Jeralyn Lisa Lawrence - Watchung, NJ

Introduction

Jeralyn L. Lawrence, Esq., a Past President of the New Jersey State Bar Association, is a dynamic leader in New Jersey’s family law community, serving as the Managing Member and Founder of Lawrence Law, where she devotes her practice exclusively to matrimonial, divorce, and family law. She represents clients in all aspects of matrimonial and family law, including divorce litigation, mediation and arbitration, custody and parenting time disputes, alimony and child support, separation and property settlement agreements, adoption and guardianship advice, domestic violence matters and sexual abuse, domestic partnerships under the Domestic Partnership Act, and palimony. Jeralyn is not only a seasoned litigator, but is also a trained collaborative lawyer, divorce mediator, and arbitrator.

Recognized as a cornerstone of the legal profession, Jeralyn has built a reputation for exceptional advocacy and unwavering dedication to her clients. Her experience and profound understanding of the complexities of the legal system have earned her the trust and respect of clients and colleagues alike. Jeralyn handles matters ranging from straightforward disputes to complex, high-net-worth cases involving significant income and assets, including representation of celebrities, professional athletes, and other high-profile individuals.

Jeralyn does not shy away from having her voice heard in the legal industry. As an advocate in the profession, she has argued before the Supreme Court of New Jersey on behalf of leading legal organizations, including the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) in a matter concerning the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, as well as a case seeking clarity and statewide uniformity on how requests for modification of alimony based on cohabitation are addressed by the courts. She has also appeared before the Supreme Court of New Jersey on behalf of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers New Jersey Chapter (AAML/NJ) regarding a palimony case and has argued as amicus before the Appellate Division on behalf of the NJSBA. In recognition of her influence and leadership within the profession, Jeralyn had the esteemed honor of being elected as President of the NJSBA. She was also appointed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey to serve on the Disciplinary Oversight Committee, the Wellness Committee, and the Supreme Court Committee on Family Practice, appointments that reflect the trust and respect she has earned at the highest levels of the judiciary. She is also certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, a distinction earned by only a select group of attorneys, and previously served on the Matrimonial Certification Committee, which oversees the statewide certification process for matrimonial attorneys. Collectively, these positions reflect her enduring commitment to shaping and elevating the practice of family law across New Jersey.

Jeralyn earned her Bachelor of Arts from Kean University and her Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, from Seton Hall University School of Law, graduating second in her class. While in law school, she served as Student Director of the Family Law Clinic and received the New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Award, an early reflection of the distinguished career that would follow.

Leadership and Advocacy: President of the New Jersey State Bar Association

During her term as President of the NJSBA, Jeralyn was dedicated to advocating for the betterment and well-being of all lawyers, attending hundreds of events and speaking engagements to promote the initiatives she introduced. When she first took oath as president, she had already formed the Putting Lawyers First Task Force, which was devoted to identifying ways to strengthen and support the practice of law. The Task Force’s goal was to collectively look for real, meaningful ways to make the legal practice better for all. After gaining insight and feedback on a host of issues, the Task Force produced a wide-ranging 500-page report that is the largest and most comprehensive assessment report on attorney well-being to ever be produced in the state. At the core of the report are the findings of a 90-question wellness survey that drew an overwhelming 1,643 responses from New Jersey attorneys, clerks, college and law professors, and retired judges. The responses revealed troubling trends, including higher levels of stress, burnout, suicidal ideation, anxiety, and depression compared to other working populations. These findings highlight the need for immediate action and sustained, long-term solutions, which the report addresses in detail. The report also recommended reforms such as forming a statewide committee to address the wellness crisis, removing Question 12B from the New Jersey Character and Fitness application, encouraging statewide collaboration on well-being, and studying improvements to the ethics and fee arbitration systems. After the NJSBA Board of Trustees accepted the Putting Lawyers First Task Force report, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner agreed to establish a New Jersey Supreme Court committee dedicated to studying wellness among attorneys and the Judiciary. The NJSBA Board of Trustees also approved contracting with a therapeutic provider, CNA, so that NJSBA members would receive the benefit of having free access to quality mental health care.

Jeralyn and her Task Force also addressed several pressing issues affecting the legal profession. She called upon the Governor and Senate to prioritize the nomination of qualified candidates to address the state’s judicial vacancy crisis. The Task Force also urged the Court to consider a path to reinstatement for disbarred attorneys who demonstrate meaningful rehabilitation, a rule which has since been enacted. In addition, the NJSBA has been a leading voice advocating for the abolition of the Madden system and for adequate funding to ensure that entities providing representation can effectively serve indigent litigants. Jeralyn further argued as amicus, emphasizing the fundamental importance of providing effective assistance of counsel in cases of significant magnitude.

