President’s Message: Winter 2010
By: Joanne Vos

“The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.”
- Vince Lombardi

I know I will catch some slack for this, but, aside from Tony Romo, I hate football. I pretty much hate everything about it: buffalo wings and “cheese” spray out of a can, the swill that gets passed off as beer, the shouting at inanimate objects (such as TVs), the clandestine meetings where so-called “fantasy” leagues are selected, and most importantly, the fact that 30 minutes or less of actual “ball-in-motion” time somehow takes an entire afternoon to suffer through. I guess I just don’t understand the absolute dedication and sacrifice that is seemingly required to be a true fan of the pigskin. Regardless, there is something football gets right every time: the concept of teamwork.

In preparation for this Message, I Googled™ “teamwork quotes” and the above quote by Vince Lombardi popped up numerous times. It really resonated with me. The bottom line? NJDA is nothing without you and every single one of this organization’s achievements can be traced back to the efforts of an individual. I would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thanks to the following “varsity players” (as Brian O’Toole would undoubtedly dub them):

● Steve Foley, Chad Moore, and Frank Caruso, who presented an excellent and very well-received seminar on Auto Law and Subrogation Liens in November 2009;

● Scott Glennon and Jessie Basner, who coordinated NJDA’s Annual Holiday Party in December 2009, which resulted in a generous donation to The Ethan Foundation for Autism;

● Marie Carey, who every year, coordinates and organizes NJDA’s Trial College and, to add to the success of this year’s event, secured the invaluable participation of (Ret.) Judge Walter R. Barisonek and Edward Decter, M.D. of CFO;

● Mark Saloman and Steve Karg, who regularly bring unique and important amicus opportunities to NJDA’s forefront;

● Michael Leegan and Chuck Hopkins, whose joint efforts and hard work we endeavor to result in an updated Medical Directory which may be accessible to members only on the NJDA website; and

● Kevin DeCoursey, who, as Chairman of the Board, still comes to every Board Meeting on the first Wednesday evening of each month, serves as a guiding force behind all of NJDA’s initiatives, and supports the goals of each one of the Committee Chairs, Directors, and Executive Officers.

Here is what we have coming up! All of these worthy events will offer now-required, and much sought-after, CLE credits. Some of them will also offer the ever-elusive Ethics CLE credit. Be on the lookout for more details regarding each of these events on our website at www.njdefenseassoc.com.

● March 12, 2010: Seminar co-hosted by NJDA’s Products Liability Committee and the New Jersey Corporate Counsel Association;

● April 15-16, 2010: DRI Business Litigation and IP Seminar, featuring our very own Mark Saloman who will be presenting, ““Blowing the Whistle or Just Blowing Smoke? Defending State Court-Initiated Whistleblower Claims” (for more information, visit www.dri.org);

● April 29, 2010: Women’s Round Table co-hosted by NJDA’s Diversity and Philanthropy Committees; and

● June 24-27, 2010: Annual Convention located in family fun-filled, Mystic, CT; NJDA is both proud and excited to partner with the Connecticut Defense Lawyer’s Association and the Atlantic Region of DRI for the first joint, annual meeting of its kind!

Now, back to the football/teamwork issue…

NJDA provides continuous opportunities for publishing, speaking, and leading an organization to victory. NJDA needs you, your talent, and your commitment to teamwork. I hope each one of you will consider running with the ball. Please contact me to discuss how you can be our next MVP.

Joanne Vos