By Elyssa A. Goldstein
The NJALA is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Fifty years ago, gas cost 24.5 to 29.9 cents per gallon, a McDonald’s hamburger was 39 cents, a movie ticket cost $1.50, the federal minimum wage was $1.65 and my parents had yet to meet. Obviously, much change has occurred in the past 50 years, but what has not changed are the guiding principles of our illustrious organization. The NJALA is just as “dedicated to the continued improvement of law office operations” and its members still make every “effort to assist each other in the management of their respective law firms”.
Though I accepted my first law firm job in August of 2009, I began my career in law firm management in February of 2013. I joined (the ALA and) the NJALA almost immediately thereafter, and I still tout that decision today as the best professional decision I have ever made. In the NJALA, I found an environment where I could learn, engage, lead and develop long-lasting friendships with others in my field. The impact of my NJALA affiliation has far exceeded even my loftiest expectations—and, if you think I’m being hyperbolic, I assure you that I am not.
On Saturday, June 15, 2017, the NJALA will hold its 50th Anniversary Gala at 4Sixty6 Caterers in West Orange, New Jersey. Serving on the planning committee for this event, I can promise you that it is not to be missed and will be an evening on which we will all “wax poetic” for many years to come. In addition to gluttonous food and feel-good music, the night will afford us the opportunity to celebrate our history and embrace our future.
Speaking of embracing the future, the title of this Editor’s Message is, in fact, two-fold. (Golden, Goldstein, catch my drift?) This being only my second edition serving as editor of the Jer-Z-Journal and my first time addressing you in this manner, I would be remiss if I did not thank Robbin Dolan and Doreen Marino for their expert guidance and unwavering trust in my ability to continue the Jer-Z-Journal in the same prestigious manner with which they served as co-editors for so many years. I also encourage you to contact me directly (at [email protected]) with your comments and/or suggestions for future newsletter editions. If you have something to say, I want to hear it. It is my hope that through continued sharing, discussion and collaboration, the NJALA will be able to exceed your expectations, as well.
Elyssa A. Goldstein is the Office Manager of Wolkstein, Von Ellen & Brown, LLC in Springfield, New Jersey.
