Faegre Drinker ardently supports the Garden State Bar Association and its mission to foster diversity in our judicial and legal systems. Our firm shares the GSBA’s vision for a future without discrimination and inequality, and we congratulate tonight’s award winners and scholarship recipients working to make that goal a reality!
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BECOME A SCANMEMBER!HERE 3 CONTENTS 5 OUR HISTORY 6 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT 8 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT-ELECT 13 GSBA LEADERSHIP 18 PROGRAM 19 LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING 20 MASTERS OF CEREMONY 21 SPEAKERS 22 HONOREES 32 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
HISTORYOUR
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The National Bar Association, the first nationwide organization of African American attorneys, was in existence at that time. A group of attorneys from Essex, Union and Hudson Counties came together during 1962 to focus on their immediate concerns. These concerns included projecting a positive image of the African American attorney in the community, as well as expanding and building their practices. The Barristers, the first informally organized group of attorneys included William H. Walls, Irvin B. Booker, Donald King, Calvin Hurd, James H. Coleman, John J. Teare, Chauncey Barett and Everett Jones. The group expanded and functioned until sometime in 1967.
The Civil Rights movement was gaining momentum during the early 1960's when African Americans were reflecting upon both their individual and collective situations, and evaluating their current status and future goals. Locally, African American attorneys were slowly gaining stature primarily in Essex, Hudson and Union Counties. Representation on the bench was sparse, with Judge Hazelwood sitting on the Newark Municipal Court bench, Judge Yancey sitting on the Essex County Superior Court bench and Judge Wood sitting on the Union County Superior Court bench. Employment in large or medium firms was extremely limited.
In 1975, the Concerned Legal Associates changed its name to the Garden State Bar Association to reflect a growing statewide constituency. The organization's membership is now more diverse and has greatly increased since its inception. In 1996, the Garden State Bar Association began the formation of a Young Lawyers Division to address the needs of recent law school graduates and attorneys practicing less than six years.
It was the activism of Black law students during the late 1960's after the Newark riots that caused them, along with several Black attorneys, to organize the Concerned Legal Associates ("CLA"). Their members included attorneys, Isaac McNatt, CLA's first president, Pearl Crosby and Geneva Sanford, along with students, George Logan, Golden Johnson, Kathy Mitchell, Betty Lester and Rita Murphy. These students saw the need for an organization that addressed the needs of Black students, graduates, and practicing attorneys. The organization of the Concerned Legal Associates coincided with the founding of the Association of Black Law Students at Rutgers Law School in Newark, New Jersey. The strong student base allowed the organization to deal with current legal issues such as the hiring of minority faculty in the law schools, participation in community legal services, and the examination of the bar passage rate for Black graduates in the early 70's.
THE GARDEN STATE BAR ASSOCIATION
Thank you for joining us for the Garden State Bar Association’s 47th Anniversary Scholarship and Awards Gala. The honorees, the students, and the achievements of the GSBA exemplify this year’s Gala theme: The Time is Now - Aspire, Achieve & Ascend. This year’s theme is a reminder that the GSBA’s transformative work of advancing minorities in the profession continues today and I am honored to serve as the GSBA’s President during this pivotal time.
Due to the generosity of our sponsors and members, we are excited to announce the establishment of the inaugural GSBA Endowed Scholarship Fund. This endowment fund will provide a strategic and enduring way to help law students further their education for years to come. Thank you for partnering with us on this momentous achievement!
The GSBA has a long history of promoting education, professional development, and fellowship among its members. Our continuing legal education seminars, legal forums, and summits provide opportunities to expand your knowledge of the law, stay up to date on key issues, and engage in dialogue and efforts to address issues facing our community.
• Continuation of our successful Substantive Law Series which, since its launch in 2019, the series has featured over 150 speakers, with thousands of registrants through programs highlighting our members sharing their subject matter expertise covering topics such as real estate, cybersecurity, intellectual property, ESG, and ADR while partnering with fortune 100 companies, law firms, other bar associations and professional groups in New Jersey
As we enjoy tonight’s celebration, I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to the Gala Committee and recognize the outstanding work of the Scholarship and Sponsorship Committees. For over thirty years, the GSBA has awarded scholarships to qualified students in support of enhancing diversity in the legal profession. This year, we broke records – securing over forty sponsors to sustain and expand our programs and initiatives, with over $100,000 earmarked for scholarship funds.
We also look forward to continuing to spearhead the following initiatives this bar year:
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
The programs and initiatives the Board and I have designed this year build on our enduring legacy propelling us to a new level of growth and expansion of our mission. While the profound effect of the pandemic continues to have a residual and real-time impact on our lives, we are reminded daily of how critical it is to remain at the forefront of the fight for social justice, equality, and opportunity.
