Ms. Patricia Ann Atkins, Esq., is a highly accomplished attorney and educational consultant hailing from Cherry Hill. Her notable appointment to the Amistad Commission by Governor Jon Corzine in 2009, followed by her reappointment by Governor Phil Murphy in March 2022, demonstrates her unwavering commitment to advancing the understanding and appreciation of African American contributions to the United States among New Jersey students.

While currently engaged in private legal practice, Ms. Atkins has a multifaceted background that extends beyond her professional legal activities.

She has dedicated significant time to education, serving as a teacher and offering her expertise as legal counsel to a New Jersey charter school. Furthermore, she has actively participated in local boards, community activities, and public service, reflecting her deep-rooted passion for education and community development

Educational Background:

• Juris Doctorate, Rutgers University School of Law Camden, New Jersey, 1979
• M.A. in Student Personnel Services, Kean University, Union, New Jersey
• B.A. in English, The College of New Jersey, Trenton, New Jersey
• Professional Certificate in Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service Arbitrator Training, 2004
• Certificate in Whistleblowers: Professionalism, Retaliation, & Remedies, Rutgers University School of Law, 2004

Licenses:

• Admitted to the United States Supreme Court
• Admitted to the United States Court of Appeals
• Admitted to the New Jersey Courts since December 1979

Certifications:

NJDOE Educational Services Supervisor

Legal Experiences and Achievements:

• General Counsel for District Board of Trustees
• General Counsel for Trenton Housing Authority
• Hearing Officer for disciplinary actions at Granville Charter School, Rutgers University, and Trenton Housing Authority
• Drafted student handbook and parent handbook
• Provided legal representation for various matters, including special education complaints, termination and discipline cases, discrimination complaints, entitlements, labor and employment issues, landlord/tenant disputes, and family law matters
• Handled settlement negotiations and represented clients before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), NJ Division on Civil Rights, and NJ Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC)

Managerial and Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Developed job descriptions, policies, and professional development programs
• Recruited, recommended hiring, supervised, and evaluated staff
• Played a key role in designing professional development programs for staff
• Negotiated contracts and agreements, including lease agreements and union contracts
• Developed plans for reduction in force due to space constraints
• Served as Affirmative Action Officer (AAO) and Section 504 Officer
• Acted as the point of contact for public information and media relations
• Financial Involvement:
• Provided oversight and assistance in creating school budgets
• Utilized data and analytics to determine optimal student enrollment
• Served as the primary advisor to the CEO and CAO in strategic planning

Law, Education and Political Positions Held:

• Municipal Prosecutor on an annual basis, Labor and Employment, Education,
• Regulatory Officer 2 at the New Jersey Department of Labor and Economic Development
• General Counsel for Granville Charter School
• Chief of Staff, Legislative District-15, Office of Senator Shirley K. Turner  
• Municipal Prosecutor in Camden, New Jersey
• Hearing Officer for disciplinary actions at Rutgers University (on an as-needed basis)
• Teacher Mentor at Woodbury Public Schools
• Assistant Professor (Adjunct) - Civil Litigation, Business Law at Mercer County Community College
• General Counsel & Director of Occupancy at Trenton Housing Authority (1994-1998)
• Executive Director and Managing Attorney at Camden Regional Legal Services, Inc. (CRLS) (1982-1992)
• Chief of Hearings and Administrative Practices