The New Jersey State Bar Association has created a sweeping task force to examine issues facing the legal community as a result of the COVID-19 public health crisis.

The NJSBA Pandemic Task Force brings together thought leaders from across the profession to study questions including how to safely reopen law firms; adjust courthouse operations; resume jury trials; examine the impact of the pandemic on substantive areas of law; and how access to justice has been affected.

The Task Force will consult with a cross section of attorneys around the state, the Judiciary, elected officials, members of law enforcement, county and specialty bar associations, and law firm leaders. It will make recommendations and provide guidance to the state’s lawyers.

NJSBA President Kimberly A. Yonta said that she created the Task Force in recognition of the fact that the pandemic has and will continue to have a profound effect on society and the law. The NJSBA is committed to providing its members and the legal community the practical resources it needs to adapt to the new reality.

“Now, more than ever, what lawyers do is essential to New Jersey and society. We are the foot soldiers for justice, the rule of law and the Constitution. The New Jersey State Bar Association has an important role to play in offering leadership and guidance in the path forward. The Association, with the vast experience of its diverse members, has an obligation and responsibility to provide expertise and guidance to the legal community and public as we navigate the road ahead,” Yonta said.

Former NJSBA President Thomas H. Prol is chair of the Task Force, which is comprised of five committees. The committees are:

Courthouse Logistics and Operations, which will provide leadership and guidance about the safety concerns for lawyers and the public regarding the reopening of courthouses across the state, from municipal courts, to Superior Courts in all 19 vicinages, to the state’s federal courthouses. NJSBA President-Elect Domenick Carmagnola is chair of the committee.

Practice of Law, which will provide leadership on the emerging challenges and opportunities confronting the legal profession and the justice system arising from the COVID-19 pandemic in substantive practice areas. NJSBA First Vice President Jeralyn Lawrence and Second Vice President Timothy McGoughran will serve as chairs of the committee.

Resuming Jury Trials, which will create recommendations for the New Jersey Supreme Court’s consideration for the safe, effective, and Constitutional resumption of civil and criminal jury trials. NJSBA Treasurer William Mergner Jr. is chair of the committee.

Law Firm Opening and Operations, which will provide recommendations and guidance for opening and maintaining safe and healthy law office environments for lawyers, employees, and clients. NJSBA Secretary Christine Amalfe is chair of the committee.

Access to Justice, which will actively promote the NJSBA pro bono platform nj.freelegalanswers.org, so members of the public can access lawyers for their initial legal questions related to COVID-19. It will also identify the legal needs of those less advantaged and develop strategies to assist them. NJSBA Immediate Past President Evelyn Padin is chair of the committee.

Since the first days of the pandemic, the NJSBA has collected information and resources for the legal profession at njsba.com, created a free webinar series with practice-specific guidance and practical tips, and advocated with elected officials for law changes to address the challenges the pandemic has presented to lawyers and their clients.

May 16, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Wendy Solomon
732-937-7504

NEW BRUNSWICK – A Monmouth County practitioner was sworn in last night as second vice president of the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA), the state’s largest group of judges, lawyers and legal professionals.Timothy F. McGoughran, a former trustee, is on track to serve as the 125th president of the Association in 2023. McGoughran has always enjoyed the camaraderie and networking the NJSBA offers and said he looks forward to working for its members on the Executive Committee. “Being a part of the NJSBA has made me a better lawyer,” he said “During these difficult times, I am proud of being part of this team at the NJSBA to highlight the relevance of our organization, now more than ever, and providing greater benefits for our members.”

McGoughran established an Ocean Township law firm that concentrates on handling divorce, estate and family law matters. He served as municipal prosecutor in Ocean Township for over a decade, concluding in 2011. Since January 2012, he has been the municipal court judge in Ocean Township.

McGoughran’s involvement in the organized bar is extensive. He has served as co-chair of the Legislative and Meeting Arrangement and Program committees, chair of the Family Law Section and served with the Military Law and Veterans Affairs Section, as well as the Legal Education Committee.

In addition, he is active with the Monmouth Bar Association, serving as a trustee for many years, and its president from 2007-2008. He speaks regularly about family law and ethics and served as the moderator of the 2017 Family Law Symposium.

