Asian aisle of supermarket)
¼ cup nely chopped onion
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons ginger
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Sauce:
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup hoisin sauce
½ cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1. For meatballs, mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
Shape mixture into one inch diameter balls and place
on baking sheet.
2. After all have been made, place the sheet in freezer,
covered in plastic until next day.
3. Make sauce by mixing all ingredients in a medium bowl
until smooth.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
5. Place meatballs in a baking dish. Pour sauce over the
meatballs.
6. Bake about 35 minutes until meatballs are done and
sauce is bubbly.
continued on page 27
Fahrenheit 451
By Ray Bradbury
By: Tamra Katcher, Esq.
Hello Book Lovers!
Summer is always a
time for me to read LOTS of
books. I have read many over
these warm, somewhat lazy
days. My favorite time to read
is on the beach with my toes
in the sand. So the question
was what to review for you
this time. I re-read Pride and Prejudice, I read some Brad
Thor books and David Baldacci. All good books to escape
and pass the time. BUT – I have decided to review another
classic (can I call it that?) Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.
This is a book on my son’s summer reading list that we read
together along with listening to the audiobook. I found it
apropos for our times.
This is the second time I have read – or started to read
- this book. At least 20 years ago someone recommended it
to me and I could not get past the rst 20 pages. Even this
time, the beginning of the book is quite confusing but it was
summer reading so we plugged along.
The book is set in some time and place that is more
science ction than reality. The main character, Montag, is a
reman. This may seem a heroic endeavor but the remen in
this story have one job and one job only – to burn books and
the houses where they are being hidden. The story is set
in a time when laws have been passed where no one is to
have books. The laws were passed because without books
people will live in peace and not think and therefore not argue
and, in turn, not have original thoughts. The remen drive
to calls with their kerosene-lled truck and douse houses,
and sometimes their occupants, with kerosene and then set
it ablaze. There is a robotic dog that has spider legs and
a needle with procaine (a numbing drug) in his mouth that
he would use to inject people who hid books. This was the
remen’s routine every night – burning houses and burning
books in the name of living in peace.
Montag’s wife, Millie, stayed home and was happy to
be among the thoughtless. She, like many others, replaced
their living room walls with television-type screens to engage
with interactive television shows. Millie would spend her
entire day engaging in conversations with the characters in
these shows.
Montag’s neighbor was a young girl name Clarisse.
Clarisse and her family were considered “outsiders” because
they laughed and talked and stayed up late enjoying each
other’s company and engaging in conversation. Initially
continued on page 25
For your information, helpful websites:
www.njleg.state.nj.us/ the New Jersey Legislature’s site;
enables you to nd bills by subject and track where any
proposed bill is in the process.
www.judiciary.state.nj.us/ the New Jersey judiciary site;
includes a legislative news site that lists new laws by subject
(e.g., family, criminal), bills on the Governor’s desk and
legislative updates. ere is also a report opinions site where
recent New Jersey Supreme Court and Appellate division
opinions are posted.
www.ca3.uscourts.gov. e United States Court of Appeals
(ird Circuit) discontinued issuing printed Slip Opinions.
ey are now available free of charge through the Court’s
website as noted.
Sampling of New Jersey State Legislature Bills
Passed after June 1, 2023
Property Taxes – Senior Citizens
A1/S1 (P.L. 2023 c. 75) (June 30, 2023) e “Stay NJ Act”
providing a property tax credit of up to one-half of property
taxes due for primary residences of senior citizens in the
State, expanding eligibility for the homestead property tax
reimbursement program, establishing a senior property tax
relief task force.
Pharmaceutical pricing/transparency
A5410/S4132 (P.L. 2023 c.107) (June 30, 2023) Establishes
new transparency standards for pharmacy benets manager
business practices. Requires PBMs to disclose their
negotiated reimbursement rates for pharmaceuticals sold
by their pharmacy networks alongside the fees they charge
individual pharmacies.
Students, Suicide prevention
S503/A2293 (Amends P.L. 2016 c.18)(June 30, 2023)
Requires institutions of higher education to implement
suicide prevention programs and raise awareness of
mental health services.
State Juice
A2271/S3442 (P.L. 2023 c. 134) (August 7, 2023)
Designates cranberry Juice as the State juice of the State of
New Jersey.
Sampling of Reported Decisions
Family Law - Cohabitation
Cardali v. Cardali NJ Supreme Court August 8, 2023 (A-
25-22) (087340)
Facts: Parties divorced in 2006 with an Agreement that in-
cluded a provision that, upon Wife’s cohabitation (as de-
ned by NJ law), alimony would terminate. Husband led
application to terminate his alimony obligation to Wife, the
same which was dismissed by the trial level, with the Court
nding that the Husband had not made a prima facie show-
ing of cohabitation. e Appellate Division upheld the trial
level’s decision. The evidence presented by the movant
at the trial level included a private investigator’s report
that showed the supported former spouse’s paramour
present at her home on all 44 nights of a 44-night sur-
veillance spread out over a five-month period (May –
September of 2019) and that they had been together
one-half of all overnights in October of 2020. The sup-
ported spouse and her paramour had been in a rela-
tionship for 8 years. The private investigator also noted
that the paramour had access to the supported spouse’s
home when she was not at home.
Held: In its opinion, the Cardali Court noted that in
cases governed by N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23(n), a movant
need not present evidence on all of the cohabitation
factors in order to make a prima facie showing; and that
intertwined finances (one of the statutory factors that a
Court must consider in analyzing whether cohabitation
has been shown) is not required to be shown in order
to make a prima facie showing. Reversed and remanded
for further proceedings.
Criminal Law
State v. Perry Appellate Division: July 28, 2023 (A-0919-
20) (Not approved for publication; consult the Court Rules
with regard to citing non-approved opinions)
Facts: Defendant was charged with two counts of second-
degree sexual assault and one count of third degree
endangering the welfare of a minor. Defendant was accused
of touching his ancé’s niece while she slept at his house. In
pre-trial proceedings, trial court denied motion to introduce
FALL 2023 LEGISLATIVE REPORT
By: Carmela L. Novi, Esq.
6
continued on page 7
7
Announcements
Congratulations to the Honorable Hon. Ellen L.
Koblitz (Ret.) who was selected for inclusion
in the 2023 list of “Mentors” by the New Jersey
Law Journal as part of its New Jersey Legal
Awards 2023.
We are also pleased to congratulate the Hon.
Ellen L. Koblitz, P.J.A.D (Ret.), on being
named the 2023-2025 President of The Barry
Croland Family Law American Inn of Court.
evidence that the child had been sexually abused by her
father. At trial a detective testied that his interpretation of a
recorded conversation in which defendant was a participant
illustrated defendant guilty.
Held: Where the sole evidence of defendant’s guilt was the
victim’s testimony, and where during summation the State
highlighted defendants’ purported confession as interpreted by
the detective, defendant was prejudiced and deprived of a fair
trial, requiring reversal of the conviction. Court also reversed
based upon trial court’s denial of defendant’s pre-trial motion to
introduce evidence of the victim’s prior sexual abuse by father.
Products Liability
Hrymoc v. Ethicon Inc. New Jersey Supreme Court; July 25,
2023 (A-21/23-21) (085547)
Facts: is matter involves consolidated appeals. Plainti
Mary McGinnis was treated by a North Carolina surgeon who
implanted two of Defendant Bard’s pelvic mesh devices. In the
months following surgery, McGinnis had to undergo numerous
invasive surgeries to remove the mesh and repair internal damage,
with limited success. Plaintis sued in Atlantic County asserting
products liability claims against defendant Bard under North
Carolina law. Counsel agreed that the substantive issues would
be tried under the law of North Carolina but that the issue of
damages would be tried under New Jersey law. Plaintis moved
in limine to bar defendant from presenting any evidence of the
devices’ 510(k) clearance to the jury.
Bard was able to sell the devices in question under
“510(k)” clearance meaning that, for reasons which involve
FDA requirements and waivers to conduct clinical trials prior
to taking the devices to market. At trial, plaintis’ counsel
repeatedly referred to Bard’s failure to conduct clinical trials and
studies prior to marketing the devices as demonstrative of its
unreasonableness. Defendant contended on appeal that it was
unfair for the trial court not to allow Bard to explain in response
that it received 510(k) clearance to market the devices without
clinical studies or trials; and that in making Bard’s failure to
conduct clinical trials or studies of its devices a central theme
of their case, Plaintis “opened the door” to the admission of
510(k) evidence.
Held: 510(k) evidence is generally inadmissible because
the 510(k)clearance process solely determines substantial
equivalency, and not safety and ecacy. However, in a products
liability claim premised not only on principles of negligence,
but particularly on the reasonableness of a manufacturer’s
conduct in not performing clinical trials or studies, evidence of
510(k) clearance has signicant probative value under N.J.R.E.
401 that is not substantially outweighed by the risk of prejudice
and potential juror confusion under N.J.R.E. 403. erefore,
under the specic facts and circumstances of this case, the
Court armed the judgment of the Appellate Division.
Constitutional Law
State v. Wade Appellate Division; August 10, 2023 (A2377-
22, A2378-22)
Facts: e defendants were pulled over on a public road
and found to be in possession of loaded handguns without
handgun permits and were charged with unlawful possession
of a handgun. Defendants moved the trial Court to dismiss
the charges based upon the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling
in New York State Rie & Pistol Association v Bruen, 142
S.Ct. 2111, arguing that the gun permit statute in eect at
the time of their arrest was unconstitutional. e trial court
agreed with the Defendants and granted their motion to
dismiss the charges. e state appealed the dismissal of the
charges.
