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BERGEN COUNTY BAR/SURROGATE WORKING GROUP – MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 MEETING

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Present: Brian Shea; April Fronduto-Slavin; Donald Lenner; Christine O’Donnell; Naomi Becker Collier; Melanie Costantino; Conrad Olear; William Strasser; Geoffrey Mueller; Gregory Ein; Jason Finkelstein; Eric Reiser; Adam Boyle; Jason Shafron; Steven Vanderlinden; Elton John Bozanian; Andrew Cevasco; Matthew Nicodemo; Jacqueline Guenego

1. Call to Order and Introduction

Brian Shea, who organized the meeting, called the inaugural meeting of the Bergen County Bar/Surrogate Working Group to order at 8:30 a.m. Mr. Shea noted at the outset that, because this was the first meeting of the group, there was no formal agenda.

2. Purpose of the Working Group

The purpose of the Working Group was set out by Mr. Shea to members in advance of the meeting. Specifically, the Working Group is a voluntary collaboration, not a Bar Association Committee, intended to ensure an active flow of information between the Bar and the Surrogate, allowing members to raise issues directly with the Surrogate’s staff and giving the Surrogate direct access to the group. In addition to the attorney members, the group includes the Executive Board of the Bergen County Bar Association and may include other community stakeholders as issues arise. The group will look to assist with the transition following the November election, given the long tenure of Surrogate Dressler.

3. Report of the Acting Surrogate

April Fronduto-Slavin, Acting Surrogate, provided brief updates to the group, including

  • The recent passing of Sharon Borys.
  • The recent amendment to Rule 4:86.
  • The continuation of the guardianship mentorship program.
  • A reminder regarding the need for timely and proper filing of submissions to the Surrogate’s Court. Donald Lenner also addressed this point.

4. Discussion

  • Consolidation of cases. Eric Reiser raised the potential for consolidation of certain estate and trust cases.
  • Online resources. Andrew Cevasco raised a point regarding the update / expansion of online resources.
  • Storage of original wills. Melanie Costantino raised a question regarding whether original wills can be stored at the Surrogate’s office.

5. Closing Remarks and Adjournment

Brian Shea offered closing remarks, noting that the next meeting would likely be held in November 2026. There being no further business, the meeting concluded at approximately 9:30 a.m.

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Bergen County Bar Association Recognized for Pro Bono Service

 

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On Thursday, October 29, the New Jersey Judiciary held its 9th Annual Attorney Pro Bono Recognition Celebration. For the first time, it recognized a bar association for its work helping people in need of legal representation. Chief Justice Stuart Rabner and Acting Administrative Director of the Courts Michael J. Blee presented the award to the Bergen County Bar Association (BCBA) and thanked it for its collective efforts to support the fair and expeditious administration of justice.

The BCBA was nominated by Bergen County Assignment Judge the Honorable Carol V. Novey Catuogno, who consulted with members of the Bergen County Judiciary before putting the Association forward. At the celebration, held at the Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton, Judge Catuogno highlighted the BCBA’s annual Expungement Clinic, semiannual Guardianship Mentorship Program, and efforts to represent defendants charged with disorderly persons-level contempt for allegedly violating domestic violence restraining orders. Read More

HON. PETER CIOLINO PROFESSIONAL LAWYER OF THE YEAR AWARD – GERALD R. SALERNO

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Gerald R. Salerno

For more than four decades, the name Gerald Salerno has been synonymous with professionalism, integrity, and excellence in the practice of law. Throughout his distinguished career, Jerry has exemplified the finest traditions of the profession—as a skilled advocate, trusted counselor, dedicated public servant, and steadfast member of the Bergen County legal community.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Jerry graduated from Seton Hall University in 1982 and earned his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University in 1985. Following law school, he began his legal career as law clerk to the Honorable Charles R. Di Gisi, Presiding Criminal Judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen County.
For more than three decades, Jerry was a partner at Aronsohn, Weiner, Salerno & Kaufman. Following the firm’s recent merger with Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost, Botwinick, Nunn & Musmanno, P.C., he continues to concentrate his practice in complex civil and commercial litigation, commercial real estate and transactional matters, zoning and land use, and redevelopment.

