ET SEQ. - Cumberland County Bar Association & Foundation · Michael Testa, Jr. Immediate Past President Beth White Foundation Trustees Isabella Garofola William Gilson Steven Kernan

A M E S S A G E F RO M O U R P R E S I D E N T K R I S T I N J . E I S E N H A R D T , E S Q U I R E

SPRING 2018

2017-2018 Officers

Kristin Eisenhardt President

Matthew Robinson President Elect

Deana Walsh VP of Fundraising

Charles Coant Treasurer

Chad Davis Secretary

Board of Trustees

Kim Barfield

Tariq Chaudhri

Abigail Holmes

Anthony Imbesi

Elizabeth Vogelsong

Henry P. Zerella

Jr. Trustee

Sr. Trustee

Theodore H. Ritter

NJSBA Trustee

Michael Testa, Jr.

Immediate Past President

Beth White

Foundation Trustees

Isabella Garofola

William Gilson

Steven Kernan

Exectutive Director

Carol Walker

ET SEQ. MARK YOUR CALENDARS

4/20—CCBF FUNDRAISER :

A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

4/25—LUNCHTIME CLE

THE GREEN OLIVE

5/1—LAW DAY BREAKFAST

TERRIGNO’S FAIRFIELD INN

I will focus this issue’s article on the upcoming Night at the Museum on

April 20, 2018. We will be hosting a cocktail party at the Museum of American

Glass (Wheaton Arts). Enjoy drinks and hor d'oeuvres while viewing over

12,000 pieces of American glass dating from 1739 to present. Please make eve-

ry effort to attend this upcoming event. It is the first event of this kind for our

Foundation and we are all looking forward to it being a great success. The

fundraising committee is spending a lot of time and effort to make sure that the

event is profitable so that the programs we fund may continue. If you are una-

ble to attend the event, please remember that donations are always welcome.

Come out and enjoy a great night with friends and colleagues. RSVP early so

that our committee does not have to remind you to attend. We appreciate in

advance those who will attend and support our event.

Thank you to all those who attended the 40/50 year event honoring our

members for their long careers as attorneys. The event was a huge success

which would not have been possible without Vincent Pancari and his hosting

skills (despite microphone issues).

I would also like to recognize our Lawyer of the Month, Ted Ritter.

Ted graciously stepped up as our interim Senior Trustee for the remainder of the

year as the Honorable Joseph Chiarello, J.S.C. left a vacancy when he joined the

judiciary. While I could write pages upon pages on Ted’s accolades, I will keep

this brief (as he often graciously does during his speeches). Ted serves as our

Historian, providing monthly articles for the Et Seq. and without him we would

not have the amazing biographies for each of those we are remembering during

our Opening of the Courts and honoring during our 40-50-60 dinners. Ted vol-

unteers for numerous fundraising events and always asks how he can assist. For

these and so many more reasons, I have chosen Ted Ritter as our March Lawyer

of the Month. Thank you for all you do, Mr. Ritter!

Lastly, we continue to have schools which are in need of a mentor for

the Classroom to Courtroom program. If you wish to volunteer for any of the

schools listed below, please contact Carol or myself.

Cumberland:

Veteran’s Memorial (Johnson)

Vineland Public Charter (Wodlinger)

Indian Avenue (Maier)

West Ave. Elementary (Maier)

Fairfield Twp. (White)

Happy Passover and Happy Easter! I hope everyone is finally able to enjoy

some Spring weather!

Editor: Beth White, Esq.

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MOMMA BEARISTER

Looking for fun activities to do with your kids

and/or grandkids in and around Cumberland

County? Looking for a place to commiserate

with other attorney moms and dads? Then check

out Momma Bearister on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/MommaBearister/

Hoping to build a community of Mommas, Papas and Cubs! MB is based in Cum-

berland County, NJ so most of the activities posted and set up by MB will be in

that area. Please feel free to share with friends - the more the merrier! You are wel-

come to post your events and activities to the page as well! Thanks again!

