Lowenstein's Jonathan C. Wishnia, Justice Barry T. Albin (ret.), Matthew Boxer, Christopher Porrino, Jeffrey M. Shapiro, Judge Freda L. Wolfson (ret.), Brent Weisenberg, Kent Anderson, Kegan A. Brown, Parimal Garg, Christopher W. Gerold, Shontae D. Gray, Mark S. Heinzelmann, Colleen M. Restel, Christina Holder, Markiana J. Julceus, Anna Maria Giblin, Alessandra M. Moore, and Sarah Scott are speaking at the 2026 New Jersey State Bar Association Annual Meeting & Convention.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Panel: AI in the Courtroom: Ethics, Evidence & Hallucinations
AI is all around us, and it is raising urgent questions that every litigator and judge needs to consider. This session brings together members of the judiciary and experienced attorneys to examine the many questions and issues surrounding AI in the courts - including the AOC's internal AI program used by the judiciary, AI-generated evidence and its admissibility, the ethical obligations attorneys face when using AI in litigation, the real dangers of AI hallucinations in legal filings and briefs, and how the bench is approaching AI-assisted decision-making. A rare opportunity to engage directly with judges and practitioners on how AI is shaping the future of courtroom practice.
Moderator:
- Timothy F. McGoughran, Esq., Law Office of Timothy F. McGoughran LLC
Speakers:
- Markiana J. Julceus, Counsel, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
- Hon. Francis Hodgson, NJ State Judiciary
- Dana Ortiz-Tulla, Esq., Administrative Office of the Courts
- Lauren Stinger, Kennedys Law LLP
Time: 9:30 a.m. ET
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Panel: Why Pro Bono? The New Jersey Perspective
Across New Jersey, low-income individuals face devastating civil legal issues without access to counsel. The NJSBA Pro Bono Committee presents this program to make the case for pro bono work across the state, and to demonstrate the role attorneys play in closing the justice gap. The session will focus on the most pressing legal needs, with an emphasis on immigration work. Panelists will review the applicable court rules and considerations governing pro bono work, along with a practical panel discussion focused the “how” and “why” of expanding your pro bono practice. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how and where they can make a difference in New Jersey.
Moderator:
- Emerald Sheay, Esq., Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
Speakers:
- Christina Holder, Senior Public Interest Counsel, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
- Eugenia Lynch, Esq., Law Offices of Eugenia Lynch
- Mary Frances Palisano, Esq., FBT Gibbons
- Akil Roper, Esq., Legal Services of New Jersey
Time: 9:30 a.m. ET
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Panel: Clemency: Governor Murphy's Use of Pardons and Commutations to Advance Criminal Justice
Governor Phil Murphy issued a record number of pardons and commutations after he created a board of experts to review and recommend action on applications and established objective standards for expediting applications. For this panel, Justin Dews, who served as the first Chair of the Clemency Advisory Board; Parimal Garg, former Chief Counsel to Governor Murphy; Matt Berns, who as Deputy Chief Counsel oversaw clemency matters in the Governor's Office; and Rebecca Uwakwe, Director of the ACLU-NJ’s Clemency Project, will discuss Governor Murphy's clemency actions and how other Governors may use New Jersey’s clemency process as a model.
Moderator:
- Justin Dews, Esq., King & Spalding
Speaker:
- Parimal Garg, Partner, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
- Matthew J. Berns, Esq., Troutman Pepper Locke
- Rebecca Uwakwe, Esq., ACLU-NJ
Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Panel: Ugly Business Divorces: How To Avoid Them, Resolve Them, and Win Them
Join this panel discussion focused on: (1) planning for and avoiding business divorces; (2) strategies for negotiating pre-litigation resolutions; and (3) practical tips and considerations in litigating business divorce matters, including minority shareholder oppression claims.
Moderator:
- Christopher T. Walsh, Esq., FBT Gibbons
Speakers:
- Jeffrey M. Shapiro, Partner; Chair, Transactions & Advisory Group, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
- Hon. Mary K. Costello, Pj. Ch.
- Michael Fialkoff, Esq., Day Pitney LLP
- Hon. Robert J. Mega, Pj. Ch. (Ret.)
- Hon. Craig L. Wellerson, P.J. Cv.
- Jonathan S. Liss, Esq., FBT Gibbons
- Gianfranco A. Pietrafesa, Esq., Archer & Greiner
Time: 3:45 p.m. ET
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Panel: Why Can’t We All Get Along? Building Thriving Multigenerational Workforces and Avoiding Employment Lawsuits
With five generations working together in today’s workforce, it is more important than ever to understand and appreciate the unique contributions of each generation and lean into bridging generational gaps in values, communication, and expectations, to build a cohesive and thriving workforce. Effectively understanding the differences between Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z is key to fostering a more respectful, inclusive, and productive workplace, and will help organizations reduce the risk of negative stereotypes, bias incidents, and avoid age-related discrimination and harassment lawsuits. This program will also include important data trends specific to law firms and the legal profession that is valuable for law firm leaders and managing partners.
