STATEN ISLAND — The Columbian Lawyers Association (CLA) of Brooklyn presented its annual Staten Island Continuing Legal Education seminar, this year on the topic of “Updates and Modernizations of Richmond County Court.”
The event took place the evening of Jan. 13, at Nino’s Restaurant at 1110 Hyland Blvd., before a relatively packed house.
From left: Bill Neri, Esq.; Maria Neri, Esq.; and Hon. Alexis Riley. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
Raymond Rodriguez, administrative judge of Richmond County Supreme Court’s 13th Judicial District, discussed recent technical advances.
Hon. Frank Seddio, left, alongside Hon. Brian Gottlieb. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
The improvements, which are for 12 “Digital Jury Trial Courtrooms” on Staten Island, include virtual testimonies and interpreters, annotation tools for witnesses to mark evidence for real-time viewing and improved audio.
Hon. Frank Seddio and Yolanda Guadagnoli, Esq. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
So far, only Courtroom 410 at the Richmond County Supreme Court in St. George has been completed and unveiled at a ribbon-cutting this past September.
Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon, left, alongside Hon. John Ingram. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
Plans for similar improvements in additional courtrooms are coming throughout 2026, according to Rodriguez.
Chris Caputo, Esq., left, Hon. Thomas Aliotta, right, and guest. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
The project secured funding through a partnership between local officials, including Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. The New York State Unified Court System also pitched in.
From left: Annette Scaranno, Esq., Hon. Wayne Ozzi, Hon. Matthew Santamauro and Joe Romagnolo, Esq. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
Delivering efficient and expeditious justice
Rodriguez is a member of the Court Modernization Action Committee, a group of justice system associates working to update and improve court operations. He had an epiphany last year to modernize every courtroom in the Supreme Court.
From left: Steven Bamundo, Esq.; Bart Russo, Esq.; and Dino Mastropietro, Esq. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
He told the Brooklyn Eagle that one of his missions was to create a 21st-century, state-of-the-art courtroom.
Hon. William Mastro, left, alongside Hon. Matthew Santamauro. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
“If you have something on a pen drive or on your laptop, you don’t have to bring anything else in,” Rodriguez explained. “We need to use all these tools to help deliver efficient, expeditious justice — but, of course, in a responsible way.”
From left: Mario Romano, Esq.; Yolanda Guadagnoli, Esq.; Vito Cannavo, Esq.; and Gail Goode, Esq. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
The impact of Brooklyn
Rodriguez’s judicial career began in 2013, when former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg appointed him to the New York Civil Court.
Mario Romano, Esq., left, alongside Dominic Famulari, Esq. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
In 2014, he received a seat on the Criminal Court of the City of New York, a role to which he has been continuously reappointed. In 2019, Rodriguez was elevated to acting justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York.
Mario Romano, Esq., left, presenting a CLE “Certificate of Attendance” to Hon. Raymond Rodriguez. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
Before ascending to the bench, Rodriguez practiced law independently for a decade, specializing in both civil and criminal litigation.
An alumnus of Widener University School of Law, he earned his Juris Doctor with honors, graduating Cum Laude.
The Columbian Lawyers’ most recent CLE at Nino’s Restaurant on Staten Island was well attended. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
Despite being a lifelong resident of Staten Island and having a family that goes back generations there, Rodriguez said Brooklyn shaped him. Most of his judicial career was spent in Kings County.
From left: Linda Lo Cascio, Esq.; Bruno Codispoti, Esq.; and Hon. Joy Campanelli. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
“Without Brooklyn, I don’t think I would be in the place that I’m in now,” Rodriguez emphasized.
Columbian Lawyers: 60 years and going strong
The CLA of Brooklyn is more than a club for Italian American lawyers and judges to meet and share professional opinions.
Founded in 1966 by Hon. Frank J. Pino, the former presiding justice of the Appellate Term of the Supreme Court, the organization is at its core a family.
Steven Bamundo, Esq., left, alongside Gregory Cerchione, Esq. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
In the 60 years since its inception, the CLA of Brooklyn, which boasts over 300 members, has become one of the most active, highly respected and influential bar associations in New York State.
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.
