FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Nov. 4, 2022 – The New Jersey office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP sponsored the "Race & Jury: How Bias and Prejudice Impact the Jury System” program Oct. 26 at Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark, New Jersey. Panelists discussed issues concerning race, bias, and diversity in connection with jury trials. These include New Jersey’s new rules for jury selection rules and attorney voir dire stemming from State v. Andujar and the related commission convened by the New Jersey Supreme Court.
Greenberg Traurig Shareholder Ian S. Marx moderated the panel, which consisted of Honorable Susan D. Wigenton, United States District Court Judge for the District of New Jersey; Honorable Hany Mawla, Judge of the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey; Philip R. Sellinger, United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey; Karen Thompson, senior staff attorney, ACLU-NJ; and Dr. Maithilee Pathak, partner, R&D Strategic Solutions.
The program was introduced by Greenberg Traurig Labor & Employment Shareholder Galit Kierkut with closing remarks delivered by Eric D. Wong, a Greenberg Traurig Litigation shareholder. Kierkut and Wong serve as co-chairs of the firm’s New Jersey Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. The program was hosted by several New Jersey Bar affinity groups including the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association, Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey, Garden State Bar Association, Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association, New Jersey Women Lawyers Association, and South Asian Bar Association of New Jersey. A representative of each bar association spoke during the cocktail reception that followed the program.
“We are proud to have sponsored this incredible event, and, together with the panelists and hosts, bring awareness to issues concerning race, bias, and diversity associated with jury selection in our state,” Kierkut said.
“Greenberg Traurig is proud to support diverse bar organizations across New Jersey and sponsor impactful events that explore issues of race, bias, and diversity in jury trials,” Wong said.