• Annual conferences and panels including the Labor & Employment Symposium, Chief Diversity Officers and DEI Leaders Roundtable, League of Municipalities Reception with the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New
Dear Garden State Bar Association Members, Friends, and Supporters:
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• Launch of skills-based programming to train attorneys at any stage, including Trial Advocacy and Transactional Lawyering Boot camps, and a new Civil Rights Law Leadership Institute
• Supporting the efforts of our Young Lawyers Division and focusing on strengthening the pipeline of diverse lawyers entering the profession, with an emphasis on mentoring and clerkships
• Serving as advocates for our community on matters concerning social justice, employment, housing, policecommunity relations, and voting rights
Jersey, Annual Women’s History Month Celebration, and Corporate Counsel Forum
• Partnering with organizations throughout the state to expand opportunities for pro bono work to provide legal services for people experiencing poverty
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• The establishment of an inaugural special committee addressing Wellness and Mental Health
It is a distinct privilege to serve as President of this storied organization. The success of the GSBA would not be possible without the diligence, creativity, and dedication of the executive committee, our board of directors, and past presidents.
The Garden State Bar Association’s activities and efforts will continue to focus on honoring the ethos upon which it was founded – to provide opportunities to collectively tackle challenges that improve the lives of minorities and to continuously assist African Americans and other ethnic minorities in becoming an effective part of the judicial and legal systems.
With our 47th Anniversary Scholarship & Awards Gala, we set aside time to thank our community for its ongoing support. Tonight, we honor and celebrate six exceptional honorees who embody resilience, leadership, and excellence in the profession and the community. On behalf of the GSBA, I extend congratulations to our honorees, scholarship recipients, and everyone who made this special night possible.
Yours in service, Natalya G. Johnson, Esq.
Last, thank you to our members whose engagement, support, energy, and talent will continue to position the GSBA to Aspire, Achieve and Ascend.
Natalya G. Johnson, Esq. President, Garden State Bar Association
• Advocacy efforts geared toward diversifying the bench and increasing the number of Black judges in the judiciary
Sincerely, Lewis V, Esq.
James A. Lewis V, Esq. President-Elect, Garden State Bar Association
We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnerships and engagement with our membership and beyond as we march on, together, toward justice and equity for all.
Underorganization.theleadership of our most recent past presidents Dean Burrell and Husain A. Gaitlin, the GSBA's efforts have been recognized on both a national and statewide level. Through our current President, Natalya G. Johnson, the organization has grown in depth and reach by continuing our tradition of excellent programming, increasing our imprint throughout the state, and through awarding a record amount of scholarships to deserving law school students.
James A.
We extend our appreciation to you for gathering with us today as we celebrate our collective successes and look to the opportunities for growth and further empowerment ahead. I am both humbled by, and proud of, the Garden State Bar Association's resilience during these unprecedented times. As a social justice organization, we continue to lead the charge on matters of diversity, equity and inclusion as well as equal justice under the law. Our members and supporters include award winning attorneys, respected jurists, and ambitious law students -- all of whom have graciously dedicated their time, talent, and treasure to produce the exemplary work of the
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PRESIDENT ELECT'S MESSAGE
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©JJSI2022
Congratulations to our own Natalya Johnson, newly installed President of the Garden State Bar Association, and tonight’s honorees and scholarship recipients on your tremendous achievements.
Diversity of thought is wise counsel for everyone.
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In our culture of belonging, we value different points of view and life experiences. Because diversity is the spark for innovation that can improve healthcare for millions.
LEADERSHIPGSBA 2021-2022
Kenya Tyson, Esq. Vice President
Cameryn Hinton, Esq.
GALA COMMITTEE
Portia Downing, Esq.
Carolyn Chang, Esq.
Robert Johnson, Esq.
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Natalya G. Johnson, Esq. President
Joel Clymer, Esq. Secretary
SCHOLARSHIPCOMMITTEE
Candace Johnson, Esq. Treasurer
Aymen A. Abushi, Esq.
James A. Lewis V, Esq. President-Elect
Nilaja S. Ford, Esq.
Maury Winkler, Esq.
Sobande F. Afolabi, Chairman Natalya G. Johnson, Co- Chairman Alan MarquisPaytonJoyceBabbittMallietRogersSharonSmallWhitney
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Cheyne Scott, Esq.
Sobande F. Afolabi, Esq.
Sobande F. Afolabi Donnette Brown Dominique J. Carroll Joel Clymer
PortiaNilajaDowningS.Ford Gregory Green Cameryn Hinton Steven MeetingsNanceWilliamCandaceHockadayJohnsonJamesA.Lewis,VJoyceMallietDeirdreMartinT.Rogers,IIIKenyaTysonRenadaWilliamsEventPlanner:LaurenNanceCommunications,andEvents
OFFICERS
Joyce Malliet, Esq.
Dominique J. Carroll, Esq.
Husain A. Gatlin, Esq.
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“When we identify where our privilege intersects with somebody else's oppression, we'll find our opportunities to make real change.”
Ijeoma Oluo We fight for change, every day.
