Brooklyn’s legal community gathers for Columbian Lawyers’ Judges’ Night
From left: Hon. Carolyn Mazzu Genovesi, Hon. Carl Landicino, Hon. Frank Seddio, Hon. Theresa Ciccotto, Hon. Joseph Maltese, Hon. Joy Campanelli, Hon. Carolyn Piela-Cohen, Hon. Wayne Ozzi and Hon. Richard Montelione. Photo by Mario Belluomo
By Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor
December 26, 2024
Copy Link
Email
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Telegram
Pinterest
Print
The Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn held its 57th annual Judges’ Night on Thursday, Dec. 5, at Gargiulo’s Restaurant in Coney Island. With more than 100 members in attendance, the members-only event is one of the association’s biggest gatherings of the year, standing out for its impressive turnout compared to similar events hosted by other bar associations.
Mario Romano, president-elect of the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn, speaks at the podium during the 57th annual Judges’ Night at Gargiulo’s Restaurant. Standing to his left are Hon. Dena Douglas, Hon. Monique Holaman, Hon. Brian Gottlieb, Hon. Bernard Graham, and Hon. Betsey Jean-Jacques. Photo by Mario Belluomo
Founded in 1966 by Hon. Frank J. Pino, the former presiding justice of the Appellate Term of the Supreme Court, the Columbian Lawyers Association has grown to include more than 300 members. The association serves as a hub for Italian American lawyers and judges, fostering camaraderie and professional development through monthly meetings and special events. Judges’ Night is one of the highlights of its calendar, along with the Columbus Day Parade and its annual Installation Dinner Dance.
This year’s Judges’ Night included introductions of all judges in attendance from both Brooklyn and Staten Island, with special recognition for member judges of Italian heritage. The evening also featured a moment of silence in memory of Justice Anthony Cutrona, a past president of the association who passed away in 2013 but remains a revered figure in the association and Brooklyn’s legal community.
From left: Mario Romano, Yolanda Guadagnoli and Christopher Caputo. Photo by Mario Belluomo
John Dalli, the current president, welcomed attendees before introducing Mario Romano, the association’s president-elect and current president of the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association. Romano served as master of ceremonies and will officially take the reins as president of the Columbian Lawyers Association in June.
As one of New York State’s most active and respected bar associations, the Columbian Lawyers continue to honor their heritage and support the legal community through events like Judges’ Night, celebrating the judiciary and their shared commitment to justice.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