Over the course of his career, Jerry has represented businesses, developers, redevelopers, financial institutions, municipalities, and local boards in high-stakes litigation, significant development projects, and complex regulatory matters throughout New Jersey. He brings to each matter decades of experience in land use, redevelopment, and municipal law, coupled with a sophisticated understanding of the legal, financial, and practical considerations that shape complex transactions and disputes. He also represents businesses and individuals in sophisticated commercial litigation, drawing upon his extensive courtroom experience and deep knowledge of the law.

Jerry’s commitment to public service is reflected in the many roles he has undertaken on behalf of municipalities and public entities. He currently serves as Borough Attorney for the Borough of East Rutherford, Land Use Board Attorney for the Borough of Wood-Ridge, Planning Board Attorney for the Borough of Rutherford, and Public Defender for the Pascack Joint Municipal Court. His prior public-sector service includes serving as Special Redevelopment Counsel to the Lodi Planning Board, Counsel to the Upper Saddle River Zoning Board of Adjustment, Counsel to the Upper Main Street Business Alliance in Hackensack, and Prosecutor for the Boroughs of Wood-Ridge and Oradell.

A longstanding leader in the Bergen County legal community, Jerry is a Past President of the Bergen County Bar Association. He also served for six years as the Bergen County representative to the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee and as a member of the Bergen County Bar Association Judicial Appointments Committee. In these roles, he devoted considerable time and energy to advancing the profession and supporting the institutions that serve the legal community.

Jerry’s professional accomplishments have been recognized by his peers throughout his career. He has been selected numerous times as a New Jersey Super Lawyer in civil litigation. He also received the Bergen County Legal Services Pro Bono Award for representing an indigent defendant in a constitutional challenge to Megan’s Law.

For more than forty years, Jerry has devoted his talents, judgment, and energy not only to the practice of law, but also to the profession and community of which he has been such an important part. His commitment to advocacy, public service, and the highest ideals of the legal profession has earned him the respect of his colleagues and the lasting gratitude of the Bergen County legal community. His career is distinguished not only by professional accomplishment, but by a sustained commitment to the people and institutions he has served.

BENCH-BAR UPDATE FOR SEPTEMBER 2026

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Dear Members,

The Bergen County Bar Association leadership meets with the Bergen County Assignment Judge quarterly to discuss issues of mutual interest to the judiciary and our membership. If you have matters of general importance that you believe we should raise at our next meeting, please email the BCBA.

This is a summary of the September 15, 2026, meeting with the Hon. Carol Novey Catuogno, A.J.S.C.

Judge Catuogno opened the meeting with warm remarks, thanking the Bergen County Bar Association and its attorneys for their continued cooperation with the Court. She spoke about the strong relationship between the Bar and the Court and thanked the attorneys for their efforts in working with the Court to keep cases moving.

1. Division Information

A. Civil Division

• Hon. David Cavello, J.S.C., is assigned to the Law Division/Special Civil Part (effective 9/1/26.
• Hon. David V. Nasta, J.S.C., serves as a Settlement Judge and continues to resolve upwards of 60% on the settlement calendar.
• Hon. Gregg A. Padovano, J.S.C. and Hon. Lina P. Corriston, J.S.C. will be handling the remaining Mt. Laurel cases.
• Bergen County has had 88 Civil Jury Trials this past Court year.

1. Carrier Days
Allstate: 9/9/26
Plymouth Rock: 9/29/26
Farmers:10/08/26
State Farm: 10/15/26
Allstate: 10/22/26
Travelers: 10/27 & 10/28/26
Garden State: 11/12/26

2. Civil Remote Days: TBD

B. General Equity Division

• Hon. Michael J. Blee, Acting Administrative Director of the Courts, participated in a Chancery Blitz last Spring and conducted a mediation.
• Hon. Walter F. Scrod, J.S.C. (ret.), is on recall and will be handling foreclosures.

Chancery Blitz: 10/27/26.

