The New Jersey State Bar Foundation will award the 2025 Medal of Honor to retired New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Lee A. Solomon and Domenick Carmagnola, a former president of the New Jersey State Bar Association. The Foundation’s award, given annually to lawyers, law-related professionals, and lay people, recognizes professional excellence, service to the legal community and commitment to the people of New Jersey.
“We are proud to recognize the outstanding contributions to the legal profession that both Justice Solomon and Domenick Carmagnola have made throughout their careers,” said NJSBF President Charlie Stoia. “Their dedication and commitment to making a difference for the people of New Jersey is reflected in all that they do and is an example for us all.”
Justice Solomon is known for possessing a deep understanding of the issues facing the people, businesses, and state agencies. Even more, he has a reputation for always treating those who appeared before him with respect and humility. His judicial body of work spans a wide spectrum of the law, including the areas of environmental law, civil litigation, equity, family law, and criminal law.
Justice Solomon joined Archer & Greiner, P.C. earlier this year after a decade of service on the New Jersey Supreme Court.
Justice Solomon came to the Supreme Court in 2014 after having served in all three branches of government, as a member of the New Jersey Assembly, a cabinet member serving as president of the Board of Public Utilities, and the Judiciary.
While serving on the Court, Justice Solomon was a leading voice in the efforts to shine a light on the importance of addressing and improving the mental health and well-being of the legal profession, in particular through his leadership as chair of the Supreme Court Committee on Wellness in the Law, where he began an important conversation to improve the lives of all who work in the profession and the public who are served by them.
“It is a profound honor to be recognized by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation with the Medal of Honor. Throughout my career, I have been privileged to serve alongside countless dedicated professionals who share a common commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law. This award reflects the collaborative spirit of the many individuals who strive every day to improve our legal system and our communities. The law, at its best, is a force for positive change. I accept this award with gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility to continue working towards the betterment of both our profession and the people we serve.”
Domenick Carmagnola is co-founder of Carmagnola & Ritardi, Attorneys at Law and a certified civil trial attorney who concentrates his practice in the areas of labor and employment law representing management and individual defendants in both the private and public sector; non-compete litigation; appellate practice; commercial litigation and business disputes.
His service to the organized bar is extensive. He served as President of the New Jersey State Bar Association from 2021 to 2022. Prior to that, he was an Association officer and trustee, as well as chair of its Labor and Employment Section and is an editor emeritus of the Labor and Employment Law Quarterly. He is also a past president of the Sidney Reitman Labor and Employment Law American Inn of Court and, past President of the Essex County Bar Association. He has also served extensively as a lecturer on issues facing the profession, as well as serving as a mentor and advocate.
I am honored and humbled to receive the Medal of Honor from the NJSBF; an organization whose mission includes fostering professionalism and pride in our profession and increasing knowledge and awareness of the legal system among the public. I am appreciative for the award and view it as a recognition of the opportunities the New Jersey State Bar Association and Foundation provided me, and what they offer all practitioners to enhance their careers and our society through fellowship, education, public service, and Professionalism. These tenets join together to ensure the rule of law is strong and available to all. I am grateful to receive this award because it reminds me of what our profession, the Foundation, the Bar Association and my colleagues have meant to me, which is the true reward.”
Medal of Honor Award Celebration – September 17
An award celebration will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at the Park Chateau Garden Estate in East Brunswick. Tickets for the event are on sale now. Sponsorships are available. Proceeds from the event help support the Foundation’s scholarship program. More at moh.njsbf.org