The Morris County Bar Foundation Exists:
To apply its income, or any part thereof, and if the Corporation so decides, all or any part of its principal, exclusively to the use of and for the benefit of the Morris County Bar Association for charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes including, but not limited to, the following:
- The fostering and maintenance of the honor and integrity of the profession of law
- The improvement and facilitation of the administration of justice
- The improvement of relations among lawyers, the judiciary, and the public
- The promotion of the study of the law and research therein including the establishment of grants and scholarships therefor, the diffusion of knowledge thereof, and the continuing education of lawyers and persons involved in the administration or application of law
- The causing to be published and the distribution of addresses, surveys reports, treatises and other literary works on subjects involving the profession of law, the administration of justice, the study of law and research, the continuation of education of lawyers and persons involved in the administration or application of law, and other matters touching on or related to such subjects
- The maintenance and/or operation of research, including a law library, and educational facilities relating to the foregoing.
- The Morris County Bar Foundation is an organization exempt from taxation under Section 501 (c) (3) and its business is managed by a Board of Trustees and an Executive Director. (See List of Officers & Trustees.)
Morris County Bar Foundation Programs
Battered Women's Legal Advocacy Project
The Battered Women’s Legal Advocacy Project (“BWLAP”) is a joint program with JBWS to provide pro bono representation to domestic abuse victims who might otherwise be unrepresented in court because of lack of resources. This training program provides volunteers with understanding of the impact domestic violence can have on victims and provides volunteers with the tools needed to effectively represent victims of domestic violence in their pursuit of a protective order. Topics in the program include the cycle of domestic violence, techniques for interviewing victims of domestic violence, proper court procedures, and an overview of the applicable case law.
Mitchell H. Cobert Mentor Program
Mentoring of less experienced lawyers is a time honored tradition within the legal community, and many successful practitioners can point to one or more lawyers who have helped advance their careers. Learn more about the Mentor Program here.
Street Law Program
The Street Law Program has been operating in person since October of 2021. MCBF Trustee Brian D. Kenny, Esq., and Kelley W. Lavery, Esq., guest lecture monthly at Hanover Park High School to discuss a Supreme Court case with the students. The lectures are interactive, with the students split up to present arguments on each side of the case. Brian and Kelley also go through how court decisions start over seemingly small issues that go on to affect everyone. The teachers and students enjoy the class, with a new group of students afforded the opportunity to experience the lecture every month.
Morris County Expungement Clinic & Resource Fair
Clinic attendees will be given the opportunity to speak with an attorney who can assess whether or not they are eligible to have certain nonviolent criminal and disorderly person convictions expunged from their criminal record. In addition to having their criminal record expunged, clinic attendees will have access to information about Narcan, obtaining government identifications, and free addiction treatment and re-entry services.