Further advocacy achievements include coordinating national advocacy with bar leaders across the country that contributed to the passage of the federal version of Daniel’s Law to protect federal judges. She also helped champion the installation of automated external defibrillators on every floor of New Jersey courthouses to enhance safety for visitors and court personnel. Her advocacy has also included supporting Daylight-Saving Time legislation due to its direct impact on wellness. She helped secure a second entrance and outdoor shelters at the Newark Immigration Court to improve access, efficiency, and safety for all attorneys and visitors. She has educated members on developments in jury reform, testified in Trenton on legislation affecting the legal profession—including domestic violence measures—and advocated for veterans. She also supported reforms allowing municipal court first appearances to be conducted virtually and initiatives promoting greater trial certainty. In addition, she advocated for numerous court rule changes addressing issues such as a collaborative law privilege, parent coordination, privacy protections in court filings, improvements to case information statements, and modernization of the non-dissolution system. She further supported the implementation of eCourts in the Family Part, reinforced the ABA’s policy opposing non-lawyers practicing law or owning law firms, and promoted the NJSBA’s software designed to connect litigants with appropriate legal representation. She also supported reforms to New Jersey’s Elective Share statute. Under this law, a surviving spouse or domestic partner may claim one-third of the deceased partner’s augmented estate when the decedent was domiciled in New Jersey at the time of death and a complaint for divorce had been filed. In addition, she championed changes to regulations governing online reviews and attorney advertising, as well as other issues affecting the legal profession. Among her most meaningful experiences was interviewing the Honorable Esther Salas at the Women’s Leadership Conference, an opportunity she considers one of the most impactful moments of her Presidency and her career.

To conclude her term as NJSBA President, Jeralyn represented the Association before the New Jersey Supreme Court as amicus curiae in Cardali v. Cardali, a case seeking clarity and statewide uniformity in how courts address requests to modify alimony based on cohabitation. This appearance marked her third argument before the Court and her second on behalf of the Association, an honor she considers among the most meaningful highlights of her distinguished legal career.

Chair of the NJSBA Family Law Section

Jeralyn served as Chair of the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Family Law Section from 2014 to 2015, where she played a key role in advancing significant initiatives affecting family law in the state. During her tenure, she worked to amass a broad coalition representing twenty-five organizations and thousands of stakeholders. Together, they advocated for meaningful reform of New Jersey’s alimony statute, which was ultimately enacted into law in September 2014 during her term as Chair. Jeralyn also championed the review of legal malpractice standards related to the Affidavit of Merit, advocating for clearer qualifications and standards regarding who may sign an Affidavit of Merit and testify as an expert at trial. In addition, she encouraged examination of the rising costs of higher education and the implications for family law matters involving college contribution. Jeralyn was also a strong supporter of the Collaborative Law Act, signed into law the same day as the alimony statute in 2014, which allows parties to resolve family disputes outside of litigation and promotes a more constructive and cooperative approach to divorce.

Organizations

Jeralyn is a prominent leader in the legal profession, having served as President of the New Jersey State Bar Association, President of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers New Jersey Chapter, and President of the Somerset County Bar Association. She is a former Chair of the NJSBA Family Law Section, remains deeply involved as a member of its Family Law Executive Committee, and currently serves as a Chair of the NJSBA’s Well-Being in the Law Committee. A respected educator and thought leader, Jeralyn serves as Senior Editor of New Jersey Family Lawyer overseeing the editorial process from conception to final publication. She is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, a former member of the American Bar Association Center of Innovation, and a member of the Matrimonial Lawyers Alliance, a select group of distinguished divorce attorneys who have appeared as amicus before the New Jersey Supreme Court. Jeralyn effortlessly combines elite credentials with meaningful and purposeful leadership.

Beyond her leadership roles, Jeralyn is highly committed to service to the profession. She has served on the District XIII Attorney Ethics Committee, been appointed to the Somerset County Domestic Violence Working Group as a representative of the Somerset County Family Law Section, and has been an attorney volunteer at Safe+Sound Somerset. Her other professional affiliations have included the New Jersey Association for Justice, the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association, the New Jersey Collaborative Law Group, The New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators (NJAPM), the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, the NMM Women’s Forum Steering Committee, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and the American Bar Association. Jeralyn is a graduate of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) and acted as a Barrister of the Central New Jersey American Inns of Court. These experiences demonstrate a career grounded in service, professional engagement, and a steadfast dedication to supporting the legal field and those it serves.

Media Involvement

Given her breadth of knowledge and passion for the profession, Jeralyn is a widely sought-after voice in family law, frequently featured across prominent national and regional media outlets. She was the cover story of the 2025 edition of Super Lawyers Magazine, a testament to her influence and leadership in the profession. Her insights have also been highlighted in major publications including The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Reuters, ABA Journal, Bloomberg, NJBIZ, NJ Spotlight News, New Jersey Monitor, New Jersey Law Journal, New Jersey Lawyer Magazine, Law360 & Law360 Pulse, Yahoo, NJMoneyHelp.com, PR Newswire, WHYY on PBS, Politico, NJ.com, The Philadelphia Tribune, Law & Crime Trial Network, Above the Law, Patch, Daily Record, northjersey.com, Echoes Sentinel, Watchung Post, TAPinto, My Shingle, New Jersey Family, Renna Media, City Lifestyle, The Success Talks, and Prime Crime.