Holding: e Defendant’s lacked standing to challenge
the constitutionality of the law governing possession of
handguns, as neither defendant had applied for a permit
and therefore there was no record for the Court to examine
as to the basis for a denial. e Court also held that the gun
permit statute is facially constitutional. e Court noted
that the gun permit statute had been amended in the wake
of the Bruen ruling.
Legislative Update
continued from page 6
9
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The Jean Robertson Women Lawyers Scholarship
Applications have been forwarded to the New Jersey
Law Schools for submission from candidates. The
winner will be chosen and awarded her prize at
the WLIB Annual Dinner on September 13, 2023.
The Jean Robertson Women Lawyers Scholarship
Foundation provides an annual scholarship award
of $2500.00 to a woman attending law school in
New Jersey who best exemplifies the goals and
ideas of the late Jean Robertson
In Jean’s memory, the Jean Robertson Women
Lawyers Scholarship was formed to raise money to
assist female students attending New Jersey law
schools. The scholarship is awarded to students who
embody the ideals and values that Jean held and
taught by example. The funds for the scholarship
are made up entirely of voluntary contributions
by members of the bar and others committed to
honoring the work of Jean Robertson
Jean Robertson Update
By: Kathleen A. Hart, Esq.
666 Godwin Avenue, Suite 320, Midland Park, NJ 07432
Telephone: (201) 904-2007
1800 Second Street, Suite 705, Sarasota, FL 34236
Telephone: (941) 955-5040
Email: [email protected]
www.ccalawyers.com
11
Weekend GetawaysWeekend Getaways
America’s Historic Triangle in Virginia – Colonial
Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown
by Amy S. Maclsaac, Esq.
continued on page 12
I
t was the dog days of August with only a few weeks
left before school started so my family and I headed
to America’s Historic Triangle in Virginia – Colonial
Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. e trip
is a 6-7 hour drive down I-95, depending on how
many pit stops you make. It was hot and humid
during our trip so make sure to bring lots of water and sunblock
if you go in the summer months. While there was a good amount
of visitors, none of the sites felt overcrowded and we were able to
eat at various restaurants with little to no wait time.
e three historic sites are within 15-20 minutes of each
other so there is not much driving once you arrive. You can
purchase individual tickets for each site, however, the best deal
is the Triangle Ticket which I highly recommend. e Triangle
Ticket includes admission to Colonial Williamsburg, Historic
Jamestown, Jamestown Settlement, the American Revolution
Museum at Yorktown and the Yorktown Battleeld. e cost is
$119 per adult and $53 per child (ages 6-15). ere are several
chain hotels within Williamsburg that are close to the sites as well
as several accommodations within the historic area. For larger
groups, there are local Airbnb and VRBO rentals. is trip will
not break the bank!
Our rst stop was Colonial Williamsburg which is a mile
long and a half mile wide. It is truly a living history museum
that is open 365 days a year! ere are various tours and events
throughout the day that are included in the admission ticket. We
toured the Governor’s Palace and learned about colonial muskets
at the Armory. Tip: there is a lot of walking so make sure to bring
good sneakers! We also attended (and participated in!) a court
proceeding at the Courthouse which included several actual cases
from the 1700’s – we have come a long way! Some events require
additional tickets and cost – for instance, we signed up for the
night-time ghost tour which had the right mix of history and
spooky – our tour guide was great, and the cost was $19 per
person. I highly recommend it! We ate lunch at the Kings Arms
Tavern, located in one of the historic buildings at the site. e
menu was inspired by traditional colonial meals, and we were
entertained by a harpist playing colonial-era music. is was
another great experience that I highly recommend! Due to time
constraints, we did not get to the Colonial Williamsburg Art
Museum. ere is so much to see that you could spend two days
in Colonial Williamsburg alone!
12
We spent our second day in Jamestown. ere are two sites
– Historic Jamestown, a National Park Service and Preservation
Site, and the Jamestown Settlement. ey are about half a mile
apart and we were able to see both in one day. Historic Jamestown
is the actual site of the rst settlement in the New World dating
back to 1607. Over 3 million artifacts have been discovered to
date, including part of the original James Fort from 1607-1624.
It is an active archaeological site where you can see archaeologists
doing their work mere feet away! Don’t miss the Archaearium
which houses some of the most spectacular artifacts found at the
site, including the skeletons of some of the settlors, the actual
personal items of the settlors as well as American Indian artifacts.
Discoveries continue to be made that shape our understanding of
America’s birthplace!
Jamestown Settlement is the museum of 17
th
century Virginia
history and culture. ere are gallery exhibitions, immersive
lms and outdoor re-creations that make you feel like you are
back in time! Outside, there is a life-sized re-creation of the 1610-
1614 fort along with a re-created Powhatan Indian village that
brings history to life. My kids especially liked the re-creations of
the three ships that sailed to Jamestown – the Susan Constant,
the Godspeed and Discovery. We were able to board the Susan
Constant and we learned about the rst settlors’ long sea journey
– it was not for the faint of heart! Along the way, there are living
historians answering questions and oering information to
enhance the experience.
Inside the museum, there are several exhibits showcasing
artifacts from the rst settlement, including a section devoted
to Pocahontas that my family found very interesting. (Fun fact:
Pocahontas did not marry John Smith - she actually married
another settlor, John Rolfe) e museum also features not
one, but two can’t-miss short lms. “1607: A Nation Takes
Root” runs every 30 minutes and traces the beginnings of the
Virginia Company that sponsored the rst colony, examines
the relationship between the rst colonists and the Powhatan
Indians, and chronicles the arrival of the rst recorded Africans in
1619. “Bacon’s Rebellion” is a 4-D multi-sensory lm that runs
every 20 minutes and chronicles the 1676 rebellion at Jamestown
led by Nathanial Bacon. Both lms are high quality and very
informative! Finally, the museum includes a
nice cafeteria that serves lunch so you can stay
at the museum for as long as you like!
Our nal day was spent in Yorktown.
Just a 20 minute drive from Williamsburg,
the Yorktown Battleeld is another must-see!
Yorktown is the site of the last major battle of
the Revolutionary War - George Washington’s
defeat of General Lord Charles Cornwallis in
1781. We started at the battleeld museum
which is small but includes interesting artifacts,
such as portions of the actual tents used by
George Washington during the siege, and a
short lm about the battle. ere are two self-
guided driving tours of the battleeld which
total 16 miles. A map, CD and Tour App are
available. In addition to the battleeld sites,
there are several buildings to visit, including
the Moore House where the terms of surrender
were negotiated. Once again, we were taken
back in time!
It felt like my family and I took a trip back
in time during our visit to the Historic Triangle in Virginia. e
living historic sites are great for all ages and can be experienced
for moderate to low cost. Huzzah!
Weekend Getaways
continued from page 10
13
On Jun 20, 2023, at the joint WLIB
and BCBA Diversity in the Profession Award
Dinner, Gayle Denise Hargrove was presented
with the Women Lawyers in Bergen Lifetime
Achievement Award. Gayle is the rst ever
recipient of this award. For the last 20 years,
Gayle spent her time working in
the Bergen Oce of the Public
Defender, representing indigent
individuals from the arraignment to
plea dispositions or trial. She worked
with investigators, strategized with
colleagues and provided resources
for clients ensuring sound, quality
legal advice.
Growing up Gayle knew
that she wanted to be “rich and
famous.” She was the daughter of
a United Methodist pastor and a
social worker, who both prioritized
education and earning multiple
degrees for themselves and their six
children. Gayle went on to attend
Boston University where she received
a degree in Secondary Education
focusing on History and Economics.
During this time, she became
fascinated with women who were
trailblazers. She mentioned women
like Shirley Chisolm, who spoke
at her United Methodist Church
in Montclair and became the rst
black woman in either chamber of Congress.
She also spoke about Barbara Jordan, who was
the rst black woman Texas State Senator and
went on to be the rst woman elected to the
US House of Representatives serving Texas.
ese women were making dynamic changes
and perhaps were even rich and famous.
Gayle obtained her law degree from
Georgetown University in the District of
Columbia, where she remained for her rst
ten years of practice. While in DC she worked
in private practice, taught corporate law and
evidence as an adjunct professor, and served as
an Assistant US Attorney prosecuting cases on
behalf of the United States.
Gayle eventually moved her private
practice back to New Jersey, settling in
Englewood where she regularly appeared in
the Bergen Courts. She then found her home
at the Oce of the Public Defender as an
attorney for the Adult Trial Division until she
retired in August 2022.
Every time I spoke to Gayle intending to
schedule time to conduct this interview, we
would get lost in conversations about her life
experiences and the people she met along the
way. A ve-minute phone call intending to
schedule a meeting ended up in an hour-long
recorded zoom. Gayle and I often speak at
events, but this interview process allowed me
to get to know her on a deeper level and for
that I am appreciative.
When you were younger, what did you
want to be?
First, I knew that I wanted to be rich and
famous! I’m joking, but I knew that whatever
I did I wanted it to inuence and impact a
great amount of people. I wanted to change
the world. First, I was drawn to music, then
I realized that I needed a degree that would
support my dreams – consistent with my
parents’ teachings. at is where the law came
in. About half-way through law school, I
realized that I couldn’t be like the guys in the
back of the class that barely paid attention and
still passed. I knew that it was going to take
more work than that. I never did become rich
or famous, but that’s okay.
Did you ever consider leaving the
practice of law?