Discrimination &Workplace Harassment Workers’ Compensation CEPA & Retaliation Wage & Hour Abuse School Discrimination and Bullying Complex Workplace Injury
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Employment & Civil Rights Lawyers
Kevin Costello is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney www.costellomains.com(856)727-9700
www.pbnlaw.com New Jersey New York Massachusetts Delaware Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Porzio is Proud to Support the Garden State Bar Association and Congratulates the 2022 Scholarship and Award Recipients We are delighted to partner with the GSBA and believe in its commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as its mission of providing scholarships to deserving diverse law students in need of financial assistance. Hon. Sharon A. King – The Roger M. Yancey Award Joyce M. Malliet – The Van Y. Clinton Award Michael Clarke – The Oliver Randolph Award Cheyne R. Scott – The Raymond A. Brown Award W. David Hubbard – Corporate Lawyer of the Year Award Andrea McChristian – The Young Lawyer Award
Saturday, September 10, 2022
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With approximately 200 lawyers based in New York City, Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP delivers a full range of services in litigation and commercial law. For more information, please visit
1133 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY www.pbwt.com10036PattersonBelknap is proud to sponsor the Garden State Bar Association on the occasion of its 47th Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala.
MARISA SLATEN, ESQ.
47TH ANNIVERSARY SCHOLARSHIP AND AWARDS GALA
INVOCATION
INSTALLATION & SWEARING-IN CEREMONY PAULETTE BROWN, ESQ.
SPECIALDINNERPRESENTATION
PRESENTATION OF SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS SOBANDE F. AFOLABI, ESQ.
2022-23 GARDEN STATE BAR ASSOCIATION OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT NATALYA G. JOHNSON, ESQ.
INTRODUCED BY JOEL CLYMER, ESQ.
PRESIDENT-ELECT JAMES A. LEWIS V, ESQ.
AWARD PRESENTATIONS
LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING
WELCOME REMARKS
JUDGE VICTORIA PRATT
ENTERTAINMENTBENEDICTION
INTRODUCED BY KENYA TYSON, ESQ.
2022 GARDEN STATE BAR ASSOCIATION
MASTERS OF CEREMONY LAWRENCE ADJAH AND RHASHEDA S. DOUGLAS, ESQ. INTRODUCED BY PRESIDENT NATALYA G. JOHNSON, ESQ.
CLOSING REMARKS
J. ROSAMOND JOHNSON & JAMES WELDON JOHNSON
Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring Ring with the harmonies of Liberty Let our rejoicing rise High as the listening skies Let it resound loud as the rolling sea
Stony the road we trod Bitter the chastening rod Felt in the days when hope unborn had died Yet with a steady beat Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
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Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us Facing the rising sun of our new day begun Let us march on till victory is won
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered Out from the gloomy past Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast God of our weary years God of our silent tears
LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING
Thou who has brought us thus far on the way Thou who has by Thy might Led us into the light Keep us forever in the path, we pray Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee Shadowed beneath Thy hand May we forever stand True to our God True to our native land Our native land
Lawrence has been on a mission to help high achieving professionals and communities strengthen their most important relationships (with God, people & themselves). His work has been featured in Ebony, Black Enterprise, Essence, The Chicago & Miami Tribunes and other nationally syndicated news and media outlets.
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RHASHEDA S. DOUGLAS, ESQ.
Lawrence E. Adjah is a Community Builder, Host & Spiritual Advisor serving at the nexus of Faith, Business and Community Wellness.
Inspired by the issue of loneliness in the digital age, Lawrence founded Family Dinner Foundation (Our Family Dinner), which reached nearly 50K young professionals around the world. Currently, Lawrence serves as national host and panelist for the Just Heal, Bro national tour for mental health and wellness amongst men.
Lawrence began his career at McKinsey & Company, after being an All-American track & field athlete. He’s also an ordained and seminary-trained Pastor, Certified Marriage Counselor, and Spiritual Advisor to individuals and couples.
Lawrence holds a B.A., from Harvard University, an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business, an M.Ed from The University of Texas at Austin with distinction and a Masters of Divinity (M.Div) from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
MASTERS OF CEREMONIES
Rhasheda S. Douglas joined Rutgers Law School as the Assistant Dean of the Minority Student Program on the Camden campus in July 2016. Immediately prior to joining the Rutgers Law School, Douglas served as the Title IX Manager at Rowan University, where Douglas provided key guidance in ensuring the University’s compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA). She led activities, training and outreach related to the prevention of sex discrimination, including sexual violence, and she conducted investigations of complaints alleging sexual harassment and sexual misconduct by students, faculty/staff and visitors.
LAWRENCE E. ADJAH
From 2007 to 2015, Douglas served as a team attorney, and later as a team leader, with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, where she led a team in the enforcement of federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination on the bases of race, color, national origin, disability, gender and age. In addition to leading investigations at OCR, Douglas conducted numerous trainings and workshops, both internally and externally, regarding sexual harassment/sexual violence, race discrimination and disability discrimination. Prior to joining OCR, Douglas was an associate at Montgomery McCracken in Philadelphia, where she practiced commercial litigation and served on the firm’s Hiring and Diversity Committees. She earned her J.D. from Rutgers Camden School of Law in 2002 and a B.A. in English from Boston University in 1997.
She has served as a Professor of Professional Practice at Rutgers School of Law and School of Criminal Justice in Newark, NJ. Currently, she’s the Executive Director of Impact Odyssey—an organization that uses storytelling, film, and faith voices to catalyze social justice—and consults through Pratt Lucien Consultants, LLC, on procedural justice, DEI, and leadership.