C. Family Division
• Hon. Kevin Purvin, J.S.C., is assigned to the Family Division and is handling FD and FO contempt matters.
• The New Jersey Courts website has instructional materials available for attorneys assigned to handle contempt matters from the Madden list.

FD Blitzes
• October 16, 2026
• October 30, 2026
• November 13, 2026

D. Criminal Division

• Hon. Julie Kim, J.S.C., is assigned to the Criminal Division effective 9/1/26.

1. Criminal Blitz/Settlement Conferences will be held on the following dates:

• October 21, 2026 – follow-up 10/28/26
• December 2, 2026 – follow-up 12/9/26
• February 3, 2027 – follow-up 2/10/27
• April 7, 2027 – follow-up 4/14/27.

The follow-up conference, held one week later, will give the parties an additional opportunity to work toward a resolution.

2. Judiciary Warrant System

• The Judiciary Warrant System is now up and running and provides one system for all bench warrants across all Divisions.
• The system has streamlined the issuance and vacation of bench warrants, particularly the vacation process, helping avoid accidental loss of liberty due to error.

3. Miscellaneous

a. Judicial Reassignments
• Hon. Gary N. Wilcox, J.S.C., will handle detention matters.
• Hon. Marc Ramundo, J.S.C., will be taking over Judge Purvin’s calendar.
• Hon. James X. Doyle, J.S.C., will be taking over Judge Wilcox’s calendar.
• Hon. Julie M. Kim, J.S.C., will be taking over Judge Doyle’s calendar.

E. Juror Information
• The Court is expecting a large number of jurors over the next several weeks.
• Kate’s Corner will have additional food available for purchase to accommodate the increased number of jurors

BERGEN COUNTY SURROGATE’S COURT ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF SURROGATE/BAR WORKING GROUP

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The Bergen County Surrogate’s Court is pleased to announce the establishment of the Bergen County Surrogate/Bar Working Group, a newly formed collaborative initiative between the Surrogate’s Court and the practicing bar.

The Working Group will be co-chaired by Acting Surrogate April Fronduto-Slavin and Brian E. Shea, Esq., a partner at Rivkin Radler, LLP.

The purpose of the Working Group is to establish a direct line of dialogue between the bar and the Surrogate’s Court, with the goal of ensuring the highest level of service for members of the community and assisting in the streamlining of all services that flow through the Bergen County Surrogate’s Court. The Working Group is committed to serving not only the bar and broader community, but also the many community stakeholders who interact with the Surrogate’s Court, and will work collaboratively to address the needs of all parties who rely on its services.

The following individuals will serve as members of the Working Group:

• Naomi Becker Collier, Esq., Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C.;
• Conrad Olear, Esq., Strasser & Associates, P.C.;
• Andrew Cevasco, Esq., Archer & Greiner, P.C.;
• Christine O’Donnell, Esq., Meyerson Fox & Conte, P.A.;
• Eric Reiser, Esq., Shapiro Croland Reiser Apfel & Di Iorio, LLP;
• Gerald Salerno, Esq., Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost, Botwinick, Nunn & Musmanno, P.C.;
• Jason Shafron, Esq., Shafron Law Group;
• Melanie Costantino, Esq., The Law Offices of Melanie R. Costantino;
• William I. Strasser, Esq., Strasser & Associates, P.C.;
• Ryan Byrnes, Esq., Balian Law LLP;
• Elton John Bozanian, Esq., Schenck, Price, Smith & King LLP;
• Adam Boyle, Esq., Law Offices of Geoffrey D. Mueller, LLC;
• Steven Vanderlinden, Esq., Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost, Botwinick, Nunn & Musmanno, P.C.;
• Matthew M. Nicodemo, Esq., Archer & Greiner, P.C.; and
• Gregory Ein, Esq., Harwood Lloyd, LLC.

Members of the bar who have suggestions regarding items the Working Group may assist with are encouraged to contact any of the Working Group members listed above.

NOTICE REGARDING JUDICIAL REASSIGNMENTS IN CRIMINAL AND FAMILY PARTS

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In accordance with the release of the new general assignment, effective 9/1/26, the following Judge reassignments have been made.

