New Jersey State Bar Association 2025 Annual Meeting and Convention

Wendy Klein, Randi Kochman & James Lewis are speaking at the 2025 NJ State Bar Annual Meeting and Convention.

THURSDAY, MAY 15
10:30AM – 11:45AM

Challenging Assumptions: What’s Gender Got To Do With It?

Women in the Profession Track (Luna)

Under the auspices of the Supreme Court Committee on Gender in the Courts, Bar Education Subcommittee, this program explores how words and conduct reflect gender bias. The program will consist of vignettes of real-life experiences encountered by lawyers and judges and ways to incrementally address gender bias and will include commentary and reflections by Dr. Jennifer L. Pollitt, Assistant Director of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies at Temple University. The panel will include a candid discussion by litigators and jurists on why certain conduct is perceived to be acceptable for men and not women and, conversely, whether heightened awareness of gender inequality has chilled zealous advocacy.

Moderator/Speaker:
Hon. Kimberly Karlette Holmes

Speakers:
Hon. Verna G. Leath, J.S.C., Essex
Miriam S. Edelstein, Esq., Costello, Mains & Silverman, LLC
Patricia M. Giordano, Esq., Feldman Shepherd
Randi W. Kochman, Esq., Cole Schotz PC
Jennifer Lazor, Esq., Lazor Rantas, PC
Cindy N. Vogelman, Esq., Chasan Lamparello Mallon & Cappuzzo, PC

1:15PM – 2:45PM

Beyond the Courtroom: Lawyers Leading, Innovating, and Blazing Trails in Unconventional Legal Roles

Diversity and Inclusion Track (Signature)

This program will highlight the remarkable journeys of trailblazing attorneys who have ventured beyond traditional legal careers to make significant impacts in various fields. We’ll gain insights they’ve each leveraged in legal expertise to break barriers and forge new paths in areas such as corporate and/or government leadership, public interest, academia, and more. Their stories will provide valuable insights into the diverse opportunities available within the legal profession and will inspire the exploration of unconventional career paths. This program is for all, with a particular appeal to young lawyers considering their career path and lawyers in career transition. 

Moderator/Speaker:
Valerie A. Jackson, Esq., NJ Department of the Treasury/Division of Administration

Speakers:
Rhasheda Douglas, Rutgers Law School-Camden
Trina L. Glass, Esq., BurgherGray LLP
Jayne J. Johnson, Esq., Office of the Governor
Kia A. King, Esq., Department of Community Affairs
James A. Lewis, V, Esq., Cole Schotz PC

3:15PM – 4:45PM

What’s New with LLCs 2025

Bankruptcy, Business & Taxation Track (Waves)

A panel of judges and attorneys will discuss and analyze recent court opinions from NJ and elsewhere concerning LLCs. 

Moderator/Speaker:
Gianfranco A. Pietrafesa, Esq., Archer & Greiner, PC

Speakers:
Hon. Frank Covello, P.J.Ch.
Hon. Robert J. Mega, P.J.Ch.
Hon. Lisa M. Vignuolo, P.J.Ch., Middlesex
Wendy Klein, Esq., Cole Schotz PC
Rachel Stark, Esq., Stark & Stark
Jeremy Stein, Esq., Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia LLC

For more information or to register, please click here.