Women Trial Lawyers Caucus

NJAJ Women Trial Lawyers Caucus

The NJAJ Women Trial Lawyers Caucus is composed of female lawyers who are Regular Members in good standing of NJAJ.  The Caucus is responsible for developing education and networking programs as well as other activities of special interest to female members of NJAJ.  The Caucus helps to develop programs to increase female membership in NJAJ and participation in leadership roles for the Association. 

As stated in the By-laws, the Caucus seeks to advance the admirable and selfless philosophy in NJAJ's Mission, to provide positive role models as women trial lawyers, to broaden the membership base of NJAJ to include women by informing them of NJAJ's membership services and Mission, to provide a support system of women lawyers to network, socialize, form professional relationships and develop female leadership for NJAJ, to provide fellowship and mentorship to newly-licensed female lawyers who embark on a career of trial law, and to uphold the honor and dignity of the legal profession

The Caucus sponsors and presents educational seminars and other programs during the calendar year.  Participation at all levels is welcomed.  Presently, the Caucus is periodically hosting networking events, a trial skills seminar in the Spring and the annual Women Litigator's Luncheon at the NJAJ Boardwalk Seminar^® and the Meadowlands Seminar. 

2025-2026
Women's Trial Lawyers Caucus Co-Chairs

Christine V. Lafferty, Esq.
Grungo Law LLC
1926 Greentree Road, Suite 110
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
(609) 528-4494
clafferty@gcinjurylaw.com

Jacquelyn R. Matchett, Esq.
Costello, Mains & Silverman, LLC
18000 Horizon Way, Suite 800
Mt. Laurel, NJ  08054
(856) 727-9700
jmatchett@costellomains.com

Michelle C. Murtha, Esq.
Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C.
220 Lake Drive East, Suite 210
Cherry Hill, NJ  08002
(856) 406-3992
mmurtha@weitzlux.com

Rachel A. Placitella, Esq. 
Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C.
127 Maple Avenue
Red Bank, NJ 07701
(732) 747-9003
rplacitella@cprlaw.com

Chinsu Shajan, Esq.
Stark & Stark
PO Box 5315
Princeton, NJ 08543-5315
(609) 219-7447
cshajan@stark-stark.com

Join the Women Trial Lawyers' Caucus

Since its inception in the fall of 2006, the NJAJ Women Trial Lawyers Caucus has provided a support system for women lawyers to network, socialize, and form professional relationships. 

Women Trial Lawyers’ Caucus Mission:  The NJAJ Women Trial Lawyers Caucus seeks to advance the admirable and selfless philosophy in NJAJ’s mission, to provide positive role models as women trial lawyers, to broaden the membership base of NJAJ to include women by informing them of NJAJ’s membership services and mission, to provide a support system of women to network, socialize, form professional relationships and develop female leadership for NJAJ, to provide fellowship and mentorship to newly-licensed female lawyers who embark on a career of trial law, and to uphold the honor and dignity of the legal profession.