This program is eligible for 4 hours of CLE credit in 60-minute states. In 50-minute states, this program is eligible for 4.8 hours of CLE credit. Credit hours are estimated and are subject to each state’s approval and credit rounding rules.
Overview
This program is tailored for Pennsylvania practitioners seeking to expand their knowledge and confidence in handling cases within the New Jersey Superior Court system. Whether you're new to practicing in New Jersey or looking to update your skills, this course will provide you with essential insights and practical guidance to navigate the unique procedural and substantive aspects of New Jersey litigation.
Topics Include:
Navigating NJ Superior Court: Rules of Civil Procedure, Pretrial Strategies, and understanding Title 59 Immunity
This comprehensive session will provide an in-depth overview of critical aspects of New Jersey civil procedure. We’ll begin with Title 59 Immunity, covering its protections for government entities and officials, when these protections can be challenged, and time limitations. Next, we’ll explore the most important rules of civil procedure, from filing complaints to managing deadlines and motions, ensuring effective case management. We’ll also examine common pretrial mistakes made by PA lawyers, including discovery missteps and failure to meet procedural requirements, followed by essential strategies for motion practice and discovery. Finally, we’ll address frequent mistakes lawyers make during trial and provide best practices to enhance courtroom performance and client outcomes.
Mastering Discovery Motion Practice, Tips on Dealing with Discovery Issues that Arise, and Avoiding Common Trial Mistakes
This session focuses on essential skills in motion practice and discovery, crucial elements of any successful Pennsylvania litigation strategy. We’ll cover the key types of motions, their timing, and strategies for effective discovery, including handling disputes and adhering to deadlines. Additionally, we’ll highlight the most common mistakes PA lawyers make at trial, such as mishandling evidence, poor jury management, and ineffective arguments. Learn practical tips to avoid these errors and ensure a more streamlined and effective trial process.
Medical Malpractice, Workers Compensation in NJ, and Premises Liability/Auto Overview and Handling the Criminal Case in NJ
This session provides a comprehensive overview of three key areas in personal injury and litigation. The latter part of the session is geared toward defining some of the nuances between Pennsylvania and New Jersey in some of the civil litigation areas of law. First, we’ll touch on medical malpractice, examining the requirements of filing an action, common defenses, and procedural nuances. Next, we’ll explore New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system, covering eligibility, benefits, and critical legal considerations. Finally, we’ll cover some important nuances between PA and NJ for premises liability and auto accident matters, as well as key strategies for handling a criminal case in New Jersey Courts.
Recorded in April 2025.
Faculty
Jarad Silverstein, Esq.
Mr. Silverstein is a trial attorney and Shareholder at Wapner Newman Brecher & Miller, P.C. in Philadelphia, where his practice is focused on pursuing medical malpractice and other catastrophic injury claims on behalf of injured plaintiffs. He handles cases across the entire spectrum of health care, from obstetrics to emergency medicine to oncology, and everything in between. His practice covers all counties across the State of New Jersey and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Wapner Newman, Mr. Silverstein spent the first part of his career with a prominent South Jersey law firm, where he defended medical providers and hospitals in medical malpractice suits. Before that, he clerked for the Hon. Karen L. Suter, J.S.C. in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington Vicinage, Law Division -Civil. He has been recognized annually in the “Super Lawyers” publication in New Jersey and/or Pennsylvania every year since 2013. He earned his B.B.A. from the George Washington University and his J.D. from Widener University School of Law.
Alaina A. Gregorio, Esq.
Alaina A. Gregorio, Esq. concentrates her law practice on complex personal injury and medical malpractice litigation in addition to labor and employment disputes. Alaina Gregorio has extensive experience litigating personal injury cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, including medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, and slip and falls. Additionally, she is experienced in representing claimants in labor and employment matters including sexual harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination. Ms. Gregorio graduated cum laude from LaSalle University in 2007 before receiving her juris doctor degree from Rutgers University School of Law in 2011. During law school, Ms. Gregorio held a judicial internship in the United States District Court in Camden, NJ with Honorable Judge Renee Marie Bumb. Ms. Gregorio. Outside of the office, Alaina enjoys serving her community by providing pro bono legal representation through the Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program (Philadelphia VIP). In addition, Alaina volunteers with Manna, an organization that provides nutritious, medically appropriate meals to community members suffering from life threatening illnesses. In her spare time, Alaina enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and visiting the Jersey shore.
Dominic A. DeLaurentis, Esq.
