The New Jersey State Bar Foundation awarded grants to 11 affinity and county bar associations in New Jersey to support programs and events that cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal system among students and the public.
The grants, in support of Law Day or Court Night celebrations, make the law more accessible to thousandsĀ of people around the state. A wide range of programming is planned. Events include panel discussions with members of the Judiciary, educational presentations, essay and poster contests, and open house events in local courthouses. In Hunterdon, community, advocacy, and other organizations will build a community quilt which, when finished, will be on display. Hudson County will have essay, poetry, rap, art, and song contests that will be celebrated at the courthouse in Jersey City with musical performances and a keynote speech. Many counties will honor and recognize the high school teams who participate in the NJSBFās Vincent J. Apruzzese High School Mock Trial Competition.
For more than 30 years, NJSBF has offered Court Night/Law Day cosponsorship funding as part of its mission to educate the public to learn about our legal system. All events center on an annual theme which the American Bar Association selects to spotlight an aspect of law or a legal process and its impact on daily life. This year’s theme is The Constitutionās Promise: Out of Many, One. Law Day is a national event celebrated May 1, but many of the New Jersey events are held throughout the spring.
The affinity and county bar associations that have received funding include:
- Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey
- Cape May County Bar Association
- Essex County Bar Association
- Gloucester County Bar Association
- Hudson County Bar Association
- Hunterdon County Bar Association
- Mercer County Bar Association
- Monmouth Bar Association
- New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association
- Passaic County Bar Association
- Sussex County Bar Association
The NJSBF Court Night/Law Day grant program is made possible through funding from the IOLTA Fund of the Bar of New Jersey.
Read more about the New Jersey State Bar Foundation grant programs.
Originally published January 27, 2025
Bar Report of the New Jersey State Bar Association