The South Asian Bar Association of New Jersey hosted its fifth annual gala on Sept. 13, 2018, at the Marigold in Somerset. The event was attended by over 280 people, according to the organization, and the keynote address was given by New Jersey Senator Vin Gopal, who honored the organization with a commendation for its work in the legal and South Asian community. Also in attendance were New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Hoboken Mayor Ravinder S. Bhalla, who were honored with the “Standing Ovation Award.” In their remarks, Grewal, Gopal and Bhalla highlighted the need for greater diversity among judges and prosecutors. Amol N. Sinha, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, was given the “Trailblazer Award,” and Hamel Vyas, the associate dean of the Mount Sinai Health System, received the “Public Service Award.” South Asian Bar Association of New Jersey President Sharmila D. Jaipersaud addressed the audience and award recipients, thanking them for their continuing support, and encouraging them to mentor

SABA-NJ Holds 5th Annual Gala SABA-NJ RECEIVES LEGISLATIVE PROCLAMATION HONOR: State Senator Vin Gopal (N.J. State District 11, Monmouth County) with Sharmila D. Jaipersaud, Esq. (SABA-NJ President; partner, Schenck, Price, King & Smith) holding the former’s Legislative Proclamation of SABA-NJ’s work.

young attorneys, support charitable organizations, and to vote in elections. The gala was emceed by Bhaveen R. Jani, immediate past president of the organization, and included a silent art auction and entertainment by the Pasadeo Band and the Rutgers Asian Acapella Group. Other honorees included Supti Bhattacharya, who received recognition as the “Professional Attorney of the Year”; Chugh LLP, which received recognition as the “Law Firm of the Year”; and Sedi Doobay, who was recognized with the “In-House Counsel Award.” The gala ended with Prema L. Roddam, the president-elect, asking the guests to continue showing their support.

Cooper Levenson’s Rudley Honored for Community Service

Cooper Levenson’s Rudley Honored for Community Service MASQUERADE IN PHILLY: Shown, left to right, back row: Brittany A. Bonetti, Esq., Donna M. Vecere, and Cynthia N. Grob, Esq. Front row: Lynne Levin Kaufman, Esq., Amy E. Rudley, Esq., and Rona Z. Kaplan, Esq., all of Cooper Levenson, at the Ballroom At the Ben in Philadelphia on Nov. 8, 2018. [Photo Credit: Center City Photo.] Amy E. Rudley , a partner at Cooper Levenson  in Atlantic City, was center stage at a masquerade-themed celebration on Nov. 8, 2018, at the Ballroom At The Ben in Philadelphia, according to the firm. The event honored six men and women who “have had profound impacts on their community.” Rudley is a supporter of numerous charitable and community events in Atlantic County, particularly in Pitman, where she serves as a councilwoman.