President’s Message
By: Edward J. Fanning, Jr., Esq.

 

Since our formation in 1966, the New Jersey Defense Association has been comprised of New Jersey’s leading civil defense trial lawyers. Consistent with that storied history, on February 13, Marie Carey led a group of some of our organization’s most experienced trial advocates in presenting our annual Trial College. Held annually at the Union County Courthouse, the Trial College is undoubtedly one of the premier trial advocacy training programs in the state. I’d like to thank Marie and our instructors for once again making it a tremendous success. I also would like to thank The Honorable James J. Hely, J.S.C. and The Honorable William L’E. Wertheimer, J.S.C. (Ret.) for participating in this year’s seminar and offering their valuable insights on effective and ethical courtroom advocacy. Each of our break-out groups engaged in lively, interactive and engaging discussions and hands-on demonstrations. I am sure that all of our participants -- rookies and veterans, defense and plaintiffs’ attorneys alike -- walked away with valuable tips that will help them better serve their clients as effective trial lawyers.

Continuing with our top-notch CLE, we are looking forward to our Products Liability Committee’s upcoming seminar, sponsored jointly with the New Jersey Corporate Counsel Association. This year’s seminar will be held on March 23, 2012 at the Hilton Woodbridge and will include a products liability update, an analysis of indemnification clauses and how to best protect our corporate clients, tips on how to protect the attorney-client privilege in the electronic age, and a discussion of emerging ethics issues in litigation. I would like to thank Charlie Cohen, Chair of our Products Liability Committee, for his efforts in organizing what will surely be an engaging and informative seminar.

As the weather warms and we move into the Spring, I am also looking forward to our annual convention in Boston from June 28 to July 1, 2012. We have a premier location: The Westin Copley Plaza, an elegant yet relaxed setting in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay. The Westin overlooks the Charles River and is only a short stroll from Boston Commons, the Public Gardens, Beacon Hill, Newbury Street and Fenway Park. Many NJDA members are heading up to Beantown a day early to catch an afternoon game as the Red Sox take on the Blue Jays on Wednesday, June 27. In addition, on Friday afternoon and evening we will be hosting a Fenway Park tour and a private reception at the luxurious EMC Club located right behind home plate. Of course, all of this is in addition to our receptions at The Westin and our lineup of valuable CLE programming. Please mark your calendars now. I look forward to seeing you there.

Sincerely,
Ed Fanning
President, New Jersey Defense Association