New Jersey State Bar Association 2026 Annual Meeting and Convention

Featuring James A. Lewis, V

May 14, 2026

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James Lewis is speaking at the 2026 New Jersey State Bar Association Annual Meeting and Convention during the CLE program “Is There a Place for Me at the Bar?: The Impact of Gender and Color on Your Career as an Attorney.”

THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026
1:15PM – 2:45PM

Is There a Place for Me at the Bar?: The Impact of Gender and Color on Your Career as an Attorney

Structural inequities, gender inequality and racial disparities in our legal system have existed and persisted for generations. What has the organized bar and the New Jersey Judiciary done to examine and promote change and educational awareness? Is diversity, equity and inclusion a movement or a moment? In this seminar, the Supreme Court Committee on Gender in the Courts will discuss these important issues, including a look back at the recommendations of the NJSBA Commission of Racial Equity in the Law and an examination of the status of implementation of those recommendations, and an analysis and critique of Action Planning to Advance Systemic Change authored by Glenn Grant, former Acting Administrative Director of the New Jersey Courts, and Jessica Kelly, Special Assistant to the Administrative Director of the New Jersey Courts, published by the National Center for State Courts. The seminar will focus on what law firms and lawyers can do to foster racial and gender equity in the practice of law through education and training, active recruitment and retention of diverse associates, rainmaking and client generation opportunities, transparent access to partnership, and equal pay.

Moderator:
Hon. Verna G. Leath, J.S.C. (Essex)

Speakers:
Hon. Glenn A. Grant, J.A.D. (Ret.), Administrative Office of the Courts
Carolyn V. Chang, Esq. — Law Office of Carolyn V. Chang
Norberto A. Garcia, Esq. — President-Elect, New Jersey State Bar Association; Past President, New Jersey State Bar Foundation; Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari
James A. Lewis, V, Esq. — Cole Schotz PC

For more information or to register, please click here.

As the law continues to evolve on these matters, please note that this article is current as of date and time of publication and may not reflect subsequent developments. The content and interpretation of the issues addressed herein is subject to change. Cole Schotz P.C. disclaims any and all liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this publication to the fullest extent permitted by law. This is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Do not act or refrain from acting upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining legal, financial and tax advice. For further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to your firm contact or to any of the attorneys listed in this publication. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the highest court in any state.