SOUTH JERSEY LEGAL SERVICES

The SJLS Facebook page is expanding as we celebrate 50 Years of Ac-

cess to Justice. Our Facebook page posts updates on what we do and

who we serve, updates in the law, articles of interest to attorneys and

local civic organizations and recognition to volunteer, private attorneys

who donate their time and expertise as well as available volunteer op-

portunities. You are invited to “Like” the page (if you haven’t already)

and pass this information to any friends, family, clients and colleagues

who may be interested in our content. Thank you.

https://www.facebook.com/SouthJerseyLegalServices

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LAWYER OF THE MONTH

MARCH 2018

THEODORE H. RITTER, ESQUIRE

Name: Theodore Henry Ritter

Areas of Practice: Civil litigation, estate admin-istration, wills, real estate, municipal law.

Birthplace/Date: October 8, 1948, Newcomb Hos-pital, Vineland, NJ.

Current home town: Upper Deerfield Township.

Spouse: My college sweetheart, Jean.

Undergrad school and major: Political Science, Marietta College, Marietta, Ohio.

Law School: Washington and Lee University.

First car: (at age 15) 1929 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan.

Favorite Hobby: Toss-up between jogging and antique automobiles.

Favorite T.V. Show: Washington Week in Review.

Currently playing on my CD player: Simon and Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits.

Favorite Food: Italian.

All-time favorite movie: Dr. Zhivago.

All-time favorite song: Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers.

Favorite vacation spot: Roanoke, Virginia (our daughter, son-in-law and two of our grandchildren live there).

If I wasn’t an attorney, I would be: Full-time grandfather to Connor, Max, Katie, Leo and Zoe.

Spirit Animal: I’m sorry, I don’t have one

We recognize Ted for his willingness to help out whenever

the Bar Association asks, and for his vast knowledge and

hard work as the Bar Historian. We look forward to doing

more charitable works together. Thank you!

Lawyer of the Month is selected by the Board of Trustees to honor a member of our

association who has gone above and beyond in service to the Bar and/or community

within the past month.

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THE PASSING OF PHILIP A. GRUCCIO

For the Cumberland County Bench and Bar, February 8, 2018 marked the end of an era. The Honora-

ble Philip A. Gruccio passed on to eternal life with the Supreme Being whom he frequently called the

“Chancellor of the Universe”.

Judge Gruccio was born and raised in Vineland. From Sacred Heart High School, Phil moved on to

Georgetown University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1949 and his Juris Doctorate in 1952.

Judge Gruccio then served in the Air Force from 1952 to 1954. After mustering out, Phil entered pri-

vate practice in Vineland, where he formed a partnership with the late Joseph Tuso. That firm became and, to

this day is, the largest law firm in Cumberland County.

Judge Gruccio’s forte was insurance defense trial work, assisted by his long time legal secretary, Pat

Pindale.

For more than forty years, Judge Gruccio spent his Summers in Sea Isle City where he owned a beach-

front home just South of 60th Street.

Judge Gruccio was appointed to the County Court bench in 1972 and, shortly thereafter, he was ele-

vated to the NJ Superior Court.

Judge Gruccio served in the trial courts, then as the Chancery Judge, later as the Assignment Judge

and then as an Appellate Division Judge. Near the end of his judicial service, he heard several cases sitting,

by designation and assignment, on the NJ Supreme Court.

He retired from the bench in 1992.

BA R SN I PPE T S— FROM THEOD OR E H. R I T TER ,

C U M B E R L A N D C O U N T Y B A R A S S O C I A T I O N H I S T O R I A N

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Not content to be a sedentary retiree, Judge Gruccio promptly became assistant Dean at Widener Uni-

versity School of Law where he earned many awards including one recognizing the Distinguished Adjunct

Professor.

While at Widener, Judge Gruccio recruited James J. Seeley, Samuel J. Serata and G. Thomas Bowen to

also serve as adjunct professors.

Other honors accorded to Judge Gruccio, after he left the bench, included the Diocese of Camden

Bishops Medal, the Thomas Moore Award and the Gregor Mendel Award from St. Augustine Preparatory

School.

After retiring from Widener, Judge Gruccio served as a legal consultant to the Mission to Ethiopia

Center for Democracy and Governance. Simultaneously he was a very successful, busy and much sought-

after arbitrator and mediator.

