Each of the courses listed below includes a broad introduction to the subject matter and also stresses the important role of the municipal attorney. The major topics listed are intended to be representative of the course content.

Legal Aspects of Land Use for New Jersey Attorneys* - 16 hours
Major topics: general background of land use law; rule-making powers; the master plan; zoning ordinances; variances; appeals; examination.

Municipal Finances—Raising and Spending Money by Municipalities - 15 hours
Major topics: municipal budget process; bonding; property tax assessment; tax lien enforcement and collection; Local Public Contracts Law; examination.

Legal Aspects of Municipal Labor Relations - 15 hours
Major topics: overview of public sector labor relations; the scope of negotiations in public employment; negotiation process; arbitration; practice and procedure before PERC and the courts; examination.

Legal Aspects of Municipal Procedure* - 16 hours
Major topics: introduction to New Jersey local government; governing body meeting procedures; conflict of interest and the appearance of conflict for municipal attorneys and public officials; examination.

Municipal Tort Liability in New Jersey - 12 hours
Major topics: claims; public policy—general structure; public employees, public property cases; corrections and police; jury trial and comparative negligence; defense and indemnification; examination.

Public Land and Buildings in New Jersey - 10 hours
Major topics: sources of law; acquisition; tax foreclosure; easements; joint purchase; disposition; dedication, acceptance, and vacation; examination.

* This course features an internet-based learning aid.
A valid email address and access to the internet are required.

The courses in this program are designed to provide valuable information about local government law for experienced local government attorneys, for those who have been recently appointed, and for those who seek local government appointments. Successful completion of all courses makes one eligible for a certificate as a Diplomate in New Jersey Local Government Law.

An applicant for the Diplomate must be a member of the New Jersey Bar and must satisfactorily complete all six of the New Jersey Local Government Law courses described.

In addition to the six required courses, each participant must earn 12 hours of continuing legal education credits by attending seminars offered by New Jersey ICLE or comparable, approved providers. Seminars must be approved by the curriculum committee.

The Diplomate designation will remain in effect for a period of five years and is subject to renewal. Renewal of the designation for an additional period of five years is granted after a Diplomate attends 30 or more hours of relevant continuing legal education. New Jersey ICLE seminars in the areas of Environmental, Land Use, Real Estate, Taxation, Labor and Employment Law, or Civil or Appellate Trial Practice meet this requirement.
Other seminars must be approved by the Curriculum Committee of the Local Government Law program.

Applicants must apply for the designation with the Center for Government Services.

A fee of $30 (payable to Rutgers, The State University) is charged for the issuance of the certificate.

A $25 fee is charged for the issuance of each renewal.

Students must meet attendance requirements, pass a final examination, and pay all course fees in order to successfully complete a course.

The coadjutant faculty is composed of attorneys and government officials with specialized knowledge of local government law. Courses are scheduled in both the fall and spring semesters. Times and locations are announced in advance of each semester.

CGS will refund the full course fee less a $25 processing charge to any student who notifies CGS in writing of his/her intent to withdraw. Notices of withdrawal must be submitted at least 48 hours before the course is scheduled to start. Withdrawal notices sent by fax (732/932-3586) will be accepted as well as notices sent by mail. Send withdrawal notice to:

New Jersey Local Government Law
Center for Government Services
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
33 Livingston Avenue, Suite 200
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1979

Fax: 732/932-3586

The Diplomate in New Jersey Municipal Law is offered jointly by the Center for Government Services of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey and the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys (NJILGA). The Center for Government Services is responsible for administration. NJILGA is responsible for the overall development of the courses and the curriculum.

For more information, contact the Center for Government Services at the number listed above, or visit the CGS web site at www.policy.rutgers.edu/cgs.
Telephone: 732/932-3640 ext. 648