The New Jersey Defense Association held its 52nd Annual Convention June 28-July 1, 2018 at the Whiteface Lodge in beautiful Lake Placid, NY.

In addition to enjoying this lovely Adirondack location, the Convention included two CLE sessions on Friday and Saturday mornings covering a wide variety of topics, including employment law, construction, trial practice skills, accident reconstruction, ethics and professionalism, and more. NJDA wishes to thank DRI for sponsoring an outstanding keynote speaker, Matthew G. Moffett, whose “Reptile Theory for the Defense” presentation was invaluable to our members and Convention attendees.

Outgoing President and now Chairperson of the Board, Natalie H. Mantell, received the NJDA Outstanding Service Award for her vision and leadership of our Association during her term. She was also presented with the DRI Exceptional Performance Award by our DRI State Representative, Mario Delano.

Aldo J. Russo was installed as President of the NJDA for the term 2018-2019, Michael A. Malia was installed as President-Elect. John V. Mallon moved into the Chairs as Secretary-Treasurer. Other Officers and Directors installed were: Vice President Northern Region Nicole Cassata, Vice President Central Region Juliann Alicino, Vice President Southern Region Robert M. Cook, Directors Ryan Richman, Katelyn E. Cutinello and Brian J. Chabarek.

Marie A. Carey, NJDA Past President, Co-Chair of our Trial College and Chair of our Women and the Law Committee, received our annual Attorney of the Year award, and Katelyn E. Cutinello, Co-Chair of our Professional Liability and Young Lawyers Committee, received our annual Young Lawyer of the Year award.

Congratulations to all Officers, Directors and award winners, and thank you to everyone who made our 52nd Annual Convention a great success.