Moderator:
- Kirsten Scheurer Branigan, Esq., KSBranigan Law
- Sheryl Reba, Esq., Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, PC
Speakers:
- Anna Maria Giblin, Associate, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
- Saad Admani, Esq., Admani Law
- Bria Beaufort, Esq., FBT Gibbons
- Maureen S. Binetti, Esq., Binetti Dispute Solutions LLC
- Lori Ann Buza, Esq., Saint Peter's University
- Amy Valentine McClelland, Esq., Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, PC
Time: 3:45 p.m. ET
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Panel: Law Firm General Counsel Roundtable: Managing Risk While Using AI in Your Law Firm
Join this panel of legal industry leaders as they discuss the critical issues facing the profession, including how to effectively use AI while managing the risks that it brings.
Moderator:
- James J. DiGiulio, Esq., O'Toole Scrivo LLC
Speakers:
- Sarah Scott, Associate General Counsel, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
- Hon. Christine P. O'Hearn, U.S.D.J., U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
- Kathleen Barnett Einhorn, PEM Law LLP
- Ronald Israel, Esq., Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC
Time: 3:45 p.m. ET
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Panel: Fireside Chat with the New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport will discuss the agency’s priorities and goals in a fireside chat.
Moderator:
- Christopher Porrino, Partner; Chair, Litigation Department, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Speakers:
- NJ Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, Law Office of NJ Attorney General Jennifer Davenport
Time: 4 p.m. ET
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Panel: Microplastics, the Evolution of PFAS Litigation
This panel will examine the legal actions and issues around microplastics, the latest wave of environmental litigation stemming from PFAS issues.
Moderator:
- Mark S. Heinzelmann, Partner, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Speakers:
- Kegan A. Brown, Partner, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
- Kathleen Claire Gannon, Esq., Bressler, Amery & Ross
- Jennifer M. Wollenberg, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP-New York
Time: 8:45 a.m. ET
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Panel: How Appealing: Tricks of the Trade in Appellate Practice
Join esteemed appellate jurists and practitioners as they present a seminar in which they highlight the best practices for representing your clients on appeal.
Moderator:
- Justice Barry T. Albin (ret.), Partner; Chair, Appellate, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Speakers:
- Hon. Greta A. Gooden Brown, J.A.D.
- Jeremy M. Feigenbaum, Office of Attorney General
- Lawrence S. Lustberg, Esq., FBT Gibbons
- Kevin Marino, Marino, Tortorella & Boyle, PC
- Hon. Patty Shwartz
Time: 10:30 a.m. ET
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Panel: From Incident Response to Grand Jury: Managing Parallel Cyber, Regulatory, and Criminal Investigations
You are never just managing one investigation, even when it feels like you are. Cyber incidents move fast. Criminal investigations move slow. The danger zone is the overlap—where facts are still developing, statements are already on the record, and prosecutors are watching silently. This panel explores how a cyber incident evolves into overlapping investigations—internal, regulatory, civil, and criminal.
Moderator:
- Julia E. Browning, Esq., FBT Gibbons
Speakers:
- Alessandra M. Moore, Associate, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
- Megan Nicole Linares, FBT Gibbons
- Jamie McMahon, FBI Newark Division
- Lisa Rastelli, Attorney General’s Office
Time: 10:30 a.m. ET
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Panel: Managing Partner Roundtable
The managing partners of New Jersey law firms of differing sizes will come together to discuss the issues facing the profession and what practices all firms can use to improve business.
Moderator:
- Peter J. Torcicollo, Esq., FBT Gibbons
Speakers:
- Jonathan C. Wishnia, Managing Partner; Chair, Mortgage & Structured Finance Practice, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
- Vito A. Gagliardi, Jr., Esq., Porzio Bromberg & Newman
- Marie L. Matthews, Esq., Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC
- Marc A. Rollo, Esq., Archer & Greiner
- Thomas P. Scrivo, Esq., O'Toole Scrivo LLC
Time: 10:30 a.m. ET
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Panel: Commercial Finance and Bankruptcy: High Stakes, Real Outcomes
When a business is in financial distress, the high stakes decisions it makes — and those of its lenders and their respective counsel — will determine whether meaningful distributions are made or whether its estate collapses. This program, co-presented by the NJSBA Bankruptcy Law Section and Banking Law Section, brings together practitioners from both sides of the lending and restructuring table to examine the legal tools, strategies, and frameworks that define high-stakes commercial finance and bankruptcy matters. Topics will include Chapter 11 elections and case types, including standard Chapter 11 cases, small business debtor cases, and Subchapter V elections; SBA loan negotiations and restructuring; debtor-in-possession financing; factoring and merchant cash advances; the scope of federal bankruptcy jurisdiction; and the growing use of judicial mediation to resolve contested matters and adversary proceedings.
Moderator:
- Rebecca K. McDowell, Esq., Saldutti Law Group
Speakers:
- Colleen M. Restel, Partner, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
- Hon. Christine M. Gravelle, U.S.B.J.
