French Community Events in New Jersey

Priya Prakash Royal is a recognized tax law and cross-border planning expert with over 16 years of experience representing clients on sophisticated and international trusts and estates law, business law, and related tax issues, including those affecting nonprofits and persons with cross-border interests. She is a former IRS Estate Tax Attorney and admitted to practice in DC, MD, NY, NJ, and PA. At the IRS, Priya audited prominent and ultra-high-net-worth estates and gifts. Priya founded the Royal Law Firm PLLC in 2009, representing a similar clientele, and has structured sophisticated estate and gift plans on transferring domestic and international intergenerational wealth, business succession/asset protection, and charitable planning. The firm has developed an international family collaboration to further women's empowerment by furthering opportunities for exceptional legal professionals. She has also served as an expert witness addressing sophisticated tax and planning issues and has been retained as a tax consultant by other legal professionals. In addition to running the Royal Law Firm PLLC, she is Of Counsel for a prominent New York-based law firm and advises on the firm’s international tax matters. She remains committed to making women empowerment and diversifying the face of wealth. Through the Royal Law Firm PLLC, she has developed a multinational family collaboration between India and the US supporting exceptional legal professionals in the field. Priya is on the Board of STEP Mid-Atlantic as Treasurer. She is also on the Tax Steering Committee at the DC Bar and was the Vice-Chair of the DC Bar Steering Committee in Estates, Trusts, and Probate Law (ETPL). She was named Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2021. She is a frequent speaker and author in the tax and trusts & estates field. She has been published by the ABA, Bloomberg Tax, and various trade journals, including Heritage Auctions, and is a frequent speaker at bar associations, national, and international conferences and events, including the DC Bar, NAPABA, SABA, USPTO, National Appraisal Institute, AIP, and various podcasts. She is an Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) and International Trusts and Estates Practitioner (TEP) and was awarded Trailblazing Attorney of the Year by the DC Bar Communities. Priya has a JD and LL.M. from Villanova, a BA from Rutgers, and an MBA from APUS. She is conversant in Hindi, Tamil, Spanish, and French.

Recognized by: Fourth Highest Motor Vehicle Accident Verdict in NJ - NJLJ & ALM 2018 The National Black Lawyers - Top 100 2019 Attorney and Practice Magazine - 2019 Top 10 New Jersey Law Journal (Suits & Deals Section) SuperLawyers Rising Stars NAOPIA - Top 10 Under 40 2018 NAOPIA - Personal Injury Client Satisfaction Awards AIOFLA - Family Law Client Satisfaction Awards “Everything I do is for my clients. They are real people going through real life situations and they need help.” As an immigrant to the United States, I went through the legal process of immigration along with my parents at the age of eight – we attended court and I was immediately attracted to the poise and style of the attorneys amidst the chaos of immigration court. Later, at age 12, I was detained by immigration and separated from my mother in Puerto Rico on a return trip to the United States from Martinique. I was interrogated by immigration officers who threatened to return me to France, my birthplace, without my parents if I did not cooperate. At such a young age, having experienced the feeling of helplessness without legal guidance, and having recalled my earlier positive impression of attorneys helping others, I devoted myself to pursuing a legal career, so as to represent people who needed a compassionate voice and sound legal guidance through unfamiliar and sometimes life-changing circumstances. Soon after becoming a lawyer, I sought to join an intimate sized law firm that would provide the opportunity to concentrate on partnering closely with clients. I found this in The Law Offices of Katherine G. Houghton. I am passionate about forming strong partnerships with my clients to: - Advocate on their behalf and in their best interests - Make them feel comfortable to contact or meet with me to discuss their case - Clearly understand their situation and goals - Consistently provide sound legal counsel - Pursue optimal legal remedies that provide them with satisfaction or amelioration of their pain and suffering - Keep them informed regarding all legal procedures and what to expect during the course of action to be pursued When accidents occur as a result of someone else’s negligence, or a life event necessitates legal counsel, my clients deserve representation that will assure they are legally protected and/or fully compensated when justified. Feel free to call me directly at 201-587-1414 to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation, legal options and goals.

Serving the Princeton, New Jersey community since its establishment as an official French government office, the French Honorary Consul represents a unique diplomatic role that combines governmental authority with deep community ties. Unlike career diplomats, Honorary Consuls are either French citizens or residents of the host country who are nominated by France's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and delegated by the Consul General, bringing authentic local understanding to their work. The individual holding this position in Princeton, NJ embodies a commitment to protecting French inhabitants and travelers while fostering meaningful connections between France and the surrounding region. Through their unpaid volunteer service, the Honorary Consul demonstrates dedication to advancing French cultural, artistic, and business interests while providing essential support to French nationals navigating life abroad. The office works to strengthen Franco-American relations at the community level, organizing cultural initiatives and facilitating business partnerships that benefit both France and the Princeton area. Whether assisting French expats with administrative matters, hosting official visits, or promoting French arts and commerce, the Honorary Consul serves as an approachable, locally-grounded representative of French interests, making the resources and support of the French government accessible to the community in Princeton, New Jersey.

L'Alliance Montclair is part of a distinguished legacy as the oldest and largest French language and culture organization serving the nation. Located in Montclair, New Jersey, this campus represents a commitment to making authentic French education and francophone culture accessible to diverse communities. The organization recognizes that language learning extends far beyond grammar and vocabulary—it's about building connections with a global culture and community of speakers. The Montclair location serves students of all ages and experience levels, from curious beginners to those seeking advanced proficiency. What sets L'Alliance apart is its holistic approach: students don't simply attend classes; they join a thriving network of learners united by shared passion for the French language. The complimentary membership that accompanies enrollment reflects this philosophy, providing access to cultural events, practice groups, and social opportunities across the New Jersey and New York campus network. By choosing L'Alliance Montclair, students invest in more than language skills—they gain entry to a supportive community dedicated to francophone culture and connection. The organization's use of internationally-recognized proficiency frameworks ensures rigorous, credible instruction, while the emphasis on community and culture keeps learning meaningful and engaging. Whether motivated by heritage, travel, career advancement, or pure love of the French language, learners find a welcoming home at L'Alliance Montclair.

Founded as a community-driven initiative, Alliance Francaise de Princeton et de sa Region represents a passionate commitment to celebrating and sharing French language and culture with the Princeton, New Jersey community and beyond. We are part of a historic international movement spanning 160 countries, where approximately 140,000 students are currently engaged in French learning through Alliance chapters worldwide. Our mission centers on building genuine connections between French speakers and those inspired by French culture and lifestyle. Operated entirely by dedicated volunteers, we have created a welcoming space where community members can deepen their understanding of the French language while forming meaningful relationships with others who share this interest. Rather than simply teaching language, we cultivate appreciation for the rich traditions, values, and perspectives that define French culture. As one of the newest Alliance chapters in the United States, Alliance Francaise de Princeton et de sa Region brings fresh energy and authentic cultural programming to the Princeton area. Our volunteer-led model ensures that every membership fee and tuition dollar directly supports our mission and strengthens our local community. We believe that language learning is fundamentally about human connection—bridging cultures, fostering understanding, and creating lasting friendships across the Francophone world. Join us in this rewarding journey of cultural and linguistic discovery.