Please click below to see the revised Family Division Reassignments, which are effective April 15, 2024.
Notice to the Bar -Family Division Assignments – 4.15.24 (1)
Written by: Theodore M. David, Chair, Tax Law Committee
Current Items:
1) IRS and The Lindbergh Case
1). People sometimes ask what do lawyers do? Now, of course, there is all the paper shuffling associated with various types of personal and business transactions, but for trial lawyers and prosecutors alike, it’s really not that at all. Whether pitching a case to a jury, judge, or the IRS, the job comes down to this: Lawyers paint pictures. You see, clients provide the basic paint colors of some facts, more or less ideally irrefutable. This is not a paint-by-numbers kind of task. Think Salvador Dali. One year, I traced his steps in Spain to his house and museum. BTW there’s one in St. Petersburg, Florida, which is a lot closer. When seen up close, some of his paintings look like a mishmash of dabs of color, but when you step back, your brain registers a complete picture. It’s an amazing phenomenon. Dali painted some pretty weird pictures. Melting clocks bizarre groupings of animals, men and women as well. He was perhaps one of the best self-promoters that has ever lived. Those dashing black eyes matching his turned-up waxed mustache and his antics made him one of the most popular artists of the 20th century. Dali would’ve made a great lawyer. Read More
Written by Bruce E. Chase, Esq., Co-Chair, Family Law Committee
In March 2007, the Bergen Vicinage was chosen to be one of the four (4) vicinages chosen to implement a Pilot Program for the appointment of Parent Coordinators. (See Notice dated 4/2/07). The Pilot Program was terminated by Notice of the Supreme Court AOC in November 2012. Upon the termination of the Pilot Program, Family Part judges were authorized to appoint PCs in specific cases in any vicinage. (See 2012 Notice). In the Notice terminating the Pilot Program, the court noted that if appointed, the PC must “be qualified to serve either by consent of the parties or by the court in the same manner as other experts.” Read More
After careful consideration and deliberation, the Officers and Trustees of the Bergen County Bar Association are thrilled to announce that Bruce E. Chase, Esq., is the distinguished recipient of this year’s prestigious Honorable Peter Ciolino Professional Lawyer of the Year Award.
Bruce’s remarkable career in the legal field has been marked by a consistent display of exceptional professionalism, unwavering dedication, and a profound commitment to the principles of justice and integrity. His contributions to the legal community in Bergen County and beyond have left an indelible mark, and his peers hold him in the highest regard.
Bruce’s journey in the legal profession was deeply influenced by his father, who served as his mentor and a shining example of professionalism, civility, courtesy, and what it means to be a “lawyer’s lawyer.” In 1978, following his father’s guidance, Bruce became a member of the BCBA on the day he was admitted to the bar. Over the years, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became actively involved in the BCBA, eventually rising to the esteemed position of the 99th President of the BCBA. Following his presidency and immediate past presidency, Bruce continued his service as the BCBA’s representative to the New Jersey State Bar Association for a commendable six years. He takes particular pride in his role as the BCBA’s Chair or Co-Chair of its Family Law Committee, where he dedicated more than two decades of his time and expertise.
Beyond his involvement with the BCBA, Bruce has also made significant contributions as a trustee and later as President of Bergen County Legal Services. Further honoring his father’s legacy, he undertook the state and national exams to become a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys (AAML). In his journey with AAML-NJ, he held various esteemed positions and eventually ascended to the presidency in 2015. Bruce’s dedication to the field is evident through his numerous publications and wide-ranging lectures for the BCBA, NJSBA, and AAML-NJ.
We cordially invite you to join us in celebrating Bruce’s outstanding achievements and recognizing his profound contributions to the legal profession. The award ceremony will occur on Monday, November 6, 2023, at Seasons.
Bruce E. Chase, Esq., exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the legal field, and we look forward to honoring his remarkable career at this special event.
Effective August 1, 2023, the Judicial assignments are as follows:
PRE-JUDGMENT- Dissolution (FM) Motions & Trials
Docket Nos.
01-25 Jane Gallina-Mecca, P.J.F.P.
26-70 Julie Lee Kim, J.S.C.
71-100 Robert E. Landel, J.S.C.
POST-JUDGMENT- Dissolution (FM) Motions & Plenary Hearings
01-05 Jane Gallina-Mecca, P.J.F.P.
06-10 Julie Lee Kim, J.S.C.
11-15. Robert E. Landel, J.S.C.
16-32. Magali Francois, J.S.C.
33-49. Jaclyn Medina, J.S.C.