When I rst came back to New Jersey, the
racism while practicing was glaring and I was
devastated. Because, I still had this
desire to make a dierence, I took a
corporate position with the United
Methodist Church Board of Global
Ministries. It was satisfying to
travel, touch many lives and help
the Church. I worked with the
Church for four years, but the law
called me back.
Can you tell us about
your favorite memories about
practicing in Bergen?
I remember the time that
I represented a client in a drug
distribution case. is was before
Drug Court was established. I led
a suppression motion and the Judge
granted it! I recall the Judge pulling
us in chambers and saying, “I was
not supposed to grant that motion
and I will get hell for it.” Because
the drugs were suppressed, the case
was dismissed. e client ended up
going to community college and
then went on to lm school… and
then I lost track of him.
Another memory I have is representing
this 74-year-old man who was accused of
assaulting a woman in the senior building. My
client and another woman were having tea, aka
vodka, in the middle of the afternoon. e
woman ended up dying and the prosecutor
was ready to escalate the charges to homicide.
I worked so hard with the help of the
investigator. I even went to see the body;
same woman, dierent wig. Finally, we went
to the funeral home and learned that she died
as a result of a complication because of her
AIDS diagnosis. e older man was released
and went home to his family down south.
I loved working in the OPD with Diane,
Frank and Saray. ey were my support
system and I have fond memories of working
with them.
Gayle D. Hargrove
Recipient of the WLIB Lifetime Achievement Award
By Kelly Castor, Esq.
continued on page 26
14
For those of you who have not had the pleasure
of meeting Jhanice V. Domingo, Esq., family law
attorney and partner at Pashman, Stein, or of hearing
her speak, I urge you to sign up the next time she is
scheduled to present at a CLE or other engagement.
(WLIB hosted a Diversity CLE earlier this year that
I attended and Jhanice was one of the speakers). I
also highly recommend that you read Jhanice’s 2013
article for the New Jersey Lawyer, “Seeking Greater
Diversity in New Jersey’s Bench and Bar”, a clear-
eyed and focused article which serves as a clarion call
for attorneys to support eorts to advance diversity
in New Jersey’s bench and bar.
Intrigued by Jhanice’s story and impressed by
how much she has already accomplished in 20 years
as a lawyer (for a list of the awards received and
all of the committees and associations she belongs
to and has served on, check out her LinkedIn
prole) and manages to seem to be everywhere all
at once – bar galas, CLEs and other speaking engagements, and the like,
I wanted to get to know someone who had taken on such an important
topic touching upon so many who interact with the Courts and the
legal system at large. Here are her answers to questions I posed to her
about her career and her focus on inclusivity and cultural competency.
What inspired you to become a lawyer?
My path to becoming a lawyer wasn’t driven by a single event. I started
out Pre-Med at Boston College and wanted to be a pediatrician, drawn
to helping and protecting children. I’ve always admired problem solvers
and those who run toward a crisis to help instead of away from it. As I
considered my career options, I realized that the legal eld would allow
me to embody these values. Now, as a family lawyer, I nd fulllment in
helping children in various ways – serving as guardian ad litem, protect-
ing against domestic violence, resolving custody disputes, preventing
parental alienation, and assisting in adoptions. ese roles allow me to
advocate for children and ensure their well-being.
How did you come to practice family law?
While working at Seton Hall Law School’s Family Law Clinic during
my 3L year, I realized my passion for family law. However, I didn’t be-
gin practicing family law until a few years after graduation. I initially
clerked for Judge Joseph Donohue, who was a career prosecutor before
joining Union County Superior Court’s family law bench. He encour-
aged me to gain courtroom experience as a prosecutor. After my clerk-
ship, I worked as an Assistant Prosecutor in Somerset County under
then Prosecutor (now Judge) Wayne Forrest. en, I joined my best
friend from law school in a small boutique law rm. My desire to work
as a family law practitioner always lingered in the back of my mind.
en, fate intervened. I ran into a law school classmate at a Family Law
CLE and discovered there was a job opening in the family law group
where she worked. I seized the opportunity,
and I have now been practicing family law
exclusively for nearly two decades.
On June 20, 2023, you received the Diver-
sity in the Profession Award from the Ber-
gen County Bar Association and Women
Lawyers in Bergen. You have spoken and
written on the topic of diversity and cul-
tural competency extensively – what led
you to the decision to become a vocal ad-
vocate about this issue?
Becoming a vocal advocate for diversity
wasn’t a sudden decision. It evolved naturally
as I took on leadership roles, particularly in
specialty bar associations at state and national
levels. In these positions, I recognized my re-
sponsibility to address these issues.
In a 2013 article for New Jersey Lawyer Magazine, “Seeking Greater
Diversity in New Jersey’s Bench and Bar”, you noted the lack of
diversity that existed on the bench at that time. How do you view
where it stands now?
A decade ago, I highlighted the lack of diversity in New Jersey’s judiciary.
In 2023, the issue persists. Of over 300 New Jersey Superior Court Judges,
only seven are of Asian Pacic American descent, all appointed within the
past 8 years. New Jersey’s Supreme Court has never had an Asian Pacic
American member. Despite their rapid growth in New Jersey, Asian Pacic
Americans remain underrepresented. is lack of diversity extends beyond
the Asian Pacic American community. New Jersey’s judiciary does not
mirror our state’s diverse population with nearly 45% people of color.
In your article, e Importance of Cultural Competence in Family
Law Matters you state “While New Jersey has started to address the
importance of cultural competency in the practice of law, there is still
much work to be done to ensure that individuals and families are
eectively represented, property evaluated and adequately protected.”
If you had to pick one thing that you believe could be done to increase
the cultural competency of the bench and bar that would substantially
impact families accessing the legal system in NJ, what would it be?
Cultural competency cannot be achieved overnight -- it is a lifelong
journey that requires self-awareness and ongoing learning. e most
eective path to achieving it involves engaging with people from dif-
ferent backgrounds and forming relationships with those from dierent
cultures. To ensure cultural competency, it’s crucial for decision makers
(judges) and advocates (attorneys) to represent greater diversity.
You are a partner at a law rm; belong to a number of bar asso-
ciations and committees; speak and write on topics of importance
Meet Jhanice V. Domingo, Esq.
by Carmela L. Novi, Esq.
continued on page 25
15
16
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
STANDING COMMITTEE ON ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Formal Opinion 507 July 12, 2023
Office Sharing Arrangements with Other Lawyers
It is generally permissible for lawyers to participate in office sharing arrangements with other
lawyers under the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. At the same time, office sharing
lawyers should appreciate that such arrangements will require them to take appropriate measures
to comply with their ethical duties concerning the confidentiality of information, conflicts of
interest, supervision of non-lawyers, and communications about their services. The nature and
extent of any additional safeguards will necessarily depend on the circumstances of each
arrangement.
I. Introduction
1
Office sharing among lawyers comes in many forms—lawyers with separate law practices sharing
office space, support staff, and equipment; law firms renting unused office space to unaffiliated
lawyers; or even lawyers sharing an office suite, receptionist, and conference room as part of a
virtual law practice or on a temporary basis. Lawyers participating in these arrangements must
take appropriate steps to secure client information and clearly communicate the nature of the
relationship to the public and their clients.
2
In addition, there are potential conflicts of interest
issues that office sharing lawyers must appreciate, including imputed conflicts for lawyers
“associated in a firm,” representing clients with adverse interests, and consultations between
lawyers. This opinion addresses some minimum ethical requirements and suggested practices
arising in the office sharing context, particularly in the areas of confidentiality, conflicts of interest,
supervision, and communications concerning a lawyer’s services.
1
This opinion is based on the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct as amended by the ABA House of
Delegates through February 2023. The laws, court rules and opinions, regulations, and rules of professional conduct,
promulgated in individual jurisdictions are controlling.
2
Compliance with the obligations imposed by the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, as discussed in this
opinion, depends on a lawyer’s role, level of authority, and responsibility in the law firm’s operations. ABA Comm.
on Ethics & Prof’l Responsibility, Formal Op. 483, at n. 6 (2018). See generally ABA Comm. on Ethics & Prof’l
Responsibility, Formal Op. 467 (2014). See M
ODEL RULES OF PROF’L CONDUCT R. 5.1 (2022) (Responsibilities of
Partners, Managers, and Supervisory Lawyers); M
ODEL RULES OF PROF’L CONDUCT R. 5.2 (Responsibilities of a
Subordinate Lawyer); and M
ODEL RULES OF PROF’L CONDUCT R. 5.3 (Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer
Assistance).
continued on page 18
17
18
Formal Opinion 507 ____ _ 2
II. Discussion
A. Protecting Client Information
Confidentiality is central to the practice of law.
3
Maintaining the confidentiality of client
information is therefore imperative for lawyers in an office sharing arrangement.
4
The mere
sharing of office space does not automatically equate with the disclosure of client information.
5
The physical arrangement of the shared office space, however, must not expose client information
to other office-sharing lawyers and their staff. Everyone should also avoid discussing cases in or
near common areas, which could lead to the disclosure of client information.
6
Depending on the specific circumstances of the office sharing arrangement, lawyers may need to
consider additional confidentiality safeguards. This could include separate lobby or waiting areas;
refraining from leaving client files out on workspaces, conference rooms, or kitchen tables;
installing privacy screens on computer monitors and locking down computers when not actively
in use; clean desk policies; and regular training and reminders to staff of the need to keep all client
information confidential.
7
Office sharing lawyers can also restrict access to client-related
information by securing physical client files in locked cabinets or offices and using separate
telephone lines and computer systems.