In addition to print and digital features, Jeralyn is a regular guest on radio programs, news segments, and podcasts such as New Jersey 101.5, On New Jersey, NJ Morning Show, Nothing But The Truth, Jessie Frees Show, Legally Blissed, Law on the Line, Mighty MERP, Radio Times, and Attorney at Law Magazine, where she shares practical guidance and thought leadership on evolving family law issues. A dynamic speaker, she presents Continuing Legal Education programs and seminars at both national and international levels, further solidifying her reputation as a trusted authority and influential advocate in the field.

Awards Received

Jeralyn’s distinguished career has been marked by an extraordinary array of honors that reflect her leadership, excellence, and lasting impact on the legal profession of which she is deeply appreciative. In 2023, she received the Saul Tischler Award from the Family Law Section of the NJSBA in recognition of her lifetime achievement in family law. In 2025, she was presented with the Good Scout Award from Scouting America Patriot’s Path Council. She has also been featured on the ROI-NJ Power List: Law (2022–2026) and ROI-NJ Influencers: Women in Business (2023–2025) recognizing her continued influence within New Jersey’s legal and business communities. Jeralyn was a twice-named Professional Lawyer of the Year by the Commission on Professionalism in the Law, having received nominations for this award by the NJSBA in June 2024 and previously by the SCBA in 2014.

Celebrated for her distinguished service as an NJSBA Officer from 2018–2024, she was honored with the 2024 Her Hero Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York City Bar Association and inducted into the prestigious 2024 Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry. That same year, she was also named the Solo & Small Firm Practitioner of the Year by the NJSBA. Her service to the legal profession has been widely acknowledged. She was recognized for her work as an NJSBA Delegate for the American Bar Association from 2021-2023 and was honored at the 2023 Women in Business of Watchung event celebrating Women’s History Month. Additional distinctions include being named a 2023 Trial Bar Award Honoree by the Trial Attorneys of New Jersey and a two-time finalist for New Jersey Law Journal Attorney of the Year. Jeralyn has also been recognized by NJBIZ, earning placement on the 2022 Power Law 50, being honored among its Leaders in the Law, as well as being named on the Best 50 Women in Business. Earlier honors include the 2021 NJBIZ Leaders in the Law designation and the Leadership Excellence Award by Citrin Cooperman at their 2022 Women at the Wheel event, a distinguished acknowledgement of her influential guidance and meaningful impact in the profession. She was also selected to be named Expertise.com’s 2021 Best Divorce Lawyers list, highlighting her outstanding reputation and pursuit of excellence in family law. Jeralyn also received the Young Lawyers Division Professional Achievement Award from the NJSBA for her professional accomplishments. Her dedication to the legal profession and the broader community has been further recognized through multiple NJSBA Legislative and Amicus Recognition Awards for her legislative work as well as her amicus advocacy. Among numerous other honors, she has been named a New Jersey Trailblazer and Mentor of the Year by the New Jersey Law Journal, received the Carol Murphy Award from the Women’s Political Caucus, and was recognized by the Barry Croland Inn of Court for her devotion to the legal profession and the members of the matrimonial bar. She has also been named a Distinguished Alumna of Kean University and honored as an Outstanding Woman in Somerset County by the Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women — distinctions that underscore her enduring influence, professional excellence, and unwavering commitment to advancing family law.

Attorney Ratings

Jeralyn’s professional accomplishments have been consistently recognized at the highest levels of the legal community. She has been selected to the New Jersey Super Lawyers list for twenty consecutive years, including recognition among the Top 50 Women since 2008 and the Top 100 New Jersey Super Lawyers since 2009. Most recently, in 2026, she was also recognized as one of the Top 5 Family Law Lawyers in the state and named to the New Jersey Top 10 list, honors that reflect strong peer recognition and sustained leadership in the field. She has also maintained the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Rating, the highest peer rating for professional excellence and ethical standards, for seventeen consecutive years (2009–2026). She is also featured on Doyle’s Guide, a prominent attorney directory recognizing leading family law practitioners. Her firm, Lawrence Law, earned Tier 1 rankings for Family Law and Family Mediation Law in the 2024 and 2025 editions of Best Law Firms®, along with being named Best of 2024 Winner, and a Hall of Fame Best Family Law Firm by the New Jersey Law Journal. Individually, Jeralyn was named 2024 Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year for Family Law Arbitration. She has also received multiple Best Lawyers® recognitions, including Lawyer of the Year honors in 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2024 as well as selection to the Best Lawyers list from 2020 through 2022. In her most recent honor, she was recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for her work in Collaborative Law: Family Law, Family Law, Family Law Arbitration, and Family Law Mediation, and in the 2025 edition for Family Law, Family Law Arbitration, and Family Law Mediation. Together these sustained distinctions speak to a career defined by accomplishment, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the highest standards of the legal profession.