Judge Gruccio served as president of the Cumberland County Bar in 1967-1968.

He was the instigating force behind the 2006 reinstitution of the Cumberland County Opening of the

Courts ceremony held in September of each year.

On November 18, 2014, Judge Gruccio became the seventh recipient of the Cumberland County Bar

Association Distinguished Service award.

Judge Gruccio and his wife Doris were married for 65 years. In addition, he leaves behind four daugh-

ters, a son, six grandchildren, one great grandchild, a sister, and his brother James J. Gruccio, Sr., who contin-

ues to practice law at the Gruccio, Pepper, DeSanto, and Ruth firm.

Judge Gruccio left his mark on New Jersey jurisprudence, especially here in South Jersey.

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Voting Results

Bylaws Amendment Adopted

Intelliscan, Inc., which administered the recent voting on a proposal to update the New Jersey State Bar Asso-

ciation's bylaws regarding the make-up of its Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee, reported

the results of voting as follows:

The amendment received:

1,122 yes votes;

120 no votes; and

2 abstentions.

The proposal passed, receiving the necessary two-thirds majority required for adoption.

Voting began March 22 and concluded at 5 p.m. today. Over 16,100 general members of the state bar associa-

tion were eligible to vote. Voters could cast their ballot either electronically or using a paper ballot.

A total of 1,244 votes were cast.

The bylaws amendment is effective immediately.

It changed the bylaw language governing the makeup of JPAC ensuring that each county maintains a repre-

sentative on the Committee. The amendment formalized the expansion of the committee, by three at-large

members, who will represent underrepresented groups within the profession. The change also removed redun-

dant language stating that JPAC members are appointed by the NJSBA President, since that is stated else-

where in the bylaws and applies to all committee appointments.

New Jersey State Bar Association

One Constitution Square

New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Email Us | 732-249-5000 | Visit our website

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1. In a foreclosure matter we (the firm) had filed an Order to Show Cause. No response was filed by the de-

fendant. We were instructed by the court file a proposed Order for the relief we were seeking (possession of

the property) for the court to review and consider on the return date of the Order to Show Cause. The only cat-

egory that we could find t file th Order was under Miscellaneous as a Miscellaneous Document. However, you

are supposed to file Orders in Word format instead of as a PDF. The Miscellaneous category would only al-

low the e-filing of a pdf form of Order.

Unfortunately at this time there are few options. We are working on adding the ability to submit proposed or-

ders in Word format that are not attached to a motion filing, which should be available by the summer.

2. Is the Court going to give guidance on how long original pleadings with original signatures must be

kept in an attorney’s file?

Attorneys should retain the original pleadings with original signatures for the normal length of time required to

retain their case files (I believe this is 7 years).

The below responses correspond directly with each concern raised in the e-mails forwarded to us in December.

Let me know if you would like me to send you those for your ease of reference:

Cross-Motions

When an attorney files a motion in eCourts, they are asked several questions on the screen, including whether

the motion being filed is a cross motion. In January, we are revising this process by adding a new filing type

and that will contain a list of cross motions from which the filer can choose.

Office-Wide Login

eCourts is based on the premise that the individual attorney is responsible for the filings submitted under their

name. This individual login authenticates the attorney and takes the place of the attorney’s manual signature

on the document. There are no plans to allow an “office-wide” login.

Motion Uploads

eCourts requires motions to be uploaded that includes at least three separate documents in the motion filing:

Notice of Motion, Certification in Support of the Motion, and Proposed Order. Other document types may be

required based on the type of motion being filed, e.g., a Motion for Summary Judgment requires a Statement

of Material Facts. Orders must always be uploaded separately because they are the only document to be sub-

mitted as a Word document, so that the judge can use the proposed order to make notations, date and sign, and

upload the final order. The other documents are separated out for ease of navigation when the judge reviews

the motion “package.”

JUDICIAL RESPONSES

TO THE

CIVIL PRACTICE COMMITTEE QUESTIONS

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Document Size

Our IT staff are vigorously working on increasing the 7MB document size limit and we hope that the ability to

accept larger documents will happen early next year.