8
Lawyers, however, may overcome confidentiality
concerns with shared telephone and computer systems with appropriate security measures, staff
training, and client disclosures.
9
3
See MODEL RULES OF PROF’L CONDUCT R. 1.6(a) (providing that “[a] lawyer shall not reveal information relating
to the representation of a client unless the client gives informed consent, the disclosure is impliedly authorized in
order to carry out the representation or the disclosure is permitted by paragraph (b)”).
4
State Bar of Cal. Comm. on Prof’l Responsibility & Conduct Op. 1997-150, 1997 WL 240818, at *3–4 (1997);
Conn. Bar Ass’n Prof’l Ethics Comm. 2014-04, 2014 WL 12823983, at *1 (2014); D.C. Bar Ass’n Op. 303, at 1
(2001) [hereinafter D.C. Bar Op.]; La. State Bar Ass’n Rules of Prof’l Conduct Comm. Op. 07-RPCC-013, at 1 (2007);
Mich. State Bar Comm. on Prof’l & Judicial Ethics Op. RI-249, 1996 WL 381521, at *2 (1996) [hereinafter Mich.
State Bar Op. RI-249]; Mo. Bar Informal Op. 950169, at 1 (1995); N.J. Sup. Ct. Advisory Comm. on Prof’l Ethics
Op. 498, 1982 WL 117856, at *1 (1982); Ohio Bd. of Prof’l Conduct Advisory Op. 2022-11, 2022 WL 10219976
(2022); Ohio Bd. of Prof’l Conduct Advisory Op. 2017-05, 2022 WL 10219976, at *1 (2017).
5
Ill. St. Bar Ass’n Comm. on Prof’l Ethics Advisory Op. 85-14, 1986 WL 378934, at *4 (1986).
6
State Bar of Cal. Comm. on Prof’l Responsibility & Conduct Op. 1997-150, 1997 WL 240818, at *3–4 (1997);
Colo. Bar Ass’n Ethics Comm. Op. 89, at 5 (2018); Mich. State Bar, Comm. on Prof’l & Judicial Ethics Op. RI-313,
1999 WL 406884, at *1 (1999); N.Y. State Bar Ass’n Comm. on Prof’l Ethics Op. 794, 2006 WL 1386607, at *4
(2006).
7
See, e.g., ABA Comm. on Ethics & Prof’l Responsibility, Formal Op. 498, at 3–7 (2021) [hereinafter ABA Formal
Op. 498] (discussing technologies and related strategies to protect the confidentiality of client information in a
virtual practice).
8
Colo. Bar Ass’n Ethics Comm. Op. 89, supra note 6, at 4–7; Ind. State Bar Ass’n Legal Ethics Comm. Op. 8, at 2–
3 (1985); D.C. Bar Op. 303, supra note 4, at 1; Mo. Bar Informal Op. 980220, at 1 (1998); N.Y. State Bar Ass’n
Comm. on Prof’l Ethics Op., 2012 WL 6087183, at *1–2 (2012); Ohio Bd. of Prof’l Conduct Advisory Op. 91-9,
1991 WL 717479, at *2 (1991); Va. State Bar Legal Ethics Comm. Op. 754, 1986 WL 1180470, at *1 (1986).
9
Colo. Bar Ass’n Ethics Comm. Op. 89, supra note 6, at 1, 5; D.C. Bar Op. 303, supra note 8, at 1; Mo. Bar
Informal Op. 970192 (1997); Ohio Bd. of Prof’l Conduct Advisory Op. 92-13, 1992 WL 739420, at *3 (1992); Or.
St. Bar Ass’n Op. 2005-50, 2005 WL 5679639, at *1 (2005). See also ABA Formal Op. 498, supra note 7, at 3–5
(discussing virtual practice technologies and other security measures to safeguard client information); Ohio Bd. of
Prof’l Conduct Adv. Op. 2022-11, 2022 WL 10219976, at *2 (2022) (recommending that computers connected to a
shared network “be secured by individual credentials and other security measures to prevent lawyers or staff from
accessing the data and files on a network belonging to others”).
continued on page 20
American Bar Association
continued from page 16
19
Morristown, New Jersey
First Jersey Title
Services, Inc.
When you think Title Services,
think First Jersey rst.
25-00 Broadway (P.O. Box 2525)
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
Phone: 201.791.4200 Fax: 201.791.9050
www.FirstJerseyTitle.com
David E. Penqué
Vice President
Scott A. Penqué
President
1
st
First Jersey Title Services, Inc.
20
continued on page 22
American Bar Association
continued from page 18
Formal Opinion 507 ____ _ 3
Lawyers in an office sharing arrangement may decide to share support staff, such as receptionists,
administrative assistants, and paralegals. In these situations, maintaining the confidentiality of
client information is tested. Instructing all lawyers and employees, and particularly shared
employees, on their confidentiality obligations and the office procedures in place to guard sensitive
client documents and communications are examples of reasonable measures to protect client
confidentiality.
10
Of course, appropriate supervision of shared personnel is also required under
Model Rule 5.3.
11
B. Clear Communication About the Relationship
Lawyers who share offices but do not practice together as a law firm must take appropriate steps
to clearly communicate the nature of their relationship to the public and to their clients.
Model Rule 7.1 prohibits any “false or misleading communication about the lawyer or the lawyer’s
services.”
12
Comment [7] to the Rule further explains that lawyers “may not imply or hold
themselves out as practicing together in one firm when they are not a firm, as defined in Rule
1.0(c), because to do so would be false and misleading.”
13
Accordingly, office-sharing lawyers
must ensure that the public is not misled about the nature of their relationship, such as confusion
about whether the lawyers are part of a law firm, partnership, or professional corporation when no
such affiliation exists.
14
Lawyers in an office sharing arrangement should use separate business cards, letterhead, and
directory listings, as well as office signs, firm names, and advertisements that describe their distinct
practices and do not suggest a close association between professionals operating within the same
space.
15
It is desirable for lawyers sharing office space to have separate telephone lines, but a
10
State Bar of Cal. Comm. on Prof’l Responsibility & Conduct Op. 1997-150, supra note 4, at *3–4; D.C. Bar Op.
303, supra note 4, at 1; Mich. State Bar Op. RI-249, supra note 4, at *2; Mo. Bar Informal Op. 950169, supra note
4, at 1; Neb. Jud. Ethics Comm. Op. 89-2, 1989 WL 1803035, at *4 (1989); Ohio Bd. of Prof’l Conduct Advisory
Op. 2022-11, supra note 4, at *3. But see Utah State Bar Advisory Op. 125, 1994 WL 631269, at *2 (1994) (finding
it “difficult to see how it would be possible for shared secretarial arrangements not to put confidential information at
risk”).
11
Model Rule 5.3 addresses both partner and supervisor responsibilities for ensuring that nonlawyer assistants’
behavior is compatible with lawyers’ professional obligations. M
ODEL RULES OF PROF’L CONDUCT R. 5.3. See ABA
Comm. on Ethics & Prof’l Responsibility, Formal Op. 498, at 3–4 (examining lawyers’ supervisory obligations for
nonlawyer assistants in a virtual practice); Ohio Bd. of Prof’l Conduct Advisory Op. 2022-11, supra note 4, at *3
(discussing the sharing of nonlawyer staff).
12
MODEL RULES OF PROF’L CONDUCT R. 7.1.
13
Id. at cmt. 7. See also MODEL RULES OF PROF’L CONDUCT R. 1.0(c) (defining “firm” or “law firm” as “a lawyer
or lawyers in a law partnership, professional corporation, sole proprietorship or other association authorized to
practice law; or lawyers employed in a legal services organization or the legal department of a corporation or other
organization”).
14
MODEL RULES OF PROF’L CONDUCT R. 1.4 & 7.1; State Bar of Cal. Comm. on Prof’l Responsibility & Conduct
Op. 1997-150, supra note 4, at *1; Colo. Bar Ass’n Ethics Comm. Op. 89, supra note 6, at 2; D.C. Eth. Op. 303,
supra note 4, at 1.
15
State Bar of Cal. Comm. on Prof’l Responsibility & Conduct Op. 1997-150, supra note 4, at *1; Colo. Bar Ass’n
Ethics Comm. Op. 89, supra note 6, at 6; Conn. Bar Ass’n Prof’l Ethics Comm. Op. 97-9, 1997 WL 700580, at *2
(1997); D.C. Eth. Op. 303, at 1; Mich. State Bar Op. RI-249, supra note 4, at * 3; Mo. Bar Informal Adv. Op.
980220, supra note 8, at 1; N.Y. City Bar Ass’n Prof’l Ethics Comm. Advisory Op. 680, 1990 WL 677022, at *1
(1990); Ohio Bd. of Comm’rs on Grievances & Discipline Advisory Op. 89-36, 1989 WL 535040, at *2 (1989); Va.
State Bar Legal Ethics Comm. Op. 874, 1987 WL 1379105, at *1 (1987).
21
August 26, 2022
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Formal Opinion 507 ____ _ 4
receptionist may answer a common telephone line with a generic salutation such as “Law Offices”
to avoid implying that the lawyers are practicing together in the same firm.
16
It may not be possible to have separate signage where a law firm subleases excess space to
unaffiliated lawyers or to lawyers with whom the firm works on a matter-by-matter basis, or where
lawyers work in rented temporary space such as WeWork or Regus™ offices. Nevertheless,
unaffiliated lawyers sharing space must take reasonable measures to ensure that clients are not
confused about their associations with the other lawyers practicing in the immediate area. Office
sharing lawyers must understand the need to clarify for their clients these distinct professional
relationships. Any communications to the public should also signal that the law practices are not
affiliated with one another, other than in their resource-sharing arrangement.
