About – BCBFoundation

The Bergen County Bar Foundation inspires members of the legal profession to
make a difference in the community.

Our History

In 1991 the Bergen County Bar Association established a foundation to inspire members of the legal profession to make a difference in the community. The Bergen County Bar Foundation reaches out to the community at large by creating, supporting and promoting programs which raise awareness of the legal system and protect the legal rights of individual citizens.

The Foundation has awarded tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to help meet the financial needs of Bergen County’s best and brightest law school students. The Foundation Grant Awards Program funds many key law-related programs and services in Bergen County through social service agencies and community organizations.

In 1991 the Association, established the Bergen County Bar Foundation which serves as the charitable and community legal education program sponsor. The Foundation, which is managed by its Officers and Board of Trustees, maintains its office at 15 Bergen Street, Hackensack, New Jersey, just a few blocks from the Bergen County Courthouse.

Providing Community Education

A non-profit organization incorporated in 1991, the Foundation reaches out to the community by creating, supporting and promoting programs which raise awareness of the legal system and support the legal rights of individual citizens.

The Foundation strives to bring legal education opportunities closer to the citizens of Bergen County.

Legal Education

Prominent Bergen County attorneys teach legal education courses in the Community Law Series at no charge to the public. Foundation-produced shows on topics including Domestic Violence, Elder Law, Criminal Law, Municipal Court and Family Law appear on public access television channels.

Promoting Excellence in our Profession

In recent years, the Bergen County Bar Foundation has awarded $80,000 in scholarships to meet the financial needs of Bergen County’s best and brightest law school students. The Foundation’s annual Achievement Awards recognize individuals from the community and the legal profession for their outstanding contributions and accomplishments in the areas of Lawyer Achievement, Community Service and Citizen Achievement.

Professional Seminars

Each year the Foundation supports the Symposium for Municipal Planning and Zoning Board Members. A registered Professional Development Provider, the Foundation offers law-related workshops for educators and private citizens in the modern public meeting room of our headquarters building, The George W. Newman Law Building.

Youth Education

Each May, the Law Month Roundtable is an opportunity for high school students to visit the Bergen County Justice Center and participate as jurors in a mock trial presentation. The Law Day Essay Contest encourages students to write winning compositions on patriotic themes. The Record’s Debate Classic winning high schools receive cash prizes directly from the Foundation. The Foundation underwrites costs for the live television broadcasts of the Bergen County Bar’s Mock Trial Competition.