JUDGE VICTORIA PRATT
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SPEAKERS
Brown was a partner and chief diversity and inclusion officer at an AMLaw 100 firm. She is currently Founder and Principal of MindSetPower LLC
Judge Victoria Pratt is recognized nationally and internationally for her commitment to reforming the criminal justice system. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Forbes, and PBS, to name a few. Her TED Talk, How Judges Can Show Respect, has been listed as one of the Top 15 Most Viral Motivational Talks on Facebook, with over 37 million views. A global expert, she’s worked in Dubai, Ukraine, England, Scotland, and Mexico. Her book The Power of Dignity: How Transforming Justice Can Heal Our Communities, published through Seal Press/The Hachette Book Group, has received critical acclaim.
Ms. Brown is nationally recognized leader for her dedication and achievements relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the impact of implicit bias, and is a frequent speaker and educator on such topics. Ms. Brown is co-author of two ground-breaking reports, “Visible Invisibility: Women of Color in Law Firms” and “Left Out and Left Behind: The Hurdles, Hassles and Heartaches of Achieving Long-Term Legal Careers for Women of Color.”
Ms. Brown is a graduate of Howard University and Seton Hall University School of Law and has won numerous awards and honors, including the Margaret Brent Woman of Achievement Award from the ABA and the C. Francis Stratford Award, the highest award conferred by the NBA.
Paulette Brown is the first woman of color to serve as president of the American Bar Association (ABA). Her presidential initiatives, through her Diversity & Inclusion 360 Commission, resulted in seven major policies developed and approved by the ABA, having a long-lasting structural impact on diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and the justice system. Ms. Brown simultaneously served as the first person of color to chair the Labor & Employment Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association. Ms. Brown is also a past president of the National Bar Association (NBA), where she led a delegation to monitor the first free and democratic elections in S. Africa.
PAULETTE BROWN, ESQ.
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I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate tonight’s honorees: The Honorable Sharon A. King, receiving the Roger M. Yancey Award; Joyce Malliet, receiving The Van Y. Clinton Award; Michael Clarke, receiving The Oliver Randolph Award; Cheyne Scott, receiving The Raymond A. Brown Award; Andrea McChristian, receiving The Young Lawyer Award; and David Hubbard, receiving the Corporate Lawyer of the Year Award. Congratulations and thank you for your dedicated service to our community.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE AND SPECIAL OPERATIONS
I am so grateful for the important work the Garden State Bar Association does across New Jersey. Thank you and enjoy the evening!
Since its founding in 1975, the Garden State Bar Association has remained steadfast in their work to promote a diverse legal field and support African Americans pursuing careers in law. Whether providing scholarships to law students or connecting attorneys with opportunities to serve the community, the Garden State Bar Associat ion has truly shown what it means to aspire, achieve, and ascend. I am proud that New Jersey is home to such an exemplary organization.
Sincerely,
Mikie Sherrill Member of Congress
MS/gt 31
11TH DISTRICT, NEW JERSEY
HOUSE SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, CHAIR
It is my pleasure to welcome all of you to the Garden State Bar Association ’s 47th Anniversary Scholarship and Awards Gala.
HOUSE ARMED COMMITTEESERVICES
S
MIKIE SHERRILL
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TACTICAL AIR & LAND FORCES, VICE CHAIR
Dear Friends,
2022 GSBA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
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Shéree Brewer is a 3L and a Juris Doctor and Masters of Public Health candidate at Rutgers Law School Camden. She is a Social Justice Scholar, a Pro Bono Coordinator and a Regional Representative to the Black Law Students Association. Her interest in family law, public health, and social justice inspires her to seek opportunities to serve her community and improve the lives of those who need help. This summer, Shéree focused on policy work that reduces the number of African Americans unfairly reported to DHS and prepared families for reunification. Through her work and affiliation with Charity Community Church, Shéree is motivated to influence the decisions regarding restraining orders, passionate about creating a healthy relationships curriculum for the youth, and adamant about diminishing the disparities that perpetuate social ills.
Samira Barnes is a 3L at Rutgers Law School Newark, where she previously served as the President of the Association of Black Law Students (ABLS). She received her Bachelor’s degree from Towson University in Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice with an English minor. Samira serves as a Child Advocacy Fellow in the Child Advocacy Clinic representing children and young adults in immigration, custody and disability cases while also helping young adults transition out of foster care and hosting educational events and panels. Upon graduation, Samira will clerk for the Honorable MeLinda Hawkins-Taylor in Essex County. Additionally, she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
SAMIRA BARNES
SHEREE DOMENICABREWERCEVALLOS
Domenica Cevallos is a 2L and Legal Education Opportunity (LEO) Fellow at Seton Hall Law (SHL). She graduated from Clark University with a B.A. in Political Science. Domenica is originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador and grew up in Hudson County, NJ. She is currently serving as the Director of Policy Initia tive for the National Latino/a Law Student Association (NLLSA). This past summer, Domenica worked as a Summer Associate at Mastercard and as a Research Assistant for the Housing Justice Project at SHL. She is interested in consumer protection, advertising, and privacy law.