17
C. Conflicts of Interest Considerations
Lawyers in shared office arrangements should pay particular attention to (1) avoiding the
imputation of conflicts of interest, (2) taking on potential new matters that are adverse to clients
represented by other office sharing lawyers, and (3) consulting with fellow office sharing lawyers.
1. Imputation of Conflicts
Model Rule 1.10(a) imputes conflicts of interest to all lawyers “associated in a firm.”
18
Thus,
imputation of a lawyer’s conflict of interest to other lawyers in an office-sharing arrangement will
pivot on whether the lawyers are, or appear to the public or their clients as, “associated in a firm.”
19
Under the Model Rules, office sharing lawyers are not automatically treated as a single law firm
for conflicts of interest purposes.
20
This determination will depend on the facts and circumstances
of each arrangement.
21
Office sharing lawyers who do not protect the confidentiality of their
respective clients, regularly consult with each other on matters, share staff who have access to
client information, mislead the public about their identity and services, or otherwise fail to keep
16
State Bar of Ariz. Op. 01-09 (2001); Conn. Bar Ass’n Prof’l Ethics Comm. Op. 97-9, supra note 15, at *2; D.C.
Bar Op. 303, at 1; Mich. Eth. Op. RI-249, 1996 WL 381521, at *3; Ohio Adv. Op. 95-1, 1995 WL 813784, at *4
(Ohio Bd. of Comm’rs on Grievances & Discipline 1995); Wash. Adv. Op. 1304, at 1 (Wash. State Bar, Comm on
Prof’l Ethics 1989).
17
Conn. Eth. Op. 2014-04, 2014 WL 12823983, at *1; D.C. Bar. Op. 303, supra note 4, at 1; Mich. State Bar Op. RI-
249, supra note 4, at *2; Mo. Bar Informal Op. 950169, supra note 4, at 1.
18
MODEL RULES OF PROF’L CONDUCT R. 1.10(a).
19
MODEL RULES OF PROF’L CONDUCT R. 1.10(a) & cmt. 1; Colo. Bar Ass’n Ethics Comm. Op. 89, supra note 6, at
1; Mich. State Bar Op. RI-249, supra note 4, at *5.
20
Mich. State Bar Op. RI-249, supra note 4, at *1; N.Y. State Bar Ass’n Comm. on Prof’l Ethics Op. 794, supra
note 6, at *1 (2011); see M
ODEL RULES OF PROF’L CONDUCT R. 1.0(c) & cmt. 2 (stating that “two practitioners who
share office space and occasionally consult or assist each other ordinarily would not be regarded as constituting a
firm,” but “if they present themselves to the public in a way that suggests that they are a firm or conduct themselves
as a firm, they should be regarded as a firm” under the Model Rules).
21
See ABA Comm. on Ethics & Prof’l Responsibility, Formal Op. 88-356, at 2–4 (1988) (explaining that whether a
temporary lawyer should be treated as “associated in a firm” for conflicts imputation purposes requires “a functional
analysis of the facts and circumstances involved in the relationship,” with a particular focus on the temporary
lawyer’s access to information relating to the representation of other firm clients).
continued on page 23
American Bar Association
continued from page 20
23
Formal Opinion 507 ____ _ 5
their practices separate, are more likely to be treated as “associated in a firm” for conflict
imputation purposes.
22
2. Representing Clients with Adverse Interests
Where lawyers in an office sharing arrangement properly shield the confidentiality of their
respective clients and do not hold themselves out to the public as members of the same firm, it
may be permissible under the Model Rules to represent clients with adverse interests—even in the
same lawsuit or transaction.
23
Although this determination will ultimately turn on specifics of the
office sharing arrangement and the nature of the proposed representations, Model Rules 1.4 and
1.7 may obligate lawyers to disclose the details of the office sharing arrangement to their respective
clients, including their efforts to maintain confidentiality, and to obtain each clients’ informed
consent, confirmed in writing.
24
In addition, any staff shared by the lawyers should not possess or otherwise have access to
information from both adverse clients.
25
Implementing an adequate ethical screen between shared
staff members can be an effective measure in this regard, and to avoid the sharing of client
information more generally.
26
22
In re Sexson, 613 N.E.2d 841, 843 (Ind. 1993); MODEL RULES OF PROF’L CONDUCT R. 1.0(c) & cmt. 2; Ariz.
State Bar Comm. on the Rules of Prof’l Conduct Op. 01-09, at 1 (2001); Colo. Bar Ass’n Ethics Comm. Op. 89,
supra note 6, at 1, 4; D.C. Bar Op. 303, supra note 4, at 1; Ky. Bar Ass’n Ethics Comm. Op. E-418, at 4 (2001); Ind.
State Bar Ass’n Legal Ethics Comm. Op. 8, supra note 8, at 3; La. State Bar Ass’n Rules of Prof’l Conduct Comm.
Op. 07-RPCC-013, supra note 4, at 3; Mo. Bar Informal Op. 950169, supra note 4, at 1; N.Y. State Bar Ass’n
Comm. on Prof’l Ethics Op. 794, supra note 6, at *4; N.Y. City Bar Ass’n Prof’l Ethics Comm. Advisory Op. 680,
supra note 15, at *2; Ohio Bd. of Prof’l Conduct Advisory Op. 2022-11, supra note 4, at *2; S.C. Bar Ethics
Advisory Comm. Op. 08-11, 2008 WL 8089795, at *2 (2008); Utah State Bar Advisory Op. 125, supra note 10, at
*2; Vt. Bar Ass’n Prof’l Responsibility Comm. Op. 79-22, at 1 (1979).
23
ABA Comm. on Ethics & Prof’l Responsibility, Informal Op. 1486, at 1 (1982) [hereinafter ABA Informal Op.
1486] (lawyers who share space and represent adverse interests in pending lawsuits should explain fully the
relationship to, and obtain the consent of, clients to continue to represent adverse interests).; Md. State Bar Ass’n
Op. 1987-43, at 1 (1987); Mo. Bar Informal Adv. Op. 970192, supra note 9, at 1; N.J. Sup. Ct. Advisory Comm. on
Prof’l Ethics Op. 515, 1983 WL 106225, at *1–2 (1983); Ohio Bd. of Prof’l Conduct Advisory Op. 89-005, 1989
WL 535010, at *1 (1989); Or. St. Bar Ass’n Op. 2005-50, supra note 9, at *1; S.C. Bar Ethics Advisory Comm. Op.
08-11, supra note 22, at *2 (2008); S.C. Bar Ethics Advisory Comm. Op. 91-37, 1992 WL 810417, at *1–2 (1992);
Vt. Bar Ass’n Prof’l Responsibility Comm. Op. 80-15, at 1–2 (1980); Va. State Bar Legal Ethics Comm. Op. 943,
1987 WL 1378998, at *1 (1987); Va. State Bar Legal Ethics Comm. Op. 799, 1986 WL 1180507, at *1 (1986);
Wash. State Bar Comm. on Prof’l Ethics Op. 1793, at 1 (1997); Wash. State Bar Comm. on Prof’l Ethics Op. 1559,
at 1 (1994).
24
ABA Informal Op. 1486, supra note 23, at 1; Colo. Bar Ass’n Ethics Comm. Op. 89, supra note 6, at 4; Md. Eth.
Op. 1987-43, at 1; Mich. Eth. Op. RI-249, 1996 WL 381521, at *3; N.J. Eth. Op. 515, 1983 WL 106225, at *1–2;
Ohio Adv. Op. 89-005, 1989 WL 535010, at *2 (Ohio Bd. of Comm’rs on Grievances & Discipline 1989); S.C. Bar
Ethics Advisory Comm. Op. 91-37, supra note 23, at *1–2; Vt. Bar Ass’n Prof’l Responsibility Comm. Op. 80-15,
supra note 23, at 1–2; Va. State Bar Legal Ethics Comm. Op. 943, supra note 23, at *1; Wash. State Bar Comm. on
Prof’l Ethics Op. 1793, supra note 23, at 1.
25
Ky. Bar Ass’n Ethics Comm. Op. E-406, at 3 (1998); Me. Bd. of Overseers of the Bar Prof’l Ethics Comm’n Op.
41, at 1 (2019); Or. St. Bar Ass’n Op. 2005-50, supra note 9, at *1; S.C. Bar Ethics Advisory Comm. Op. 91-37,
supra note 23, at *1–2. The Committee does not believe it is possible for lawyers in an office sharing arrangement
to maintain this kind of separation when representing clients with adverse interests if the lawyers together share only
one staff member.
26
See generally Cal. Lawyers Ass’n Ethics Comm. Formal Op. 2021-1 (2021) (discussing elements of effective
ethical screens).
continued on page 24
American Bar Association
continued from page 22
24
Formal Opinion 507 ____ _ 6
Notwithstanding the ability of office sharing lawyers to represent clients with adverse interests,
some state ethics opinions understandably advise lawyers to avoid these situations entirely.
27
Potential pitfalls range from inadvertent disclosures of client information in a shared office to
opposing parties coincidentally scheduling meetings at the same time. Before entering an office
sharing arrangement, it is prudent for a lawyer to examine the nature of the other lawyers’ practices
to determine whether conflicts of interest are likely to arise.
