Jury Sides with Whistleblower in Landmark Case Against Jersey City Schools, Awarding $245,000 for Retaliation

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — A civil jury in Hudson County has awarded $125,000 in punitive damages to a former Jersey City Public Schools employee after finding that the Jersey City Board of Education retaliated against her for whistleblowing. The ruling came after a trial that lasted two weeks, culminating in a verdict delivered on Tuesday. The jury’s decision follows an earlier award of $120,000 in compensatory damages granted to Sabrina Harrold, the former assistant director of human resources for the district. Following the jury’s deliberations, Judge Kalimah Ahmad concluded the trial and dismissed the jurors. … Read more

New Jersey Bolsters Tenant Protections with Groundbreaking Lead Safety Law, Prioritizing Clean Water Access

Trenton, N.J. — Acting Governor Tahesha Way signed a significant new law aimed at protecting New Jersey residents from the dangers of lead exposure in drinking water. The legislation, known as A2929/S1034, mandates that landlords must inform current and prospective tenants about lead presence in drinking water, ensures free lead testing, and lessens barriers related to lead pipe replacement. The bill enhances existing measures first introduced in 2021, when Governor Phil Murphy enacted the Lead Service Line Replacement Law. This previous legislation requires community water systems to eliminate all lead service lines in their networks … Read more

New Jersey Boosts Access to Justice: Rutgers Law’s Clinical Program Receives $100,000 Funding for Student-Led Legal Clinics

CAMDEN, N.J. — Rutgers Law School in Camden is set to enhance its Clinical Program with a $100,000 grant from the state of New Jersey, designed to support student engagement in real-world legal cases under the guidance of experienced faculty. This funding is instrumental in providing legal assistance to underserved populations who might otherwise be without representation. The initiative was spearheaded by New Jersey Assemblyman William Spearman, who played a pivotal role in the legislative process to secure the financial support. Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald formally presented the grant to Rutgers Law Camden’s … Read more

From Courtroom to Cone: New Jersey Divorce Lawyer Spreads Joy with Shaved Ice Truck

Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, attorney Michele Walter has traded her courtroom for a Kona Ice truck, bringing a new twist to her life as a divorce lawyer. The 55-year-old legal professional has gained recognition in her community not just for her legal expertise but also for dishing out colorful shaved ice treats on weekends. After years of practicing family law, Walter sought to spread joy and sweetness through her mobile dessert venture. The inspiration to dive into the Kona Ice business came when she learned that her brother and sister-in-law were expanding their thriving operation, … Read more