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Thanks to McCarter & English, Wilson Elser and Busch & Busch for hosting and all of the lawyers, judges and client-personnel who attended a ”cast party” for the Owens-Illinois case (O-I) at Stage Left in New Brunswick last Friday evening.  The party celebrated the 23 years since the filing of an important and hard-fought asbestos insurance and reinsurance case. 

The case is concluded, but its spirit lives.  If that spirit could be bottled, the entire Bar should be offered at least a sip.  (In fact, if you’re in New Brunswick this week, take a peek in the window of the restaurant.  There may still be some stragglers in there!) 

O-I was a rigorous a litigation work-out.  It involved a lot of money, novel and contentious issues, and a group of lawyers and judges with skill levels  approaching their egos.  Great fun. 

What all enjoyed Friday evening was the affection, respect and camaraderie resulting from having worked hard together on something special.  Former adversaries and allies, some of whom haven’t seen each other in years, ate, drank, joked and told fibs with the same vigor that we once litigated.    People flew in from around the country and joined the fun.  

Recently, I suggested in this space that lawyers getting together and partying might be as beneficial a pathway for New Jersey’s Mandatory CLE program as any alternative under consideration.  I now wish to formalize that suggestion for consideration by the Committee.  Without doubt, Friday’s event was among the most useful CLEs I have been to, right up there with having had the opportunity to do my job alongside this talented and personable group of lawyers, judges and clients.