Dear Law Students –
Welcome to the NJSBA! The Young Lawyers Division is the largest section of the New
Jersey State Bar Association. Our Division's meetings and events include programming
for all practice areas and interests and we work with the other sections and committees of
the New Jersey State Bar Association to serve the people of New Jersey.
The NJSBA-YLD is committed to several goals:
1. Public service: We are the community service arm of the NJSBA. Each year
young lawyers provide countless hours to help make NJ a great place to live.
Some of our service projects include school based programming such as Junior
Judges which assists kids in making good choices and We the Jury which teaches
our youth about our democracy in action. We have also assisted our county food
pantries, foster families, and those transitioning from government assistance into
the workforce. The YLD proudly works with non-profits and has implemented
programming such as Board Match so that local non profit groups can continue to
enrich the lives of those whom they serve. The YLD also serves during times of
crisis such as 9/11 by organizing certain relief efforts for our citizens which are
most efficiently handled by the legal community.
2. Professional development and leadership: You are the best and the brightest!
The NJSBA-YLD is committed to providing programming and activities to help
you become the best lawyer you can be. We also strive to create a forum for the
exchange and expression of young lawyers' views and a voice to advocate those
views. By becoming active with the YLD you will have the opportunity to display
your leadership skills in ways that most young attorneys are not able to do as the
newest attorneys in their firms or as the newest corporate or governmental
counsel. Further, the YLD will bring issues to your attention which can affect
your life and your practice. One of our legislative projects this year involves law
student loan repayment issues. Join us in actively helping shape policies and
priorities that affect young lawyers and the legal culture in which we practice.
Finally, the YLD provides both substantive and business educational
programming to help you advance your career goals. Some of our programming
for 2007-08 will include, among other projects, a 101 series. The 101 series will
include deposition training, criminal and municipal court practice, marketing
techniques and information on “hanging out your shingle”.
3. Social/Networking: Balancing your work and your life will be important for your
ultimate happiness! The YLD social events help to further that balance with a
variety events that include education, career development, rainmaking, family and
friends. From the Breeders Cup event at Far Hills in October to wine tastings,
comedy nights and forums with our Judges and Justices, through the Winter and
into the Spring, you will enjoy social events with the YLD which will help you
balance your life. Social events are a core component in any rainmaking strategy
and the NJSBA has scheduled events with groups such as the Young Certified
Public Accountant’s of New Jersey so that you can sharpen your networking skills
while having fun. Our social events provide you with an opportunity to network
with other young professionals and more experienced attorneys who will become
your best resource for mentoring or who may assist you with your job search.
Getting to know other young lawyers, those with whom you will practice for
many years to come, will be one of the best things you can do to advance your
career and maintain balance in your life. Most importantly, joining the YLD will
allow you to meet some great people who are sure to become some of your best
friends!
The NJSBA-YLD is a very active organization dedicated to supporting young lawyers.
We hope you will join us as a student member and we look forward to working with you
as you complete law school, study for the bar exam and then transition into our legal
community!
Best Wishes!
Christina D. Hardman-O’Neal
Chair
New Jersey State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division