njsbf new jersey state bar foundation logo a 501c3 non profit organization

Informed Citizens

are Better Citizens

About the New Jersey State Bar Foundation

Founded in 1958, the New Jersey State Bar Foundation has been dedicated to carrying out the charitable and educational endeavors of the organized bar, specifically the New Jersey State Bar Association.

In 1988, when it moved to its current location at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick, the Foundation made a concentrated effort to expand its public education efforts. Today, the Foundation stands as a model for law-related education organizations across the country.

Our Mission

  • Foster an increased awareness, appreciation and knowledge of law and the legal system.
  • Serve as the statewide resource for law-related education for the public.
  • Provide opportunities for lawyers to serve the public through the Foundation’s programs.
  • Foster professionalism and pride in the profession of law through public service.

Believing that “informed citizens are better citizens,” the Foundation strives to educate everyone in New Jersey—from students to senior citizens—about their rights and responsibilities under the law. We accomplish this by providing:

  • Civics and Law-related publications and blogs for students, educators and the public
  • Mock Trial competitions for students in grades 3-12
  • Educator Trainings in violence prevention and anti-bias initiatives
  • Programs for the public, including an annual Law and Disability Conference
  • Partnering with other New Jersey non-profits to broaden legal education through cosponsorship
  • Law School Scholarships
  • Volunteer opportunities for attorneys in our Speakers Bureau

Our programs are free

The Foundation’s programs are funded by the IOLTA Fund of the Bar of New Jersey, corporate sponsors, and individual donations. IOLTA stands for Interest on Income on Non-Interest Bearing Lawyers Trust Accounts. All attorneys in private practice in New Jersey are required to participate in this program. For more information on how law firms can comply, visit IOLTA’s website.

For an overview of the FREE services we offer schools, take a look at our two-page services flyer. Click on the image below to open/download the PDF.

Check out the videos below. The Making a Difference video highlights just some of the Foundation’s good work, including our mock trial program, publications, law school scholarship program and our teasing and bullying program, (now known as The Role of the School Climate Team).