- Steven T. Knipfelberg, Esq., McDermott Will & Schute LLP
- Joseph M. Shapiro, Esq., Middlebrooks Shapiro, PC
Time: 1:15 p.m. ET
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Panel: The Case for Using Mediators, Arbitrators and Special Adjudicators in the State and Federal Courts
Learn the best strategies for the proper preparation for mediation. How should lawyers prepare for an effective mediation, both for individual matters and class actions. Get the perspective of experienced mediators and special adjudicators, as well as that of attorneys at this discussion that will set you up for success in your next case.
Moderator:
- Hon. Thomas M. Moore, P.J.Cv. (Ret.), O'Toole Scrivo, LLC
Speakers:
- Kent Anderson, Partner, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
- Chief Justice James R. Zazzali (Ret.), Gibbons, PC and Zazzali, PC
- Hon. Douglas E. Arpert (Ret.)
- Susan Sangillo Bellifemine, Esq., Susan Sangillo Bellifemine LLC
- Stuart Reiser, Esq., Shapiro Croland Reiser Apfel & Di Iorio LLP
Time: 1:15 p.m. ET
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Panel: From the Front Lines of Financial Fraud: Meet the Regulators
This program will feature current and former securities regulators from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and the New Jersey Bureau of Securities. The program will focus on combatting financial fraud and would feature a discussion of the most noteworthy financial fraud cases brought in recent months.
Moderator:
- Eric A. Boden, Duane Morris
Speakers:
- Christopher W. Gerold, Partner, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
- Lisa M. Colone, Esq., Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC
- Richard J. Corcoran, III, CPA, ABV, PKF O'Connor Davies, LLP
- Nicholas Grippo, Esq., Securities and Exchange Commission
- Michael J. Rinaldi, Esq., Law Office of Michael J. Rinaldi
Time: 1:15 p.m. ET
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Panel: This is the Moment: Experiences that Shaped a Career
Every legal journey follows a different path; experiences shape practices and change the way lawyers approach the practice of law. This panel will explore the paths of leaders of the New Jersey legal community and the moments and experiences that shaped their legal careers.
Moderator:
- Prof. Jenny-Brooke B. Condon, Esq., Seton Hall Law School
Speakers:
- Justice Barry T. Albin (ret.), Partner; Chair, Appellate, Lowenstein Sandler, LLP
- Christopher Porrino, Partner; Chair, Litigation Department, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
- Justice John J. Hoffman, New Jersey Supreme Court
- Justice Jaynee LaVecchia (ret.), McCarter & English, LLP
Time: 1:15 p.m. ET
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Panel: From the Inside Out: From Prosecuting to Defending Clients in Government Investigations
A government investigation is a formal process initiated by a specialized agency to determine whether a person, business, or organization has violated state or federal law or regulation. These inquiries reflect the government’s authority to examine a wide range of activities, from complicated white-collar crimes to ensuring compliance with certain regulations, financial or otherwise. The scope of a government investigation involves significant resources. Understanding the structure of these investigations and the rights afforded to individuals and businesses are key. This presentation – which includes perspectives from the relevant players (government; defense counsel; target/subject/witness) – will help break down the process, tools, and constitutional rights that govern these government investigations, from agency scrutiny to final outcomes. We'll also discuss the future of government investigations, including the use of AI.
Moderator:
- Jenny Chung, Esq., Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC
Speakers:
- Matthew Boxer, Partner; Chair, White Collar Defense; Chair, Corporate Investigations & Integrity, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
- Shontae D. Gray, Partner, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
- Samantha Fasanello, Mandelbaum Barrett PC
- Michelle S. Gasparian, Esq., Merck
- Vikas Khanna, Esq., Sills Cummis & Gross PC
Time: 1:15 p.m. ET
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Panel: Funding the Fight: The Evolving Landscape of Third-Party Litigation Financing
Third-party litigation funding has moved from the periphery of complex litigation to the center of strategic case planning. What was once viewed as an alternative financing mechanism is now a significant and, at times, outcome-determinative feature of modern disputes. Join us to examine the current and evolving legal framework governing third-party litigation funding, with particular emphasis on New Jersey practice.
Moderator:
- Chief Judge Freda L. Wolfson (ret.), Partner; Chair, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Speakers:
- Hon. Andre M. Espinosa, U.S.M.J.
- Melissa A. Geist, Esq., Reed Smith, LLP
- Erika Levin, Fox Rothschild
- William Marra, Certum Group
- Christopher A. Seeger, Esq., Law Office of Christopher A. Seeger
Time: 3:15 p.m. ET
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Panel: Handling Sex Abuse Cases
This is an opportunity to learn the latest developments and issues in handling sex abuse cases from defense, plaintiff, and bankruptcy perspectives.
Moderator:
- Craig J. Hubert, Esq., Treasurer, New Jersey State Bar Association, Szaferman Lakind Blumstein & Blader PC
Speakers:
- Brent Weisenberg, Partner; Vice Chair, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Department, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
- James E. Cecchi, Esq., Carella Byrne Cecchi Olstein Brody & Agnello
- Hon. Douglas H. Hurd, P.J.Cv.
- Thomas J. Manzo, Esq., Szaferman Lakind Blumstein & Blader, PC
- Annabelle Steinhacker, Esq., Javerbaum Wurgaft
Time: 3:15 p.m. ET
Conference Location: Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