ASHLEY
33 YOLANDA GREENE
WILBERTDAVISDAVIS
Yolanda Greene is currently a fourth-year evening student at Rutgers Law School Newark. She is a proud member of the Association of Black Law Students and is the Alumni Liaison for the Rutgers Student Bar Association. She has worked as an advanced clinical law student in the Rutgers Education & Health Law Clinic and recently joined the Entrepreneurship Clinic. Additionally, Yolanda is a Class of 2023 Eagleton Institute of Politics Fellow and has completed legal internships at Rutgers Office of the Senior Vice President and General Counsel, ACLU of NJ–Newark, and the Essex County Superior Court – Criminal Division. Outside of school activities, Yolanda works as a court-appointed mediator and serves on two consulting projects for Newark-based organizations. As a staunch advocate for children and families, Yolanda endeavors to marry her passion for education and social justice by becoming a civil rights attorney who focuses on educational equity for children in urban areas.
Wilbert ("Wil") Davis is a second-year student at Rutgers Law School Newark and served as a 1L representative for the Association of Black Law Students. He is a member of the Minority Student Program, Street Law and Know Your Rights programs, and is an Associate Editor of the Rutgers Race and the Law Review. Wil also helps with the Innocence Project at the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability of the NJ Attorney General. This past summer, he interned at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. This semester, he will work as a Marsha Wenk Fellow at the ACLU-NJ. Wil received a degree in both journalism and political science from Hofstra University. He interned for MSNBC host Alex Witt and Lawrence O'Donnell and was one of 15 scholars to take part in the Ralph Bunche Summer Institute in 2019. Wil is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Black/Hispanic Alumni Association at Hofstra University.
Ashlee Davis, a native of Orange, New Jersey, is a 2L at American University Washington College of Law and a graduate of Delaware State University, Magna Cum Laude. Prior to law school, Ashlee served as a Congressional Intern for the Honorable Lisa Blunt Rochester, and founded the alumni mentoring portal “DSUConnect” at her alma mater for students who aspire to enter the legal profession. She is passionate about reaching back and assisting young students who were once in her position. This past summer, Ashlee worked as a Summer Associate for Mastercard and Sidley Austin LLP. Upon graduation, she plans to begin her legal career practicing Corporate/Transactional law at a firm and start a non-profit organization to provide minority students with Pre-Law resources.
JASMINE R. KNIGHT
Jasmine Renee Knight, a native of Burlington, NJ, is a part-time 2L at John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, Georgia, where she currently serves as Treasurer of the Criminal Law Society, Student member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Board, Event Coordinator of the Charlotte E. Ray Legal Society (C.E.R.L.S), a Peer Mentor, and a member of the Advocacy Board (Moot Court and Mock Trial). She also serves the Southern Region of the National Black Law Student Association as Sub-Region 1 Director. Jasmine is a Legal Assistant at the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, where she supervises the Jail Call Unit, Trial Prep Coordinator, and Indictment Writing. She attended the University of Alabama for undergraduate studies, where she received her Bachelors of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. After passing the Bar, Jasmine plans to work as a Prosecutor in Fulton County, Georgia.
Zaniya Lewis is a second-year law student, Social Justice Scholar, and Minority Student Program member at Rutgers Law School Camden. She is the Founder/CEO and Executive Director of YesSheCanCampaign, a nonprofit organization that inspires young people to be extraordinary and change the world. As a victim of scholarship award displacement, Zaniya launched DISSCHOLARED, an award-winning ed-technology platform that spreads awareness about this unfair practice. Her personal story and advocacy inspired Governor Murphy to sign S985 into law last year and influenced the introduction of The Helping Students Plan for College Act of 2021, the first federal bill that addressed scholarship award displacement. Zaniya's mission in life is to inspire others to keep climbing and to use their passions to make a difference in the world.
2022 GSBA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
EMANI MILES
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Emani Miles, a graduate of Seton Hall University, is a 3L student at Rutgers Law School Newark, where she serves as a 3L representative for the Association of Black Law Students (ABLS). She is a Slocum Social Justice Scholar and a Kinoy-Stavis Fellow. Emani is committed to Black liberation and working for the freedom of all political prisoners as demonstrated by her work with “Free Em All New Jersey” and her activism with a coalition to free Mumia Abu Jamal. As the 2019 recipient of the Africana Studies Honors Citation and the Monsignor Fahy Academic Achievement Award, Emani desires to receive her PhD in Africana Studies, obtain an adjunct professorship while representing political prisoners and use her background in student and community organizing to become a radical lawyer.
ZANIYA LEWIS
Basma Qazi is a 3L at Rutgers Law Camden pursuing a dual degree with a Master’s in Social Work. Prior to law school, she worked in several project management and operations roles in various industries. As a Pakistani immigrant, she is passionate about creating greater access to resources and paving the way, encouraging other minorities to chase after their goals and dreams. Basma hopes to use her MSW/JD as a trauma-informed and culturally competent public interest lawyer.
