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Congratulations to Shari-Ann Sasu on her Certification as a Criminal Trial Attorney!

Cumberland County Attorney Shari-Ann Sasu Certified in Criminal Trial Law by the New Jersey Supreme Court - Insider NJ

The New Jersey Supreme Court has officially certified Shari-Ann Sasu, a respected attorney based in Cumberland County, in the area of Criminal Trial Law. This prestigious credential places her among an elite group of legal professionals recognized for their high level of competence and dedication to criminal law practice.

Ms. Sasu emigrated from Jamaica at the age of five and was raised in Vineland, New Jersey. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from The College of New Jersey in 2005 and went on to receive her Juris Doctor from Rutgers-Camden School of Law in 2010.

She began her legal career clerking for the Honorable Georgia M. Curio, former Assignment Judge of Vicinage XV. For the past 14 years, Ms. Sasu has practiced criminal law in Bridgeton, NJ, where she is known for her dedication, legal expertise, and advocacy on behalf of victims.

Certification by the New Jersey Supreme Court involves a rigorous vetting process, requiring attorneys to:

  • Be in good standing with the New Jersey Bar for at least five years

  • Complete extensive continuing legal education

  • Demonstrate substantial involvement in litigated criminal matters

  • Earn the respect of judges and attorneys who vouch for their qualifications

  • Pass a comprehensive written examination

Ms. Sasu is currently the only Black and female attorney certified in criminal trial law in Cumberland County, marking a historic and meaningful milestone for representation and excellence within the New Jersey legal community.

Her commitment to justice is at the heart of her advocacy, and this certification further enhances her ability to positively impact the lives of those she serves.

 

Congratulations to our very own Rich Klineburger on his induction into the New Jersey State Bar Association as Secretary!

Klineburger Installed as Secretary of the Association - NJSBA

Klineburger Installed as Secretary of the State Bar Association

NEW BRUNSWICK – Richard F. Klineburger, III was sworn in as secretary of the New Jersey State Bar Association at its Annual Meeting and Convention. He is on track to become president of the Association in 2030.

Klineburger is managing partner at the firm Klineburger & Nussey, with offices in South Jersey and Philadelphia. In 28 years as a trial attorney, he has earned a reputation as a tough litigator in the practice of criminal, civil and complex litigation. He has completed over 100 trials, including more than 75 jury trials in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania federal courts. Thereafter, Klineburger hung out his shingle in 1997, opening his own law firm that eventually became The Law Offices of Klineburger and Nussey in 2004.

“After many years volunteering within the Association, I am honored to serve in a new capacity as NJSBA secretary,” Klineburger said.

A native of West Philadelphia, Klineburger completed his undergraduate studies from Neumann University, where he graduated magna cum laude as a member of the honors program. He received his law degree from the Beasley School of Law at Temple University in 1995, and was admitted to the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Bars. While at Temple, Klineburger continued his academic success by making the dean’s list as well as earning Distinguished Class Performance in Evidence & Torts and was the recipient of the Barrister Award for Outstanding Performance in Trial Advocacy.

Following law school, Klineburger had the unique experience of serving in a judicial clerkship in two states. He originally clerked for Judge Thomas Dempsey of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania in the Family Court Division, Philadelphia Juvenile Unit and then clerked for New Jersey Superior Court Judge Timothy G. Farrell in Salem County.


Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Prosecutor’s Offices are working on an application to the NJ Attorney General's office for funding a mental health diversion program spanning our three counties. This program represents a critical opportunity to address the root causes of criminal behavior by providing targeted mental health support. It offers us a unique opportunity to serve a significant number of residents at the level of their root cause for criminal behavior.

Stay tuned for updates!

SCBA Professional Lawyer of the Year

Kristin Telsey

Kristin Telsey has been licensed to practice law in New Jersey since 2000, marking 25 years of dedication to the legal profession.

After clerking for the Honorable Theodore Z Davis, Presiding Judge of the Chancery Division, Superior Court of New Jersey, Camden County, Kristin spent more than 20 years in private practice.  Following her clerkship, she was an associate and then shareholder with the law firm of Earp Cohn, P.C. in Cherry Hill.  In 2010, she joined the Salem City law firm of Puma, Telsey & Rhea as Of Counsel.  In 2017, Kristin and her husband formed their own law firm, Telsey & Telsey LLC, in Salem. 

Most recently, Kristin was appointed Salem County Prosecutor by Governor Phil Murphy in 2021 and has served in that capacity since.

We congratulate Kristin on this well-deserved honor! She will be recognized alongside the other recipients of this prestigious award in June, and we look forward to celebrating her achievements at the event.