28
3. Consultations Between Office Sharing Lawyers
It is natural for lawyers in office sharing arrangements to informally consult one another about
their respective client matters. Merely engaging in informal consultations from time to time,
however, does not result in the lawyers being “associated in a firm” under Model Rule 1.10(a).
29
At the same time, lawyers who occasionally consult with other lawyers in shared office
arrangements should not disclose “client information that may reveal the identity of a client or
privileged information.”
30
Lawyers may instead discuss issues using hypothetical facts. As
comment [4] to Model Rule 1.6 explains, “[a] lawyer’s use of a hypothetical to discuss issues
relating to the representation is permissible so long as there is no reasonable likelihood that the
listener will be able to ascertain the identity of the client or the situation involved.”
31
Consultations between office sharing lawyers can also trigger unanticipated conflicts of interest,
restricting a consulted lawyer’s ability to represent a current or future client under Model Rule
1.7(a)(2).
32
For instance, if Lawyer A and Lawyer B share office space, and Lawyer A divulges
client information to Lawyer B during an informal consultation to help Lawyer A prepare a case
for trial, then Lawyer B may assume a responsibility not to use or reveal the information, which
could materially limit Lawyer B’s ability to represent a current or future client.
33
This situation
parallels the confidentiality duties that lawyers owe to prospective clients under Model Rule 1.18
and the conflicts problems that can surface if a lawyer receives too much information from a
prospective client during an initial consultation.
34
27
Colo. Bar Ass’n Ethics Comm. Op. 89, supra note 6, at 3; S.C. Bar Ethics Advisory Comm. Op. 08-11, supra note
22, at *2; Va. State Bar Legal Ethics Comm. Op. 943, supra note 23, at *1; see also ABA Comm. on Ethics & Prof’l
Responsibility, Informal Op. 1474, at 1 (1982) (concluding that “representation of opposing sides by lawyers
working in the same military office and sharing common secretarial and filing facilities should be avoided”).
28
Colo. Bar Ass’n Ethics Comm. Op. 89, supra note 6, at 3.
29
Ohio Bd. of Prof’l Conduct Advisory Op. 2022-11, supra note 4, at *1.
30
Id.
31
MODEL RULES OF PROF’L CONDUCT R. 1.6 cmt. 4.
32
MODEL RULES OF PROF’L CONDUCT R. 1.7(a)(2); ABA Comm. on Ethics & Prof’l Responsibility, Formal Op. 98-
411, at 7 (1998) [hereinafter ABA Formal Op. 98-411].
33
MODEL RULES OF PROF’L CONDUCT R. 1.7(a)(2); ABA Formal Op. 98-411, at 9. See also Liebnow v. Boston
Enterprises, 296 P.3d 108, 115 (Colo. 2013) (citing ABA Formal Op. 98-411, at 7) (concluding that where “one
lawyer has consulted another lawyer and has revealed confidential information about her case, including her theory
of the case and trial strategy, that could materially limit the consulted attorney’s ability to represent the opposing
party ... due to the consulted attorney’s potential responsibility to keep the information confidential”).
34
MODEL RULES OF PROF’L CONDUCT R. 1.18. See also ABA Comm. on Ethics & Prof’l Responsibility, Formal Op.
492 (2020) (discussing lawyers’ obligations to prospective clients and the conflicts issues that can surface if lawyers
receive “significantly harmful” information from a prospective client).
continued on page 25
American Bar Association
continued from page 23
25
Formal Opinion 507 ____ _ 7
To prevent these issues, Lawyer B can conduct a standard conflict check prior to any informal
consultation or collaboration with Lawyer A.
35
III. Conclusion
The ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct permit lawyers to participate in office sharing
arrangements, but those doing so must fully consider and comply with their applicable ethical
responsibilities, including confidentiality, conflicts of interest, supervision, and communications
concerning a lawyer’s services.
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION STANDING COMMITTEE ON ETHICS AND
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
321 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654-4714 Telephone (312) 988-5328
CHAIR: Lynda Shely, Scottsdale, AZ ■ Mark A. Armitage, Detroit, MI ■ Melinda Bentley, Jefferson City, MO
■ Matthew Corbin, Olathe, KS ■ Robinjit Kaur Eagleson, Lansing, MI ■ Doug Ende, Seattle, WA ■ Hon.
Audrey Moorehead, Dallas, TX ■ Wendy Muchman, Chicago, IL ■ Keith Swisher, Scottsdale, AZ ■ Charles
Vigil, Albuquerque, NM
CENTER FOR PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY: Mary McDermott, Lead Senior Counsel
©2023 by the American Bar Association. All rights reserved.
35
See generally Conn. Bar Ass’n Prof’l Ethics Comm. Op. 98-11, 1998 WL 993681, at *1–2 (1998).
American Bar Association
continued from page 24
Formal Opinion 507 ____ _ 7
To prevent these issues, Lawyer B can conduct a standard conflict check prior to any informal
consultation or collaboration with Lawyer A.
35
III. Conclusion
The ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct permit lawyers to participate in office sharing
arrangements, but those doing so must fully consider and comply with their applicable ethical
responsibilities, including confidentiality, conflicts of interest, supervision, and communications
concerning a lawyer’s services.
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION STANDING COMMITTEE ON ETHICS AND
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
321 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654-4714 Telephone (312) 988-5328
CHAIR: Lynda Shely, Scottsdale, AZ ■ Mark A. Armitage, Detroit, MI ■ Melinda Bentley, Jefferson City, MO
■ Matthew Corbin, Olathe, KS ■ Robinjit Kaur Eagleson, Lansing, MI ■ Doug Ende, Seattle, WA ■ Hon.
Audrey Moorehead, Dallas, TX ■ Wendy Muchman, Chicago, IL ■ Keith Swisher, Scottsdale, AZ ■ Charles
Vigil, Albuquerque, NM
CENTER FOR PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY: Mary McDermott, Lead Senior Counsel
©2023 by the American Bar Association. All rights reserved.
35
See generally Conn. Bar Ass’n Prof’l Ethics Comm. Op. 98-11, 1998 WL 993681, at *1–2 (1998).
Montag thought Clarisse was strange
but he eventually realized that the way
her family lived was an interesting break
from the mundane and bland life that he
lived.
One day, Montag came home from
work and showed Millie some books
he had smuggled. He tried to explain
to her how the books discussed ideas
and stories and gave life to the world.
Millie became enraged; she knew that
if someone reported them their house
would be burned to the ground. She put
some of the books into their incinerator,
but Montag kept some. Eventually,
however, the remen did come.
Since I don’t want to give away the
end of the book, I will stop there. This
book was a challenging yet interesting
read. My poor son, who is 14, really
was lost and I don’t blame him – it was
not easy reading but, again, interesting.
Bradbury’s imagery allows you to
visualize exactly what he is describing. It
was as if I could feel and touch and see
everything thing each character saw,
felt, and touched. The writing alone drew
me into the story. The overall premise of
the book, however, was unsettling and
yet, even though it was written in 1951, it
seemed highly relevant today.
I do encourage you to embark on
Montag’s journey. Take time to absorb it
and take time to reect on it. This would
even be a great book to read for a book
club so that you can exchange ideas
about it when you are done.
I am glad that I had a chance to pick
this up again after starting and stopping
so many years ago. I think I am better
able to appreciate the book and its
meaning than I would have been before.
Try it out – let me know what you
think. Maybe we can have our own book
club chat about it one day!
Book Review
continued from page 5
to you; and have a family life – how do you
decide what to say “yes” to and what to say
“no” to?
My sister’s passing from pancreatic cancer at
age 45 taught me the brevity of life. I now
prioritize activities that bring joy and where I
can make a meaningful contribution. I say yes
when I can truly be of service and add value.
What is the most exciting project – personal
or professional – that you are working on
right now?
I am collaborating with my partners, colleagues,
and my rm’s management to enhance our diver-
sity committee. We are passionately brainstorm-
ing innovative ideas to promote inclusivity and
embarking on exciting diversity projects such as
mentoring programs, diversity training workshops,
community outreach, allyship plans, inclusive re-
cruitment, diversity metrics and goals, etc.
Jhanice V. Domingo, Esq.
continued from page 14
26
One of my most cherished moments was being named a temporary
guardian for a child while I was in private practice. She ended up in my
care for quite a few years and I really wanted to adopt her as my own.
She didn’t want that and that was okay. I wish that our relationship was
closer today, but she nished college, went on to graduate school and is
doing well. She was also one of the main reasons I decided to take the
position with the Oce of the Public Defender.
What was a challenging experience you have faced related to
law?
One day, I appeared for court, placed my items on the conveyor
belt and showed my attorney ID to a Sheri’s ocer. He asked me to
step aside, I complied. e ocer then asked me to put my hands on
my head and my nose to the wall. As he searched my body and my
bag he told me that I was impersonating an attorney and was glad he
caught me. It was one of the most humiliating experiences and after
the supervisor released me, I walked away like nothing happened and
handled my calendar, but I will never forget that. I replayed it in my
head.
ere was a particular Judge that would hold my cases until late
in the afternoon before calling me. It didn’t matter if I got there with
the rst round of attorneys, they would leave and I would still be
there waiting. One attorney encouraged me to stand up, it made no
dierence; this was intentional.
Speaking to other Black attorneys at that time, I learned that I
was not the only one receiving disparate treatment. We were getting
mistaken for defendants, family members, everything but attorneys. A
lot of the Black attorneys I knew left Bergen County. e same way
that we as attorneys defend the defenseless, it is truly important to have
allies supporting groups that aren’t as visible in Bergen.
What did you learn from these experiences?