2022 GSBA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
BASMA
DERRICK NEVES
Asia Norton was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, and is a rising 3L at Rutgers Law School Newark. She has a Master’s degree from Columbia University Teachers College and a Bachelor's degree from Simmons College. Ms. Norton is currently a clinical law student with the Housing Justice & Tenant Solidarity Clinic and an Eagleton Fellow at Rutgers. During her second year in law school, she was a fellow for the Civil Justice Clinic at Rutgers Law, where she worked on the anti-eviction project to combat evictions due to COVID-19. The White House and Department of Justice recognized her work as an example of best practices among law schools engaging in housing stability. Ms. Norton is also involved in service-oriented organizations, such as Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Ms. Norton is a proud mother raising her son in the South Ward of Newark.
Derrick Neves is a third-year law student at Rutgers Law School Newark. He is currently a Michael J. Sullivan Defender Fellow at the Criminal Youth Justice Clinic and Center on Criminal Justice, Youth Rights, and Race and an Associate Staff Editor at the Rutgers Journal of Law & Religion. Derrick earned his undergraduate degree in criminal justice from Rutgers University-Newark. He hopes to pursue a career in civil rights to ultimately protect the civil rights of marginalized groups through litigation. After graduation, he will be a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Stuart Minkowitz, A.J.S.C., for the 20232024 term.
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ASIAZAHIRAHQAZISABIRNORTON
Zahirah Sabir is a rising 3LE student in the evening program at Rutgers Law School Camden, while balancing a career in workforce development and strategic planning. Zahirah is a member of the Black Law Student Association's Executive Board as the elected evening representative and is a Social Justice Scholar (SJS) working with the SJ Coalition of Legal Services. Zahirah formerly worked as a Legislative Aide for Assemblyman "Whip" Wilson of the 5th Legislative District where she was tasked with serving as a direct liaison for a number of governmental agencies as well as managing constituent cases. While advocating for constituents, she realized her passion for education and housing equity issues as well as linking community members to needed resources. This passion for advocacy is also what led Zahirah to law school and the SJS program.
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Verizon congratulates the Garden State Bar Association and is proud to sponsor their 47th Anniversary Scholarship & Awards Gala.
Diverse backgrounds. A common direction. We are pleased to support the Garden State Bar Association’s 47th Anniversary Scholarship & Awards Gala, and warmly congratulate the impressive 2022 honorees.
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Riker Danzig has dedicated itself to fostering a work environment that promotes diversity, inclusion and the highest standards of personal and professional excellence. These core values have given a common direction to our firm. We are proud of our contributions to equal opportunity in the legal profession.
Greenberg Traurig is a service mark and trade name of Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Greenberg Traurig, P.A. ©2022 Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Attorneys at Law. All rights reserved. Attorney Advertising. °These numbers are subject to fluctuation. 37152 GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP | 2500 ATTORNEYS | 43 LOCATIONS WORLDWIDE ° David Jay | Managing Shareholder, NJ Galit Kierkut | Co-Chair; GT - NJ Diversity Committee Eric Wong | Co-Chair; GT - NJ Diversity Committee 500 Campus Drive | Suite 400 | Florham Park, NJ 07932 | 973.360.7900 Greenberg Traurig is proud to support the Garden State Bar Association’s 47th Anniversary Scholarship & Awards Gala . We congratulate all of tonight’s honorees. GTLAW.COM Diverse by design. AmericanNo.#1ofAfricanPartners Diversity Scorecard, The American Lawyer, 2022 AmericanNo.#2ofAfricanAttorneys Diversity Scorecard, The American Lawyer, 2022 Mansfield4.0+Certified,Rule The Diversity Lab, 2021 @GT_DRIVES #diversebydesign #GTGAIN 39
Atlanta | Boston | Chicago | Dallas | Denver | Detroit | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | Miami Minneapolis | Nashville | New York | Philadelphia | Phoenix | Richmond | San Francisco Washington, D.C. 40
Eileen Vega-Lamboy she/her/hers
Sr. Director, National Business Development DEI TaskForce Committee Member elamboy@beaconhillstaffing com 917.287.6303
Beacon Hill is proud to be a sponsor of The Garden State Bar Association We extend our sincere congratulations to this year ' s honorees and scholarship recipients let's continue to shape our communities, realize positive and sustained impact, and empower future generations
RRaising aising The Bar.
Region
The National Bar Association (NBA) was founded in 1925 and is the nation’s oldest and largest global network of predominantly Black American attorneys and judges. Organized around 24 substantive law Sections, 10 Divisions, 12 Regions, and 80 Affiliate Chapters, the National Bar Association represents the interests of approximately 67,000 lawyers, judges, law professors, and l aw students. III III Assistant Director
Brionna L. Denby, Esq., Region III Treasurer
Garden State B ar Associ atio n ’ s
REGION III (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware)
www.nationalbaLeadershipr.orgAdaraL.Combs,Esq., Region
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202 2 Honorees and Scholarship Recipi ents !
