New Jersey State Bar Foundation Awards Medal of Honor to Cynthia Jacob

NEW BRUNSWICK (June 15, 2011) - Cynthia Jacob, Senior Counsel in the New Jersey office, was the recipient of The New Jersey State Bar Foundation's highest award - the prestigious Medal of Honor - for her longstanding commitment to New Jersey's legal legacy. The award, given each year to candidates who have made outstanding contributions to improving the justice system, was presented at the Foundation's Annual Medal of Honor Awards Reception on Tuesday, June 14, at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick.

Sustained outstanding achievement in the practice of law for the past 45 years has been the hallmark of Cynthia's career. Her contributions to the profession include time devoted to Legal Services to benefit the underserved, substantial work on a number of Supreme Court committees, and her efforts within the Bar itself to promote diversity and inclusion.

"The pro bono activities that I have undertaken over these many years have proved to be their own reward and have kept me enthusiastic about the practice of law. I am deeply honored to be a recipient of the Medal of Honor," said Cynthia.

"Cynthia Jacob is most deserving of this prestigious award," said New Jersey State Bar Foundation president Richard Badalato. "Forward thinking and a breaker of barriers, she was only the second woman to become president of the New Jersey State Bar Association. She has dedicated her extraordinary career to serving the Bar and her clients at the highest level of professionalism. On a personal note, she encouraged me to run for State Bar Association office, and I will always be grateful for her guidance and support. The Bar Foundation is proud to award her the Medal of Honor."

Founded in 1958, the New Jersey State Bar Foundation is the educational and philanthropic arm of the New Jersey State Bar Association. The Bar Foundation's mission is to promote public understanding of the law through a free, comprehensive public education program. Among its activities, the Foundation conducts seminars and conflict resolution training, publishes materials, operates a videotape loan library and speakers bureau, and coordinates elementary, middle and high school mock trial competitions.