What I learned is that when you have the right people in power
things change. When former BCBA President Cathe McAulie changed
the name from “Minority Concerns Committee” to the “Diversity
Committee,” I was thrilled. I did not like the title “minority concerns.”
It sounded like the minorities have a problem instead of the Association
is seeking to cure a problem – a group of complainers versus a group
committed to action. is decision was wise and forward thinking.
I also learned that I had to be prepared for my cases at all times. I
was not going to be given an opportunity to x a mistake and no one
was going to take it easy with me, so I needed to be ready.
I learned that speaking to other attorneys while you are waiting for
your case to be called creates community. Be present regardless of if you
are the only Black face in the room. Go to the Bar Association events.
Judges are not the same when they aren’t on the bench. Do not waste
a valuable opportunity.
Why did you join WLIB?
e rst few times I went to a WLIB event, I am not sure if I was
a member or just participated. I recall not necessarily feeling included
at rst, so I stopped attending. en Cathe McAulie became the rst
female president of the BCBA, she encouraged me to join WLIB. Yes,
WLIB, not the bar. Cathe and I would discuss her mission trips and she
would say that “You won’t get rich in your pocketbook helping people,
but you will be rich.” Her views aligned with mine and I trusted her
recommendations.
Diane Lucianna, who was not president at the time, would always
invite me to come to WLIB events. Judge Lois Lipton, who couldn’t
attend the events because she was a Drug Court Judge, would ask about
them, which encouraged me to attend so I had a response to give her.
e encouragement of these individuals reaching out motivated me
to go. en when I would attend, I felt welcomed not just by these
individuals, but also Senator Loretta Weinberg, Jan Phillips, Eileen
Mulroy and a host of other women. I became a member, regularly
attended events, and even encouraged others to participate. It’s a great
organization.
What does it mean to you to receive the WLIB’s Lifetime
Achievement Award?
At rst, I didn’t know how to feel. Every day I just get up and go.
I didn’t realize that people paid attention to the work that I do.
I would believe that everyone, at some point in their life, questions
whether the things that they are doing is making an impact. Everyone
wants to make a dierence. is award was acknowledgement for what
I internally thought was being ignored. It was part of my dream to
make a dierence and the Women of the Bar are telling me “You did
it!” I did make a dierence! is feeling is amazing! It created in me
an impetus to do something that allows me to continue to shine a light
in my own way.
I was also greatly surprised when Hon. Sandra Robinson honored
me with a plaque thanking me for of all the hours of public service from
the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women.
I am so grateful.
What advice would you give a young attorney?
is hair loss I’m experiencing happened when my immune system
was weak and was brought on by stress. e internal stress was the
consequence of my career. I would advise that young attorney to calm
down, relax. Everything will get done.
Except for the attorneys that intentionally seek to be in the public
eye, no one knows the names of that person’s attorney. If Trump’s
attorney was not indicted, we would never have known their name.
You’re just a face and then you’re gone. Protect your mental health.
Take your case, measure the value, and decide which way you want
to go.
And of course, join WLIB and create your support system.
Gayle, thank you so much for your time. It is always so much
fun speaking to you. Would you mind if I share your mission
statement?
Yes, please share it and I recommend that you make one as well.
roughout the years I adjusted it slightly, but I have not changed the
spirit.
Gayle D. Hargrove
continued from page 13
Oven Cooked Kahlua Pork
3 -5-pound pork butt, trimmed and tied so will cook evenly
4 tablespoons minced garlic (about 12 cloves)
2-3 tablespoons minced ginger or ginger paste (you can f
ind in produce aisle in a tube)
2 tablespoons sea salt
2 tablespoons liquid smoke
Package of banana leaves
1. Mix garlic, ginger, salt and liquid smoke to make a paste.
Rub paste all over the pork butt until fully covered.
2. Wrap pork up tightly in saran wrap and refrigerate
overnight.
3. When ready to cook, preheat oven to 225 degrees.
4. Remove saran wrap and rewrap the pork in the banana
leaves. Place wrapped meat in roasting pan and cover
with aluminum foil.
5. Cook the pork butt for 8 to 9 hours.
6. Remove pan from oven and let rest for about 20
minutes, still covered.
7. Take meat from pan and skim fat from the pan juices.
8. Place meat back in pan, unwrap and untie. Shred meat
with two forks
9. Mix meat, juices and a squeeze of Hawaiian BBQ sauce
and serve on soft rolls.
Coconut rice
2 cups jasmine rice
1 can coconut milk
1.5 cups water (or ll can of coconut milk with water and
use as well)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon sugar
1 red pepper diced
1yellow pepper diced
½ cup chopped fresh pineapple
1. in a mesh sieve, rinse dry rice in cold water until it runs
clear.
2. Place drained rice in a pot.
3. Add coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar
4. Bring mixture to boil over high heat. Once it starts to boil,
turn heat down to low, cover and cook about 20 minutes.
5. While the rice is cooking, sauté peppers in a frying pan
until soft but color remains.
6. Uncover rice and cook 5 minutes longer.
7. Once cooked, mix rice, peppers and pineapple together
and serve in festive bowl.
Recipes for a Home Luau Connued from page 5
For dessert, serve a bowl of fresh, tropical fruit and your favorite yellow cake
topped with grilled pineapple and whipped cream to complete the theme.
Noce to Readers
When you are considering changing a vendor or are seeking a
specialist, please consider those who advertise in our newsletter.
ank you.
The Young
Lawyers Committee of
Women Lawyers in Bergen
meets on the 1st Wednesday of
every month. Each meeting is hosted
by one of the members. If anyone would like
additional information including the location of the
next meeting or are interested in joining the Committee,
please contact Sarah Gloates Horta, Esq. at sarah@
snghlaw.com.
Young
Lawyers
Corner
27
28
2023-2024 WLIB Committees
Annual Dinner & Election
Eileen Mulroy, Esq., Tel: 201-410-5106
Email: M[email protected]
Kathleen A. Hart, Esq., Tel: 1-732-399-9703
Email: khart@weiner.law
Erica Fields, Esq., Tel: (201) 527-5319
Email: E[email protected]
Donna Dorgan, Esq., Tel: (201) 388-9849
Email: [email protected]
Helayne Weiss, Esq., Tel: 201-440-6300
Email: [email protected]
is Chair will coordinate with the incoming
President to plan the dinner and confer with the
Nominating Committee Chair to coordinate
the election and installation of ocers.
Annual Programs
A. Breast Cancer Event:
Erica Fields, Esq., Tel: (201) 527-5319
Email: E[email protected]
B. e Fountain:
Kimberly Capers, Esq. Email: [email protected]
C. Golf:
Laura Van Tassel, Esq., Tel: (201) 664-8566
Email: laura@vantassellaw.com
D. Holiday Party:
Natalie Candela, Esq., Tel: (201) 953-1995
Email: [email protected]
ese Chairs shall oversee the organization
of the programs and events and do so in
coordination with other committee chairs when
appropriate. The President shall designate
Subcommittee Chairs, in consultation with
the Annual Programs Chairs, as may be needed
for organizing and promoting the following
programs (if applicable) and others as the Board
may determine to have: Bring Your Children to
Court Day, Holiday Party, Judicial Reception,
Meet & Mingle With Elected Women Ocials.
*Bar Association Liaison
Eileen Mulroy, Esq., Tel: 201-410-5106
Email: M[email protected]
Victoria R. Pekerman, Esq., Tel: 201-488-3900
Email: [email protected]
e Bar Association Liaison will inform the
Board and/or WLIB membership of relevant
information concerning happenings at the New
Jersey State Bar Association, Bergen County Bar
Association, American Bar Association and at
other women’s bar associations and diversity bars
as such information may become known and to
convey the interests of WLIB to these respective
associations as WLIB may deem appropriate.
Bylaws
Helayne Weiss, Esq., Tel: 201-440-6300
Email: [email protected]
Sveltana Ros, Esq., Tel: 201-373-2060
Email: [email protected]
This Committee shall review, propose and
draft bylaws amendments as needed and shall
coordinate any Special Meetings called for
discussion and vote and/or publication of any
bylaw amendments to the membership.
Continuing Legal
Education (CLE)
Kathleen A. Hart, Esq., Tel: 1-732-399-9703
Email: khart@weiner.law
e Committee shall be responsible for keeping
Continuing Legal Education certification
updated and organizing and assisting other
members in presenting Continuing Legal
Education programs. If you wish to present a
program, or have an idea for a program, please
contact one of the Chairs. e CLE Committee
will assist to ensure that programs comply with
applicable regulations so attendees receive NJ
CLE credits. e Committee’s goal is to provide
members with an opportunity to obtain MCLE
credits at a reasonable cost.
*Diversity Committee
Jennifer Blum, Esq., Tel: 201-336-9868
Email: Jennifer[email protected]
e Diversity Committee, in coordination with the
YLD Committee and with other diversity bars, shall
actively recruit diverse members to WLIB and shall
consider and propose ways to increase the diversity of
our membership and be more inclusive of diversity
members. e Committee shall organize events
and programs to encourage diversity, including co-
chairing the Diversity Dinner with the BCBA.
Jean Robertson
Women Lawyers
Scholorship Award
Kathleen A. Hart, Esq., Tel: 1-732-399-9703
Email: khart@weiner.law
Eileen Mulroy, Esq., Tel: 201-410-5106
Email: M[email protected]
is committee is responsible for the annual
Jean Robertson Women Lawyers Scholarship
award. It will notify the law schools in New
Jersey of the availability of the scholarship, read
and evaluate all submissions for the scholarship
and decide to whom to award the scholarship.
e committee shall further be responsible for
inviting the scholarship recipient and guest to
the WLIB Annual Dinner for the presentation
of the scholarship. The committee is also
responsible for providing a written update in
each issue of the WLIB Newsletter.