Nilaja S. Ford, Esq., Region III Director
Re gion III of th e Nation al Bar Association co ngra tulate the
With admiration and esteem, we commend our Partner Cheyne R. Scott, Esq. For BeingwithHonored The Garden State Bar Association 2022 Raymond A. Brown Award 300 Lighting Way, Suite 200 | Secaucus, New Jersey 07094 (201) 348 6000 | www.chasanlaw.com 42
Foy & Seplowitz LLC
Criminal Defense Law Firm NJ & NY State & Federal 105 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ ( 2 01 ) 4 5 7 - 0 0 71 www.foyseplowitz.com
The Time is Now: Aspire Achieve, & Ascend 43
GSBA Life Members, Karla & Jason Foy, congratulate GSBA President, Natalya G. Johnson, and this year’s Honorees & Scholarship Recipients for their continued commitment to excellence at this year’s 4 7th Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala .
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Serving the Community with Excellence for 36 Years! Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Pi Theta Omega Chapter P O Box 1548 Morristown, NJ 07962 www pithetaomega com | pithetaomega@gmail com Carolyne Wright Hopkins, President ® ® Hudson Court Reporting is proud to support the Garden State Bar Association's 47th Anniversary Scholarship & Awards Gala. Congratulations to the incoming officers and all of the award recipients! We wish you every success! Court Reporting Virtual Depositions Legal Videography Nationwide & International Trial Presentations Videoconferencing H Digital Media & Litigation Services Since 1998 90 Woodbridge Center Drive, Suite 240, Woodbridge, NJ 07095 www.HudsonReporting.com 732.906.2078 HudsonReporting@gmail.com BUSINESS PARTNER 45
President, Rachna B. Malkana, Esq.
PROUDLY SUPPORTS ATE BAR ASSOCIATION’S SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS GALA CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS AND AWARDEES
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President-Elect, Rippi K. Karda, Esq. Vice-President, Jason M. Sumbaly, Esq. Treasurer, Chinsu Shajan, Esq. Co-Secretary, Aneri R. Shah, Esq.
2022 SABA-NJ Executive Board
reedsmith.com
Julia López Partner, Princeton +1 609 524 jalopez@reedsmith.com2022
We proudly support the Garden State Bar Association and congratulate the honorees and scholarship recipients.
Cheryl Lagay Counsel, Princeton +1 609 524 clagay@reedsmith.com2024
Stephanie Wilson Partner, Princeton +1 609 520 swilson@reedsmith.com6031
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APALA NJ Board of Directors
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President, Punam Alam President Elect, Francis W Yook Vice President of Membership, Allan Zhang Vice President of Communications, Janice Arellano Treasurer, Sudha Raja Secretary, Irene Hsieh Directors, Arupa Barua, Bo Han, Lena Kim, Arooj Siraj, Ashwath Trasi
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Congratulations to all of this year's honorees and award recipients!
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The Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey proudly supports the Garden State Bar Association and its 47th Annual Gala!
Cheyne Scott, Esq.
Andrea McChristian, Esq.
U S I N G M A K E Y A N D E F M a r k S a l o m a n o f f i c e o f F o r d G a r d e n S t a t e F o r d H a r r i s o n i s a l a b o r & e m p l o y m e n t d e f e n s e l a w f i r m w i t h 2 8 o f f i c e s , i n c l u d i n g t w o a f f i l i a t e f i r m s . G u i d e d b y t h e F H P r o m i s e , F o r d H a r r i s o n d e l i v e r s t h e h i g h e s t q u a l i t y l e g a l s e r v i c e a n d c o m m u n i c a t i o n s t o o u r c l i e n t s w w w f o r d h a r r i s o n c o m WILENTZ, GOLDMAN & SPITZER, P.A. NEWARKEATONTOWNWOODBRIDGE 732.636.8000WILENTZ.COMNEW REDPHILADELPHIAYORKBANK Wilentz proudly supports the Garden State Bar Association and its 47th Anniversary Scholarship and Awards Gala Congratulations to all of tonight’s honorees Hon. Sharon A. King United States Magistrate Judge Us. District Court, District of New Jersey Joyce M. Malliet, Esq. Chief, National Security Unit U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey W. David Hubbard, Esq. VP, Deputy General Counsel, Verizon
Partner & Director of Diversity, Chasan Lamparello Mallon & Cappuzzo, PC
Michael Clarke, Esq.
VP, Deputy General Counsel & Global Chief Compliance Officer,
Convatec
Law & Policy Director, NJ Institue for Social Justice
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njmla.com
The New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association
proudly supports the Garden State Bar Association and its 47 th Anniversary CONGRATULATIONS!Gala
800-246-5527 • www.NJLAP.org • info@njlap.org Free • Confidential CONG ABARGARDENTOTULATIONSTHESTATEASSOCIATION’S47THAIVERSARYSCHOLARSHIP&ARDRECIPIENTS!
