BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — The Brooklyn Bar Association’s (BBA) 153rd induction ceremony took place before hundreds of spectators at the Appellate Division, Second Department, at 45 Monroe Place, on June 10, inaugurating new trustees and officers, including Brooklyn-born attorney Christina Golkin as the Bar’s new president.
New officers included President-elect Daniel Antonelli, First Vice President Angelicque Moreno, Second Vice President Bruno Codispoti, Secretary Grace Borrino and Treasurer Pauline Yeung-Ha.
New trustees for the class of 2028 included Sidney Cherubin, Dean Delianites, Michael Farkas, Angie Khawly, Stephanie Parker, Erin Peake and Margarita Racanelli.
Golkin told the Brooklyn Eagle that as president of the BBA, her goal this year is to continue fostering a welcoming and dynamic community for legal professionals at every stage of their careers.
“I plan to grow our membership by highlighting the value we provide, including access to Continuing Legal Education credits, mentorship programs, leadership opportunities, a job board and a wide range of networking and professional development events,” Golkin said.
She pointed out that strengthening partnerships with affinity bar associations and expanding outreach to law students are her key priorities, ensuring they feel supported and empowered as they enter the profession.
“I am also committed to ensuring our programming reflects the diversity, energy and values of Brooklyn,” Golkin underscored. “Signature events such as our Pride brunch and drag show, Black History Month whiskey tasting and BBA sports outings offer meaningful ways for members to connect beyond the courtroom.”
The BBA’s primary purpose is to promote professional competence among attorneys and increase respect for the legal system. It also works to ensure all residents of Brooklyn have equal access to the criminal and civil justice systems. The association’s mission is further supported by its Access to Justice Task Force and other initiatives focused on diversity, inclusion and equity.
Brooklyn Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo
Making the world a little bit better
Remarks at the induction were heard from Dewey Golkin, Esq., father of Christina; Liz Vladeck, Esq., New York City Public Schools general counsel; Andrea Bonina, Esq.; Hon. Theresa Ciccotto, who also performed the induction; and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, who referred to the BBA as “a pillar of democracy, ensuring that justice is accessible, fair and impartial — grounded in the law, not politics or privilege.”
“Right now, democracy depends on making sure that we can have a bar association that will continue to stand up for the rights of New Yorkers — and really everyone in this city,” Gonzalez explained, adding that he is confident that Golkin “has the firepower to lead this bar during this difficult time.”
Golkin comes from a long line of lawyers. “When growing up, discussing legal issues and current affairs was an everyday occurrence at the dinner table,” she recalled. “For me, though, becoming a lawyer was always about more than just assuming ‘the family business.’ I wanted to make a tangible difference and make the world a little bit better.”
Golkin began her career at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office and now works in the Special Education Unit of the NYC Department of Education’s Office of General Counsel. She also founded the LGBTQ+ Committee of the Brooklyn Bar Association and has served as an adjunct professor at St. Joseph’s College since 2010. In addition, Golkin is a current member of the New York State Bar Association and the National LGBTQ Bar Association.
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.
