In the past year, Adult Guardianship filings have increased 33% in Bergen County. As the number of filings continues to rise, the need for professionals to serve in the roles of Court Appointed Attorney, Guardian ad Litem and Pendente Lite Temporary Guardian continues to increase.
To answer the Court’s needs, the Bergen County Bar Association is working with the Bergen County Surrogate to establish Bergen County’s first Guardianship Mentorship Program. By participating in this program, not only will you expand your areas of legal expertise, but also help protect the County’s most vulnerable populations. The program is open to a limited number of applicants. Once the program is completed, you will be trained in the duties associated with court-appointed positions and eligible for continued court appointments.
Below is a link to a flyer outlining the components of the program, which will include two pro bono assignments, training, and access to a group of experts in the area who will be mentors to the less experienced attorneys participating in the program. Your mentors have background and expertise in all areas that may arise during what can sometimes be very complicated proceedings, even when the assignment initially appears to be straightforward.
I 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 provide aid and assistance to the Court and our disabled and aging citizens.
Anyone interested is requested to forward a resume or CV to me through [email protected] and Special Deputy Surrogate April Fronduto-Slavin at [email protected] for consideration. As the program is emerging, the initial class will be limited. However, anyone seeking to participate now will be considered for future classes as the program moves forward. Should you have any questions about the program, the work involved, or guardianship in general, please do not hesitate to contact me.
The deadline to apply for this “first class of mentees” is Friday, October 25, 2024.
Thank you.
Brian E. Shea
Co-Chair, Probate Litigation & Guardianship