Judge Purvin will be leaving Criminal and moving to the Family Division.

Judge Ramundo will assume Judge Purvin’s caseload and will move to Room 406. Karen Covello will be his Team Leader.

Judge Wilcox will be the Detention Judge and will move to Room 401. Svetlana Kubis will be his Team Leader.

Judge Doyle will assume Judge Wilcox’s calendar and will move to Room 304. Melissa Oxley will be his Team Leader.

Judge Kim is transferring to Criminal from the Family Division and will assume Judge Doyle’s caseload and will be in Room 312. Diane Gundlah will be her Team Leader.

Judges Sattely, Militello, and Doyle will still remain the FERPO Judges.

Judges Kazlau, Ramundo, and Doyle will handle guns.

For the complete General Assignment Order signed by Chief Justice Rabner, please click below.

GENERAL ASSIGNMENT ORDER

GUARDIANSHIP MENTOR PROGRAM 2.0

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Adult Guardianship filings have continued to increase in Bergen County. As the number of filings rises, the need for professionals to serve as Court-Appointed Attorneys, Guardians ad Litem, and Pendente Lite Temporary Guardians grows. To address these needs, the BCBA is working with the Bergen County Surrogate to continue the Guardianship Mentorship Program — the first of its kind in the State of New Jersey — by announcing that we are seeking candidates for the Program’s second class of mentees.

By participating in this program, you will expand your legal expertise while helping to protect the County’s most vulnerable residents. Once the program is completed, you will be trained in the duties associated with court-appointed positions and eligible for continued court appointments.

The components of the program will include three pro bono assignments, training, and access to a group of mentors with expertise in all areas that may arise during what can sometimes be very complicated proceedings, even when the assignment initially appears straightforward.

We encourage you to take the opportunity to engage in a practice area that is not only in need of your services but also professionally and personally enriching as you assist the Court and our disabled and aging citizens.

The program is open to a limited number of applicants and fills up quickly.

Anyone interested should forward a resume or CV to info@bergenbar.org and to Acting Deputy Surrogate April Fronduto-Slavin at AFronduto-Slavin@BergenCountyNJ.gov for consideration.

Should you have any questions about the program, the work involved, or guardianship in general, please do not hesitate to contact Brian Shea at Brian.Shea@rivkin.com.

The deadline to apply is October 15, 2026.  The all-day training session will occur on November 23, 2026.  Continuing Legal Education Credits will be provided.

BERGEN BAR TAX BULLETIN, VOL. 42, NO. 3

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Written by: Theodore M. David, Chair Emeritus, Tax Law Committee

Current Items: 

  • What’s in a Name?
  • A Billion Dollars Gone?

I know this bulletin is late—I’m writing it on March 31. There’s a reason. Okay, part of it is that I’ve been relaxing in the sand while my colleagues have been buried in snow this winter. But the real reason is that I waited until the very end of March to see if I might be named the next Commissioner of the IRS.

I waited in vain.

In fact, as of today, there is no Commissioner of the IRS. The last one just wrapped up, and no replacement has been named. The chair is empty. Perhaps everyone’s been a bit busy with other priorities—renaming things, reorganizing things, or just generally doing important things that, apparently, do not include filling that particular seat.

So now what?

Don’t fret—federal law has it covered.

Consistent with applicable law and longstanding practice, the Secretary of the Treasury oversees the operations of all Treasury offices and bureaus, including the Internal Revenue Service. Secretary Scott Bessent’s service as Acting Commissioner of the IRS under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act has expired, and he has not served in that capacity since that time.

In accordance with the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, the Secretary retains the authority and responsibility to perform the functions and duties of vacant Treasury offices that are not filled on an acting basis. The IRS continues to operate without interruption, with Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano successfully leading day-to-day operations and reporting directly to the Secretary.

So, there you have it—not a word about appointing a retired lawyer from New Jersey, even for a few days. But I’ll remain on standby, just in case.

There’s a funny little game hidden in the federal tax law. It’s called Watch Your Refund Disappear. Anyone can play.