Courtesy Copies of Motions/Motion-Related Documents

At some point during 2018 the Conference of Civil Presiding Judges will be re-examining the courtesy copy

requirement.

Training

In addition to the in-person training sessions, there are numerous training resources available on the Judiciary

website and more being added on a regular basis. Attorneys or their staff can also call the Problem Reporting

Desk (Help Desk) (800-343-7002) or the Superior Court Clerk’s Office Call Center (609-421-6100) if they

have any specific questions or problems in using the system.

Attorney Appearances

Per the Superior Court Clerk, any attorney within the firm who wishes to receive notices need only file a letter

requesting to be added to the case. The case management staff in the vicinage will then add the attorney to the

case so that they begin to receive notices.

Notices

eCourts sends email notices to all attorneys on the case who have “signed” the electronic participation agree-

ment upon their first eCourts login. Sometimes court staff will “backload” a document instead of “uploading”

it, which will result in no notices being sent electronically. Court staff in the vicinage should be able to con-

firm whether a document was backloaded or uploaded. If this was not the reason for the failure to receive

electronic notification, the attorney should call the Problem Reporting Desk (Help Desk) (800-343-7002) so

that the reason for the lack of notification can be researched and addressed.

Questions About a Case

For procedural questions, attorneys should call the Superior Court Clerk’s Office Call Center at 609-421-6100

during business hours. For technical problems, attorneys should call the Problem Reporting Desk (Help Desk)

at 800-343-7001, 24 hours a day. I am not aware of a procedure to submit questions by email, but my sugges-

tion is to contact the Superior Court Clerk if there is a concern that her office is requiring attorneys to submit

questions by email.

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Writs of Execution

1. We are aware that judgment debtors’ attorneys are receiving email notifications when a request for

issuance of a writ of execution is filed. We are working to remove this notification until such time as the No-

tice to Debtor is issued following the levy being made on the asset.

2. If a writ of execution is requested on a judgment that has not been docketed as a statewide lien, the

attorney should select the filing type “judgment/post-judgment” and the filing description “writ of execution.”

If a writ of execution is requested on a judgment that has been docketed as a statewide lien, i.e., a “J” number

was issued by the Superior Court Clerk’s Office, the attorney should select the filing type “SCCO” and the fil-

ing description “writ of execution.

Honorable Timothy W. Chell, J.S.C.

Civil Division

1 N. Broad Street

Woodbury, NJ 08096

Phone: 856-384-4470

Fax: 856-384-4474

Thanks to all -

young & old -

who came out to

the Green Olive

to enjoy an

evening with

colleagues! It

was a great time

and a great way

to ease the

tensions of the

day with good

food and good

conversations!

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COMPARE

Arbitration Awards & Jury Verdicts

VICINAGE XV

February 2018

(*filed De Novo)

AUTO NEGLIEGENCE

Ferrer v. Simmons Jury Trial Samuel J. Ragonese, J.S.C.

GLO-L-129-16

Pf Atty: Paul Santangini, Esquire

Df Atty: Robert Kaplan, Esquire

Date(s) : 2/12, 2/13 & 2/14/2018

Verdict : No Cause for Action

Award: $65,000 D*

Hair v. Kontes Jury Trial James R. Swift, J.S.C.

GLO-L-458-15

Pf Atty: Gary Piserchia, Esquire & Anthony Young, Esquire

Df Atty: Tony Gheen, Esquire

Date(s) : 2/5, 2/6, 2/7, 2/8 & 2/9/2018

Verdict : No Cause

Award: $215,000 D*

CONTRACT

Tony Luke v. TR Worldwide Jury Trial Darrell M. Fineman, J.S.C.

GLO-L-238-16

Pf. Atty: Steven Angstreich, Esquire

Df. Atty: Neal Troum, Esquire & David Dahan, Esquire

Date(s): 2/5, 2/6, 2/7, 2/8 & 2/9/2018

Verdict: Settled During (partially tried)

Award: Confidential Settlement

PREROGATIVE WRIT

Washington Petroleum v. Washington Twp. Bench Trial Jean B. McMaster, J.S.C.