Association Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey National Conference of Bar Presidents Garden
Kaufman Dolowich & Voluck, LLP Proudly Supports The Garden State Bar Association's 47th Anniversary and Awards Gala To All 2022 Honorees Corbin Walker, Partner Past President State Bar State Bar
New Jersey
Association 25 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ
Karol
Newport proudly supports The Garden State Bar Association
Congratulations
www.kdvlaw.com New York | New Jersey | Connecticut | Pennsylvania | Florida | Illinois | Louisiana | Texas | California
Proudly supports the Garden State Bar Association and the 47th Anniversary Scholarship & Awards Gala Princeton t:609.454.0096 100 Charles Ewing Boulevard, Suite 140, Ewing, New Jersey 08628 A wider lens on workplace law Northern New Jersey t:908.758.2785 233 Mt. Airy Road, 1st Floor, Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920 www.constangy.com For additional information, please contact our New Jersey offices ATTORNEYS AT LAW WE BUSINESSMEAN
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Stark & Stark offers a full suite of legal services for businesses and individuals throughout NJ, PA, and NY.
At Stark & Stark, we pride ourselves on the unique backgrounds of our lawyers and staff, each with a different perspective but united in the common goals of excellence, ethically serving our clients, and learning from each other.
Stark & Stark is proud to Anniversary
support the Garden State Bar Association 47th
We are committed to the advancement of African Americans and ethnic minorities in the legal profession, and are proud to support the Garden State Bar Association.
Scholarship & Awards Gala www.Stark-Stark.com • 1-800-53-LEGAL • 993 Lenox Drive, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Proud Supporters of the Garden State Bar Association Joel Clymer Secretary | GSBA Partner | GRSD NJWLA applauds the Garden State Bar Association on its 47th Anniversary Scholarship & Awards Gala and extends its congratulations to the 2022 Award RecipientsWomenLawyers Making a Difference njwla.org
V o l u n t e e r L a w y e r s f o r J u s t i c e c o n g r a t u l a t e s o u r f r i e n d N a t a l y a J o h n s o n o n h e r i n s t a l l a t i o n a s G a r d e n S t a t e B a r A s s o c i a t i o n P r e s i d e n t & a l l h o n o r e e s a s t h e y a s p i r e , a c h i e v e , a n d a s c e n d ! CONGRATULATIONS! McCarter & English, LLP is proud to support the Garden State Bar Association’s 47th Anniversary Scholarship and Awards Gala Four Gateway Center, 100 Mulberry Street Newark, NJ 07102 973.622.4444 www.mccarter.com
Proud to Support NIAF Gibbons P.C. is headquartered at One Gateway Center, Newark, NJ 07102. NJ NY PA DE DC FL gibbonslaw.com Congratulations To Tonight’s Honorees Proud to Support the Garden State Bar Association . Honorable Sharon A. King . W. David Hubbard, Esq. . Cheyne Scott, Esq. . Andrea McChristian, Esq. . Joyce M. Malliet, Esq. . Michael Clarke, Esq. TEAMING WITH EMPLOYERS TO BUILD A BETTER WORKPLACE NUKK-FREEMAN & CERRA, P C CALIFORNIA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK nfclegal com | 973 665 9100 We are proud to support the GARDEN STATE BAR ASSOCIATION AFRICAN AMERICAN LAWYERS FOR JUSTICE and all those that epitomize the tenets to aspire, achieve, and ascend We applaud this year’s honorees for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our judicial and legal communities 59
Dean L. Burrell, Esq. Arbitrator and Mediator
National Bar Association Chapter of the Year 20 21 Chair, NBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Section
Past President, GSBA
CONGRATULATIONS GSBA OFFICERS, BOARD, AWARDEES AND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ON ITS 47TH ANNIVERSARY SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS GALA
Dominique J. Carroll Board of 609.895.6706Directors|
Dean L. Burrell, Esq.
We are proud to sponsor The Garden State Bar Association’s 47th ScholarshipAnniversary&Awards Gala
Atlantic City I Morristown I Princeton
45 S. Park Place # 137 Morristown, NewJersey www.burrelldisputeresolution.com(201)DLBurrell1@Gmail.com079603965922
djcarroll@foxrothschild.com
Setting the highest standard Fidelity, Fidelity Investments, and the Fidelity Investments and pyramid design logo are registered service marks of FMR LLC. Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC © 2022 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 1043138.1.0 Fidelity Investments® is proud to sponsor: The Garden State Bar Association 800.343.3548 | Fidelity.com | Fidelity® Investor Centers CSG Law proudly supports the Garden Stat Bar Association and their 47th Anniversary Scholarship & Awards Gala. NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK CHIESA SHAHINIAN & GIANTOMASI PC csglaw.com Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE HONOREES OF THE GARDEN STATE BAR ASSOCIATION AFRICAN AMERICAN LAWYERS FOR JUSTICE 47TH SCHOLARSHIP AND AWARDS GALA CARLOS GOMEZ 908-494-7182 Thinking of buying or selling? I would love to help you! 62
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We’re sharing our technology to help communities realize the promis e of a digital world. We invest in our brightest minds to help make our communities better places to work, live and learn. Verizon congratulates our esteemed colleague on being the recipient of the 2022 Garden State Bar Association Corporate Lawyer of the Year Award.
W. David Hubbard
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72 Kirkland & Ellis is proud to sponsor the Garden State Bar Association’s 47th Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala Kirkland & Ellis LLP | 601 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022 +1 212 446 4800 | www.kirkland.com