Here’s how it works: imagine you haven’t filed your 2022 tax return. You think, “So what? I’m owed a refund.” So you put it off and move on to more enjoyable things.

Now here’s the magic part: even though that refund is yours, three years after the due date—it disappears. Gone forever. It quietly slips into that black hole known as the federal fisc, a.k.a. the public treasury.

So, you have until April 15 to file that return and reunite yourself with your own money.

And you wouldn’t be alone—there’s about $1.2 billion in unclaimed refunds from 2022, owed to roughly 1.3 million taxpayers.

The game goes on.

Questions or comments should be sent to tdavidlawyer@gmail.com.

BENCH-BAR UPDATE FOR MARCH 10, 2026

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Dear Members,

The Bergen County Bar Association leadership meets with the Bergen County Assignment Judge bimonthly to discuss issues of mutual interest to the judiciary and our membership. For matters of general importance which you believe should be raised at our next meeting, please email the BCBA.

This is a summary of the March 10, 2026, meeting with the Hon. Carol Novey Catuogno, A.J.S.C.

1. Division Information

A. Family Division

Hon. Michelle Marose, has returned to Bergen County and will handle the FG docket while also assisting with the FD docket.

Hon. Francis McGrogan, serving on recall and cross-designated, will assist with the FV, FO (weapons) and FN dockets.

Hon. Joseph Mecca, J.M.C. will handle civil commitments at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.

The FM Blue Ribbon Blitz will be held twice per month.

FD Blitzes: Hon..Jane Galina-Mecca thanks members of the bar for serving as mediators.

The County has declined to continue paying an attorney to represent indigent defendants charged with having violated a DV restraining orders (FO calendar). Attorneys will be chosen from the Madden List to fill that role going forward. In response, the BCBA will offer a complimentary CLE on April 8, 2026, on how to try a contempt case.

The Judiciary’s Family Division Conference: March 23-24, 2026

The State of the Family Law Bench and Bar will be held on May 5, 2026.

B. Criminal Division

The Criminal Division currently ranks first statewide in pre-indictment resolutions, thirteenth in post-indictment resolutions, fifth in municipal appeals, and twelfth in post-conviction relief.

A new Judicial Warrant System will be implemented on June 1, 2026, introducing a uniform platform for more efficient warrant review.

The Judiciary’s Criminal Division Conference: April 29 – 30, 2026.

In partnership with CarePlus, the Prosecutor’s Office is launching a Mental Health Diversion Program for eligible defendants with underlying mental health issues. Participants will be placed on a structured probationary track that includes treatment, supervision, and community service. They will also be required to follow individualized treatment plans through CarePlus. Successful completion may result in reduced charges or dismissal, where appropriate.

C. Civil Division

Nicole Manalio has been appointed Assistant Division Manager.

Dana DeSanto has been appointed Arbitration Administrator.

Insurance Days:

  • Plymouth Rock March 11, 2026
  • GEICO March 25, 2026
  • Westfield (GSP) March 31, 2026
  • State Farm April 16, 2026
  • Westfield (GSP) April 17, 2026
  • Farmers April 23, 2026

From January 2025 through 2026, the Civil Division reduced its backlog by 15%.

The Judiciary’s Civil Division Conference: April 27 – 28, 2026.

Chancery judges will require in-person first appearances in all contested matters.

Chancery Seminar: June 3, 2026.

Second class of Guardianship training: TBD.

E. Municipal Division

Hon. Benjamin Choi, J.M.C., has been designated as the Presiding Municipal Court Judge for Bergen County.

An increase in municipal court activity is anticipated in June and July due to events including the World Cup, Fleet Week, and the 250th Anniversary of the United States.

2. Miscellaneous

Expungement Clinic: April 10, 2026.

The New Jersey Reentry Program, operated by the New Jersey Reentry Corporation under former Governor Jim McGreevey, provides job training, education, and support services to individuals returning from incarceration.

Courthouse Attorney room: The County is undertaking moderate renovations to the attorney room, including updated electrical work, lighting, new carpeting, and fresh paint, to enhance the space.

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