Meet Evan Turtz, NJCCA's new president

At the November Annual Meeting, the Board of the New Jersey Corporate Counsel Association elected Evan Turtz President of the Chapter.  In lieu of a traditional Presidents message, we have taken this opportunity to introduce Evan and give him a platform to expound on his plan for the next two years of his tenure.

What are your goals as President?

I want to continue to deliver a great value proposition to our members and our sponsors.   If we deliver the value proposition well, membership and sponsorship will increase. 

In your inaugural address, you stressed the theme of "innovation."  What are some thoughts on innovation that you have for the NJCCA?

First the general--we are all seeing dramatic and rapid change in the way we do business.  We as lawyers needs to keep up and get ahead so we can offer our legal services within the constructs of the new business world.  I’d like to implement some specific changes as well.  For example, I want to work with our programs group and leaders to make sure that our programs offer not only the substance but also a segment on how to deliver in innovative ways.   Facebook, Blackberry, Twitter.  Global information at our fingertips.  We need to be thinking about how in-house lawyers break from traditional delivery and service models and move forward in the current environment.

What would you say to an in-house lawyer who's on the fence about whether or not to join the NJCCA?

I’d say they should consider the value proposition.  We offer great programs, CLE credit, updates on topical issues.  We are a social bunch.  We provide great networking.  We are a full service trade organization and I believe we can add real value to a lawyer who is practicing in-house.

What made you decide to become active in the NJCCA?

Really the reasons above.  It’s a great group of people.   Also it’s good to know there is a group of professionals seeing the same or similar issues.  Information sharing is a huge aspect of what I’ve taken out of NJCCA.    NJCCA is a tremendous resource for us all. 

What opportunities are available to members of the NJCCA who want to become more actively involved?

Call me or any member of the Board.  We always want members to become involved.   We have lots of opportunities and we’ve also heard from our members about specific areas where we can create opportunities.  Times are constantly changing and we can always use new active people.  We welcome everyone.  

What unique resources does NJCCA (or ACC) offer to in-house counsel?

All the things stated above and please go check out the ACC website or please call or email me.  We have a great network, tremendous sponsors, etc.  We are very fortunate to have access to many experts in their field.

Please tell us that you will still manage to organize that excellent NJCCA golf outing! 

The golf outing is a great social day.  Sponsors and members have a blast.  Don’t worry.  I’m already planning it!