GLO-L-249-17

Pf Atty: Kevin Sheehan, Esquire & Erin Szulewski, Esquire

Df Atty: Jack Plackter, Esquire & Stephen Altamuro, Esquire

Date(s): 2/12/18 (2/21/18-Written Opinion & Order Entering Judgment)

Verdict: Zoning Board interpretation reversed.

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OTHER INSURANCE

Saduk v. NJ Manufacturers Ins. Jury Trial James R. Swift, J.S.C.

GLO-L490-15

Pf Atty: Daniel Ballard, Esquire

Df Atty: Robert Kaplan, Esquire

Dates(s): 2/20, 2/21 & 2/22/2018

Verdict: $55,331.81 for PF

COMPARE

Arbitration Awards & Jury Verdicts

VICINAGE XV

March 2018

(*filed De Novo)

AUTO NEGLIEGENCE

Ida Logan v. Heather Wilson Jury Trial Samuel J. Ragonese, J.S.C.

GLO-L-21-16

Pf Atty: Scott Goldberg, Esquire

Df Atty: Ragged Allan, Esquire

Date(s) : 3/5, 3/6, 3/8 & 3/9/2018

Verdict : No Cause for Action

Award: $40,000 D*

Kelly v. Laarendi Jury Trial Samuel J. Ragonese, J.S.C.

GLO-L-217-16

Pf Atty: Kimberly Hoehing, Esquire

Df Atty: John Dingle, Esquire

Date(s) : 3/19 & 3/20/2018

Verdict : No Cause for Action

Award: $45,000 D*

Thomas v. Soloway Jury Trial James R. Swift, J.S.C.

CUM-L-758-15

Pf Atty: Paul Melletz, Esquire

Df Atty: Anthony Young, Esquire

Date(s): 3/26, 3/27 & 3/28/2018

Verdict: No Cause

Award: $27,5000 P*

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Medical Malpractice

Rowe, Sr. v. Madison, D.O. Jury Trial Darrell M. Fineman, J.S.C.

GLO-L-1045-14

Pf Atty: Emily McDonough, Esquire

Df Atty: Mark Petraske, Esquire

Date(s): 3/5, 3/6, 3/8, 3/12, 3/13, 3/14, 3/15 & 3/16/2018

Verdict: In favor of the plaintiff for $852.350 (45/55 percent split)

UM/UIM

Feiser v. Allstate Jury Trial Jean B. McMaster, J.S.C.

GLO-L-1502-15

Pf Atty: Michael Schlagnhaufer, Esquire

Df Atty: Rachel Vicari, Esquire

Dates(s): 2/28, 3/1 & 3/2/2018

Verdict: In favor of the Plaintiff for $100,000 (amount molded to $80,000)

Award: $65,000 D*

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Annual 40-50 Dinner Honoring our members for their

years of service to the bar

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Honoree Gerald J. Neski

40 years

Honoree Lawrence A. Pepper, Jr.

50 years

Honoree Hon. Gary D. Wodlinger

40 years

Honoree Robert S. Greenberg

50 years

Honoree Sheldon Schulman

50 years

Not Pictured:

Honoree Anthony D. Buonadonna

50 years

CONGRATS

AND

THANK YOU

FROM THE

CCBA

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DRD Consulting, Inc.

Is pleased to present 2017-2018 UPDATES IN CRIMINAL LAW SEMINAR

Saturday – April 14, 2018

HOLIDAY INN

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1 Pureland Drive

Swedesboro, NJ 08085

7:30-8:00 AM Breakfast

8:00-8:50 AM Bail Reform – One Year Later Yaron Helmer, Esq.,

William Brennan, Esq.

8:55-10:35 AM Trial Preparation and Strategy James Lynch, Esq.,

Robert Luther, Esq.

10:45-12:25 PM Updates in Criminal Law 2017-2018 Patricia Quelch, Esq.

12:30 – 1:15 PM Lunch

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4:00-5:40 PM Ethics in Action Panel

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Fees: In Advance: Non-Bar Members: $225.00

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