McGoughran served as the NJSBA representative to the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Municipal Court Operations, Fines and Fees, which in June 2018 issued a comprehensive report with a far-reaching, reform-minded review of the state’s municipal court practices.

He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and Seton Hall University School of Law.

He lives in Ocean Township with his wife Allison. They have three children: Jay, a lawyer in Atlanta; Bobby, a lawyer in Philadelphia; and Morgan, a soon-to-be graduate of Rutgers Law School, Newark.

On September 25, 2019, the Young Lawyers Committee of the Monmouth Bar Association raised over $1,500.00 for the Legal Aid Society by hosting its first annual volleyball tournament at Bar Anticipation, Belmar, New Jersey. Richard Sanvenero, Jr., Esq. of the Law Office of Timothy F. McGoughran, LLC co-chaired this successful fundraiser.

This event was attended by Immediate Past President of the Legal Aid Society, Allison McGoughran and the Law Office of Timothy F. McGoughran, LLC. Shown in this photo and playing for Team McGoughran, left to right, Richard Sanvenero, Jr., Esq., Timothy F. McGoughran, Esq., Victoria Pettit, Matthew Flotard, Sabrina Blasi, Esq., and Jessica Brady.

Immediate Past President of the Legal Aid Society of Monmouth County, Allison McGoughran, chaired the Legal Aid Society Annual Wine Reception on September 27, 2019, successfully raising funds for this important organization.

Attending this wonderful event generously hosted by the Giunco Family, owners of 4JG’s Vineyard in Colts Neck, New Jersey for the Law Office of Timothy F. McGoughran, LLC., Timothy F. McGoughran, Esq., Sabrina Blasi, Esq., Victoria Pettit and Michelle O’Connor.

Featured in the Photo: (Back row) Michelle O’Connor, Victoria Pettit, Immediate Past President Legal Aid Society – Allison McGoughran, Monmouth County Clerk – Christine Hanlon, (Front row) Laura Wishart Dugan, Esq., Exec. Dir. Tracey Settipane

Tim McGoughran speaks to over 700 lawyers at the NJSBA 2020 Family Law
Symposium.   He and his panel discussed the judicial interpretation of the
alimony amendments of 2014.

On January 26, 2019, Timothy F. McGoughran, Esq., moderated a panel at the New Jersey ICLE’s 2019 Family Law Symposium. Mr. McGoughran served on a panel that discussed “The New Alimony Law-How’s That Working For You?”, alongside other prominent panelists Jeralyn Lawrence, Esq., Hon. Thomas P. Zampino, PJFP (Ret.), and Mark H. Sobel, Esq.

The Family Law Symposium-New Jersey’s leading family law conference- was presented in association with the NJSBA Family Law Section. Hundreds of family law attorneys, judges, paralegals, and professionals convened on January 25^th and 26^th in New Brunswick to examine today’s biggest matrimonial law issues and innovations. The Family Law Symposium covered issues such as the new alimony law, variable income/variable alimony, the economic and custodial consequences of 50/50 child custody, the top ten most important family law cases of 2018, the new and amended court rules and statutes, and many more family law topics.

As Chair of the Family Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association, Timothy F. McGoughran has planned for this year’s Family Law Retreat to take place at the beautiful JW Marriott in Cancun, Mexico. This annual retreat is attended by family law attorneys and experts from varying supportive fields, such as accounting, banking, financial planning, and insurance. The four day retreat will include educational seminars showcasing the most current family law cases, statutes, and legislation, as well as networking events among the varying family law professionals. The retreat will take place from March 22^nd to the 26^th.

Cancun, a small fishing village only 40 years ago, is now known for its beautiful beaches, awe-inspiring Mayan ruins, and fun-filled nightlife. With a vast array of activities and fun to be had, Cancun is perfect for the whole family! Take a day trip to the ancient Mayan city of El Ray, jet-ski in the sea, or venture out and explore all the nightlife Cancun has to offer. The JW Marriot is a beautiful beachfront hotel nestled between the sea and a lagoon. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, an array of restaurants, a Mayan-inspired spa, and two bars for nightlife. We look forward to seeing you there!