Mr. DeLaurentis is the founder of Stahl & DeLaurentis, P.C. He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and United States District Courts. Since 1984 he has focused his career as an advocate for the healthcare profession. Mr. DeLaurentis is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney. Mr. DeLaurentis was appointed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey to sit on its Model Civil Jury Charges Committee. He has been asked to lecture for various physician groups, insurance companies, and the Institute for Continuing Legal Education. He is the Past President of ABOTA’s Southern New Jersey Chapter. ABOTA is an organization committed to educating teachers, students, and the public in civics. Mr. DeLaurentis has been elected as a “Super Lawyer” from 2005 through the present and a “Top 100” Super Lawyer in New Jersey. He has tried to verdict over 150 medical malpractice cases. Mr. DeLaurentis graduated from Dennison University in 1981 and then attended Widener University-The Delaware Law School, graduating in 1984.
Charlene Cathcart, Esq.
Charlene Cathcart is a skilled and accomplished attorney who uses the power of her knowledge, experience and skill to provide her clients with the very best legal representation and solutions. From our first meeting consultation through the resolution of your case, you can rest assured that you will be listened to carefully, treated with respect and compassion, and have a strong and dedicated advocate working on your behalf. At the Law Office of Charlene Cathcart, our focus is always on what is in our clients’ best interest. We understand that our success relies upon your success, so whether you are in need of representation in a personal injury lawsuit, need assistance resolving a tax law dispute, are facing a charge in criminal or municipal court or need legal counsel in ending a marriage, you can rest assured that you will get our complete attention and an unending commitment to legal excellence. The Law Office of Charlene Cathcart has a well-earned reputation for providing clients with a comfortable and friendly atmosphere that can provide solutions and strategies for a wide variety of legal issues, including family law, personal injury, criminal law and dispute resolution. We are proud of our record of representing individuals, families, businesses and professionals alike, providing the successful conclusion they need to some of their biggest challenges.
Adam Kotlar, Esq.
Adam Kotlar is an aggressive and diligent trial attorney who represents accident victims in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The founder of our firm, formerly known as the Law Offices of Adam Kotlar, he has been practicing law since 1995 and is one of only four attorneys in the state of New Jersey to be Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as both a Civil Trial and a Workers’ Compensation Law attorney. Adam is also a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a select group of attorneys who have successfully handled cases that resulted in a recovery of $1 million or more for their clients, and is Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Civil Trial Law Advocate. Known for his service to his clients, Adam is rated “AV” (highest available) by the peer review organization Martindale Hubble, and 10 (highest available) on AVVO, garnering numerous 5-star reviews for his case performance on various ranking and review sites. Adam leads a firm full of attorneys who take pride in their legal work and fight for their clients’ rights while prioritizing communication and education every step of the way. Adam advocates for these methodologies by helping other attorneys learn to be more effective in fighting for the rights of clients. In addition, he has taught numerous seminars on personal injury and workers’ compensation for the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, New Jersey Association for Justice, the New Jersey Council on Safety & Health, the National Business Institute, and other organizations. He is the author of a chapter in the “LexisNexis Practice Guide: New Jersey Workers’ Compensation.” As a court-certified arbitrator, a licensed real estate agent, and a graduate of the United Way Board of Directors Training Program, Adam is continuously striving for further education and improving his ability to advocate for his clients.
Heidi G. Villari, Esq.
Ms. Villari is the principal Shareholder of The Villari Firm, LLC, a boutique specialty firm representing people who are catastrophically injured. Ms. Villari is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as well as the State of New Jersey. She practices actively in both states. Her main office is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she was born and raised. Ms. Villari’s career has been diverse. She honed the practice of law first on the defense side, where she was one of the first young female partners of her former firm. She then switched sides and became a plaintiffs’ lawyer where her focus included catastrophic loss, wrongful death, and medical malpractice. Ms. Villari’s aggressive approach to holding people accountable for their wrongdoing has resulted in a number of favorable outcomes for clients. She uses her training on the defense side as well as her past experience in handling significant injuries and complex litigation to advocate for clients. There is no doubt that Ms. Villari’s knowledge of personal injury law and her watchful eye in overcoming the defense strategies have led her to a prolific career. To date, Ms. Villari has obtained over $125 million in settlement and awards. One of Ms. Villari’s most notable cases involved wins include a $11 Million Dollar Jury Verdict in Buck County Pennsylvania involving a woman who suffered a tear when delivering a baby. She also obtained an $8 Million Dollar result in a helicopter crash case where her client was partially paralyzed. Other Notable Settlements include a $20 million settlement on behalf for an obstetrical injury and a $12 Million Dollar settlement in a case involving a bus accident. Ms. Villari most enjoys handling cases where children have been injured as she believes that the work done in pediatric cases can improve the lives of innocent children who are harmed. Ms. Villari is on the Board of the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association. She served as a Judge Pro Tempore for Philadelphia County. She is a Hearing Committee Member for the Disciplinary Board of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She has earned the Clients’ choice award for AVVO with a top rating, and for the last two years, received Top 50 Women in Pennsylvania. She is also a member of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Philadelphia Bar Association and the Justinian Society. She is a Board Member of the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association. Outside her practice, Ms. Villari frequently teaches fellow attorneys through continuing education courses and enjoys spending time with her young son, Matteo.
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