Judicial Appointments
Kelly Castor, Esq., Tel: 908-377-4889
Email: [email protected]
Eileen Mulroy, Esq., Tel: 201-410-5106
Email: M[email protected]
Jennifer Blum, Esq., Tel: 201-336-9868
Email: Jennifer[email protected]
The Committee shall provide information
and mentoring on procedures for becoming
appointed to the Judiciary and coordinate with
the CLE Committee to organize an educational
program concerning Judicial Appointments.
Legislation & Litigation
Carmela Novi, Esq., Tel: 201-642-2000
Email: [email protected]
The Committee shall seek out information
concerning pending legislation and/or litigation
relevant to our mission statement and the goals
of this bar association and shall inform the Board
and/or the general membership. e Committee
shall be responsible for coordinating any public
positions taken by WLIB concerning any
legislation and/or litigation, including but not
e following committees were formed for the 2023-2024 term. Committees
may be added or eliminated by the President as needed. Please select as
many choices as you wish for committee assignment and rank them in
order of preference and email your preferences to Diane Lucianna, Esq. at
[email protected]. Multiple choices are recommended inasmuch as you may
not be assigned to your rst choice depending on the number of volunteers
for each committee. ank you in advance for your commitment and
dedication to this great association
29
limited to testimony before public bodies and/
or drafting of amicus briefs. e Committee
shall also provide a column entitled “Legislative
Update” for each issue of the WLIB Newsletter.
Membership
Cathe McAulie, Esq., Tel: 201-488-2030
Email: [email protected]
All women attorneys who live or work in New Jersey
are eligible for membership. e Membership
Chairs shall coordinate with Treasurer to maintain
accurate and updated information concerning
membership rolls and shall coordinate with
Treasurer to provide membership renewal invoices
to current members and add new member
information to the membership rolls and supply
that information to the Newsletter Chair and
Publicity Committee Chair.
Members in Transition
Linda F. Spiegel, Esq., Tel: 201- 489-1001
Email: [email protected]
The Committee shall provide information,
mentoring and programming concerning starting
or dissolving a practice (to enter the judiciary, join
another rm, leaving government or other reasons),
dealing with illness or disability of the lawyer (or
lawyers’ family members), retirement from law
practice and other topics of interest to members
nearing retirement, changing rms or practice areas,
suering an injury, caring for a family member
or becoming a parent. Subcommittee, Seasoned
Women Attorneys Group (SWAG) meets regularly
on Zoom for a program the second Monday of
each month.
Newsletter
Linda F. Spiegel, Esq., Tel: 201- 489-1001
Email: [email protected]
e Newsletter is published quarterly, Fall,
Winter, Spring and Summer. Anyone interested
in advertising in the Newsletter should contact
Nancy Luicianna, Esq. (advertising manager)
at [email protected] or Linda F. Spiegel,
Esq. Members interested in writing for the
Newsletter should contact Linda F. Spiegel, Esq.
WLIB welcomes articles written by members,
as well as book and restaurant reviews. e
Newsletter also welcomes announcements
from our members and encourages all members
to share their news whether personal or
professional in our Announcements column.
Nominating
Committee
Victoria Pekerman, Esq., Tel: 201-488-3900
Email:[email protected]
e Chair shall be the current Immediate Past
President. e Nominating Committee shall
make nominations of ocers and trustees in
accordance with the bylaws.
Publicitiy
Nancy Lucianna, Esq., Tel: 201-947-6468
Email: [email protected]
e Committee shall disseminate yers and
other information concerning events and
news relevant to WLIB and its members and
shall coordinate with the Website Committee
to make sure the most current event and
news information is provided to the Website
Committee for posting. Notices of all WLIB
events are sent out to the press/media. Please be
sure to give Kathy and her committee as much
lead time as possible for providing publicity for
upcoming events.
Sponsorship & Advertising
Nancy Lucianna, Esq., Tel: 201-947-6468
Email: [email protected]
e Committee shall solicit advertisements for
the Newsletter and any Journals as appropriate.
The Committee shall solicit sponsorships for
membership recruitment events and other WLIB
events. e Committee shall coordinate with other
committees as needed to determine sponsorship
and advertising needs. e Committee shall
coordinate speaking engagements by members
to provide community outreach and information
to the public and attract advertising, sponsorship
and potential clients for members. If you would
like speak at an event, place an advertisement in
the WLIB Newsletter, or sponsor a WLIB event,
please contact the committee chairs.
W L I B Website
Linda F. Spiegel, Esq., Tel: 201- 489-1001
Email: [email protected]
Diane Lucianna, Esq., Tel: 201-342-9090
Email: [email protected]
e Committee shall keep website updated and
make adjustments as may be necessary from time
to time and act as a liaison to the webmaster
and any other outside vendors providing web
services. e Committee shall coordinate with
the Membership Committee to provide website
access to members and others as appropriate and
make eorts to build and maintain an online
directory. e Committee shall post event
information and newsworthy information on
the website. Any announcements for the website
should be submitted to the Chairs via email.
Any suggestions for additional features on the
website are always welcome.
Women Rights
Information Center
(WRIC)
Helene Herbert, Esq., Tel: 201-440-6300
Email: [email protected]
Helayne Weiss, Esq., Tel: 201-440-6300
Email: [email protected]
The Committee shall solicit and manage
members to volunteer for the pro bono legal
consultation sessions in the areas of family
and immigration law hosted at the Women’s
Rights Information Center (WRIC) and
schedule attorneys in advance to provide the
consultations. e consultations are limited to
30 minutes. ere is a great need for bilingual
English/Spanish volunteer attorneys. Any
interested members should contact the Chairs
for more information.
Young Lawyers Division
Sarah Gloates Horta, Esq., Tel: 201-540-9017
Email: sarah@snghlaw.com
Suzanne Tullo, Esq., Tel: 201-450-2652
Email: [email protected]
The Committee shall organize the Law Clerks
Welcome and conduct membership outreach with
the incoming law clerks and maintain follow-up
contact information and outreach with outgoing law
clerks. e Committee shall also conduct outreach
with law students and recruit new women members
of law rms in Bergen County, the Bergen County
Bar Association and any other women attorneys
either living or working in New Jersey to join WLIB.
Members of the Young Lawyers Division:
Jacqueline Shulman, Esq., Jennifer Berardo, Esq.,
Adelina Herrarte, Esq., and Nicole Parelli, Esq.
* Denotes a special (non-standing) committee. Some
special committees may become standing committees
by way of bylaw amendment. Others have been
formed for a specic event.
210 River Street, Suite 32 | Hackensack, NJ 07601
President
Diane Lucianna, Esq.
(201) 342-9090 dianeluci@aol.com
Vice President
Tamra Katcher, Esq.
(201) 488-1234 tkatcher@rwkdlaw.com
Treasurer
Sheila O’Shea-Criscione, Esq.
(201) 373-2219
s
Secretary
Helene Herbert, Esq.
(201) 444-6300 [email protected]
Editor-in-Chief
Linda F. Spiegel, Esq.
(201) 489-1001 [email protected]
Advertising Manager
Nancy Lucianna, Esq.
(201) 947-6486 [email protected]
Immediate Past President
Victoria R. Pekerman, Esq.
(201) 488-3900 [email protected]
Not a member?
Join Today!
To advertise in this
newsletter please contact
Nancy at (201) 947-6486 or
Linda at (201) 489-1001
Calendar of Events
WOMEN LAWYERS IN BERGEN
Not a member?
Join Today!
www.womenlawyersinbergen.org
WLIB
WOMEN LAWYERS IN BERGEN
Women Lawyers in Bergen | 79 Main Street | Suite #1 | Hackensack, NJ 07601 |
www.womenlawyersinbergen.org
September 2023
Monday, September 11 12:30 pm SWAG meeting via Zoom. Two experts on
pets will be presenting on pet psychology and
issues regarding custody of pets, providing for
pets when their owner becomes incapacitated
and estate planning issues and pets.
Wednesday, September 13 5:30 pm WLIB Annual Dinner at Seasons in Washington
Twp.
Tuesday, September 19 5:30 pm WLIB Board Meeting via Zoom
Thursday, September 21 5:30 - 7 pm Garretson Forge and Farm Tour. Tour the
Gardens and Museum and enjoy a light dinner,
led by our member Donna Dorgin.
October 2023
Monday, October 9 12:30 pm SWAG meeting via Zoom. Marcia Marino
of ChoreVoyant will present on “Your Day
Simplied”.
Tuesday, October 17 5:30 pm WLIB Board Meeting via Zoom
November 2023
Monday, Nov. 13 12:30 pm SWAG meeting via Zoom. Natalie
Armstrong-Motin will discuss “Marketing
Your Practice - Tips on Using Social Media”
Tuesday, Nov. 21 5:30 pm WLIB Board Meeting via Zoom.
December 2023
Monday, Dec. 11 12:30 pm SWAG Holiday Meeting
Tuesday, Dec. 19 5:30 pm WLIB Board Meeting via Zoom.
Board Meetings are currently being held via Zoom and are open to all members.
If you wish to attend the board meeting go to https://www.womenlawyersinbergen.org/
login as a member and you will nd the Zoom link for the board meeting.
Board Meetings are usually held the third Tuesday of every month.
