As the court continues to explore and investigate ways to assist counsel and litigants in bringing their civil cases to a conclusion, in light of the continuing complication of the pandemic, the Civil Presiding Judge is initiating an initiative utilizing the Complimentary Dispute Resolution (CDR) technique known as “Baseball Arbitration.” Presiding Judge Polifroni observes that the court’s prior recommendation that parties waive jury trials and submit to bench trials has not proved popular with the Bar. However, it is the court’s belief that the parties may be more comfortable in submitting the dispute to a judge, without a jury, if there are specific parameters to the potential result. Read More

I never imagined that this would be the first address I would give to our members.

I hope this message finds you and your family healthy and safe.   You should know that the Bergen County Bar Association continues to operate during this difficult time in order to serve our members and provide as much information to you as possible.

To accomplish this objective, I have coordinated daily contact with the Sheriff’s Department, the office of the County Executive and Assignment Judge Mizdol in order to provide you with the most current information available.  Our executive board is in frequent discussions in order to keep you apprised as to updated protocols.  For example as we receive information regarding attorney visits at the jail, and attorney video conferencing for court proceedings we will advise you as quickly as possible.   You are encouraged to visit our website for this information and to check your emails for our e-blasts.

We have been through many hard times and we have always been able to overcome them.  This time is no different.  We should continue to practice with the utmost professionalism that is characteristic of our Association’s members.

Warmest regards,
BCBA President
Joseph A. Maurice, Esq.

Through the generosity of our members, the Bergen County Bar Association was able to distribute toys to kids in need for the holiday season.

Pictured are President, Andrew Cevasco (Archer & Greiner), along with Board Members, Craig Bossong (Florio Perrucci) and Andrew Toulas (Harwood Lloyd), who enjoyed the experience of presenting toys to some very appreciative children.

NOTICE TO THE BAR
September 4, 2019
Unscheduled Closings and Delayed Openings for the Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Tax Court, County Courthouses, and the Administrative Office of the Courts

Decisions to close or delay openings are made separately for each courthouse and are based on local weather conditions. Delayed openings sometimes become closings, and sometimes courthouses close early if the weather warrants. For these updates, follow the courts on Twitter, sign up for text messages, or go to The New Jersey Judiciary website at NJCOURTS.GOV

On the bottom of the NJCOURTS.GOV webpage are a number of icons that you may select to obtain court information from a variety of social media sources such as Twitter and Rave alerts. The best method to receive immediate unscheduled closing information is to sign up for Rave text messages.

For Municipal Courts, please check with your local municipal court for closing information. Below are two the links to use for the municipal courts State Court Closing Information or Municipal Court Information

We are happy to report that the Bergen County Justice Center main cafeteria located on the First Floor in the new agency building at 2 Bergen County Plaza is now open under new management. The hours of operation for the new cafeteria are 7:30am to 3:00pm Monday through Friday. The Courthouse cafeteria located on the Third Floor will reopen the week of September 23rd.

Beverage vending machines are now operational and are located on the First Floor of the courthouse opposite the Hudson Street Entrance.

Notice to the Bar from Hon. Bonnie J. Mizdol, AJSC and Hon. Peter J. Melchionne, PJFP calling for attorneys to volunteers pro-bono services and to follow-up with Judge Melchionne.

The Family Division of the Superior Court, Bergen County, is seeking pro-bono volunteer attorneys to represent indigent clients before the Office of Administrative Law.

The assignment entails representation of indigent parents or guardians substantiated for child abuse, challenging the substantiation finding Volunteers are sought to serve without compensation as appointed counsel. While this is currently not a Madden category, the AOC may, in the future, allow Madden credits for this service.

If you are interested, please respond to Theresa Schneck, Secretary to the Honorable Peter J. Melchionne, Presiding Judge of the Family Part, by September 15, 2019.

This year’s Diversity in the Profession Award recipient is recently retired, long-time Teaneck Municipal Court Judge, James E. Young, JMC. Judge Young has served as a Municipal Court Judge for more than 30 years. Approximately 200 friends, family, and colleagues joined to celebrate Judge Young’s career and contributions promoting diversity within the legal profession. Read More

On March 21st, the Bergen County Bar Association hosted our 120th Annual Meeting & Beefsteak Dinner. At this annual celebration, the Bergen County Bar Association congratulated our outgoing Association President Thomas Loikith for his years of dedication and service as President, and welcomed our incoming President, Andrew J. Cevasco  for his coming year of service.
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