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The basics:

• Norberto Garcia sworn in as NJSBA president
• Garcia is first foreign-born president in association history
• Leader emphasized lawyer well-being, mentorship
• New executive committee members also sworn in for one-year terms

Blume Forte partner Norberto Garcia is making history as the first foreign-born president of the New Jersey State Bar Association.

After his swearing-in during the NJSBA‘s May 14 annual meeting in Atlantic City, Garcia will serve a one-year term.

New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner administered the oath. After, Garcia reflected on how immigrating to the U.S. from Cuba at a young age with his family served as an experience that shaped both his character as well as approach to law.

“Too often there’s an assumption that lawyers have unlimited time, money, and support. We all know that’s not the case,” Garcia said. “As we consider rule changes, legislation and court decisions, I will keep a clear focus on their real-world impact and on the day-to-day practice and well-being of lawyers.”

Garcia also emphasized the importance of rebuilding professional connection and community within the legal profession in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I want the New Jersey State Bar Association to occupy that space – to give lawyers the opportunity to come together, communicate, and mentor one another,” he said. “We should expand opportunities for experienced attorneys to engage and for newer lawyers to find guidance and support.

“We will continue our strong partnership with county and affinity bar associations across the state, serving as a connecting entity and a center of gravity for New Jersey’s legal community.”

Getting to know Garcia

After immigrating to the U.S., Garcia and his family settled down in Hudson County. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University. Garcia earned his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Following graduation, Garcia joined Sinins & Bross in Newark, working for the rights of negligence victims. He later joined Blume in Newark, where he became a partner in 2008. Five years later, he moved to Javerbaum Wurgaft, where he eventually became a partner. In 2019, Garcia returned to Blume as a partner.

He is a certified civil trial attorney and member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Garcia has represented clients in a broad spectrum of personal injury matters. Those areas include automobile accidents, construction cases, premises liability and medical malpractice.

Over the years, Garcia has been involved with the NJSBA’s diversity committee and the civil bar section’s executive committee. Additionally, he’s served as a trustee and the first Latino president for the NJBSA’s charitable foundation.

Learn more about NJSBA President Norberto Garcia (courtesy of NJSBA):

As president of the state’s largest association of judges, lawyers and legal professionals, Garcia will play a key part in advancing its mission to advocate for the legal profession, promote access to justice and support the independence and integrity of the judicial branch.

Garcia said he is honored to step into his newest position.

“The NJSBA plays a critical role in supporting the legal profession and strengthening the administration of justice across our state. I look forward to building on that mission by fostering collaboration, advancing professional development, and ensuring our members have the resources they need to effectively serve their clients,” he said.

Other NJSBA appointments

Garcia assumed the post from Christine Amalfe, chair of the employment and labor law group at Gibbons PC in Newark.

During Garcia’s installation ceremony, the NJSBA honored Amalfe for her work over the past year.

She commented, “Each day, I was inspired by the volunteers who dedicate their time outside of work to strengthen the profession. They devote countless hours drafting Supreme Court briefs, advocating in consequential cases, contributing to legislation that enhances our legal system and sharing their expertise through educational panels. These volunteers represent the best of us, and I am proud to have stood alongside them.”

Rabner also swore in members of the executive committee to one-year term:

• Glennon Troublefield – president-elect
• Diana Manning – first vice president
• Craig Hubert – second vice president
• Richard Klineburger III – treasurer
• Alexandra Gallo – secretary