50-66. Michael Antoniewicz, J.S.C.
67-83. Amy E. Lefkowitz, J.S.C.
84-100 William C. Soukas, J.S.C.
In addition, the Judges will hear the following matters:
- Judge Gallina-Mecca (Room 265) – CIC (Central), Dissolution, FC & Benchmark Hearings, ISC, Backup for all dockets
- Judge Kim (Room 113)- 2nd Juvenile Back up
- Judge Landel (Room 317)- DV Wednesday Calendar
- Judge Francois (Room 152)-Juvenile, CIC (South)*, SIJ
- Judge Medina (Room 338)- Non-Dissolution, CSE, SU, 2nd Backup Contempts
- Judge Antoniewicz (Room 108)- Domestic Violence, TPR, Weapons, Backup Contempts
- Judge Lefkowitz (Room 262)- Domestic Violence, Contempts, Backup Weapons, Juvenile Backup
- Judge Soukas -(Room 336) Non-Dissolution, Backup CSE
On Recall:
Judge Janeczko (Room 161) FM Default Calendar
HO Appeals will rotate among the judges assigned to the FD Docket
DV Appeals will rotate among the judges assigned to the FV Docket
*Judge Gallina-Mecca will continue with ½ of the Bergen South docket until September 1.
/s/ Jane Gallina-Mecca, P.J.F.P.
It is ORDERED that the initial judicial assignment for new Superior Court Judge William C. Soukas will be to the Superior Court, Family Division, Bergen County (Vicinage 2); this amends the June 27, 2023 order that supplemented the 2022-2023 General Assignment Order dated August 15, 2022.
/s/ Honorable Stuart Rabner
Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court
It is ORDERED that effective August 1, 2023~ Superior Court Judge Darren T. DiBiasi is hereby assigned to the General Equity Division of Superior Court in Bergen County (Vicinage 2). This will amend the 2022-2023 General Assignment Order dated August 15, 2022.
/s/ Honorable Stuart Raber
Chief Justice of New Jersey Supreme Court
Order – Judge Darren T. DiBiasi Reassigned to Bergen General Equity Division
Effective April 1, 2023, the Judicial assignments are as follows:
PRE-JUDGMENT- Dissolution (FM) Motions & Trials
Docket Nos.
01-100 Darren T. DiBiasi, J.S.C.
POST-JUDGMENT – Dissolution (FM) Motions & Plenary Hearings
Docket Nos.
01-05 Jane Gallina-Mecca, J.S.C.
06-10 Darren T. DiBiasi, J.S.C.
11-35 Magali M. Francois, J.S.C.
36-60 Jaclyn Medina, J.S.C.
61-80 Michael Antoniewicz, J.S.C.
81-100. Amy E. Lefkowitz, J.S.C.
Due to the high number of judicial vacancies, the Bar is encouraged to exhaust all methods of alternate dispute resolution prior to filing an application in the FM docket. The vacancies, coupled with the high volume of filings, have also necessitated the Court to run on a delayed motion schedule. Judges Melchionne and Guida will be handling ISCs and Judge Janeczko will be handling defaults and domestic violence trials until the end of May.
In addition, the following matters will be heard by:
Judge Gallina-Mecca – Non-Dissolution, Children in Court, FC Summary Hearings
Judge Francois – Juvenile, Domestic Violence, Summary Immigrant Juvenile, Children in Court
Judge Medina -Non-Dissolution, Summary Immigrant Juvenile, Child Support Enforcement
Judge Antoniewicz -Domestic Violence, Termination of Parental Rights, Weapons
Judge Lefkowitz – Domestic Violence, Contempts
/s/ Peter J. Melchionne, P.J.F.P.
With the approval of the Chief Justice, Judge Catuogno and I are delighted to announce:
- Hon. Robert M. Vinci, J.S.C., in addition to his civil assignment, is being temporarily assigned to the Chancery Division. It is anticipated that upon Hon. Lisa Perez-Friscia’s permanent elevation to the Appellate Division as of August 1, 2023, Judge Vinci’s re-assignment to Chancery shall become permanent as well.
- Hon. Gregg A. Padovano, J.S.C., will, upon Hon. Rachelle Lea Harz’s retirement on June 1, 2023, be named our Multi-County Litigation Judge.
- Hon. Mary F. Thurber, J.S.C., has been named our Complex Business Judge, effective immediately; and
- Hon. Jane Gallina-Mecca will, upon Hon. Peter J. Melchionne’s retirement on June 1, 2023, be named the Presiding Judge of the Family Part.