RED HOOK — The Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association, an organization of women lawyers and judges dedicated to promoting equality, professional development and community service within the legal field, drew more than 400 guests to its annual gala May 28 at the Liberty Warehouse.
BWBA President Lisa Michael told the crowd that one of the most rewarding aspects of her presidency was watching the organization’s membership grow and its relationships deepen. She added that this year, the BWBA continued to strengthen its longstanding mission of supporting and advancing women in the legal profession while fostering meaningful relationships between the bench, the bar and the community.
From left: Lisa Michael, Esq., Hon. Adam Silvera, and Hon. Joseph Zayas. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
“What began as a vision outlined in my installation speech became a year defined by meaningful accomplishments,” she said.
Four legal professionals were honored, including Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for New York City Courts Adam Silvera, who received the President’s Award; Hon. Wavny Toussaint, who was given the Lifetime Achievement Award; Hon. Lara Genovesi, who received the Amy Wren Award; and attorney Meryl Schwartz, who was given the Sybil Hart Kooper Award.
Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas, who presented Silvera with his award, described him as a great friend and colleague.
The BWBA hosted its annual gala. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
“When the chief judge and I were appointed more than three years ago, we knew we had to make some changes in the court system,” Zayas said.
“We had to rebuild the morale of the judiciary, our relationship with the bar associations across the state and change the image of the Office of Court Administration. Judge Silvera was definitely on our radar as a court leader who could help us turn those things around. He possessed all the important attributes that could help us accomplish our goals.”
Upon receiving his award, Silvera said that accepting an award from the BWBA feels less like receiving recognition and more like being welcomed into a lineage.
“This organization’s mission has never wavered: to promote, protect and further the rights of women in this county and in this state,” he said. “To be recognized tonight means more to me than I can easily put into words. I do not take lightly what this recognition represents, and I do not intend to be worthy of it only tonight. I intend to earn it every day of my career.”
Toussaint said she was incredibly humbled that the BWBA chose to grace her with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The judge made history in 2023 with her appointment as the presiding justice of the Appellate Term of the New York State Supreme Court. She was the first woman, person of color and Trinbagonian American to hold the position. Toussaint spoke fondly about her family and their role in her ascension.
“My mom was born in Panama and my dad in Grenada,” Toussaint said. “They both risked their future by emigrating to the U.S. in search of a better life for themselves and their four children. As I stand here this evening, I am part of the proof that my parents’ goals for their children were fulfilled.”
Genovesi, a lifelong Brooklynite who currently serves as an associate justice of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, Second Department, said no achievement happens alone.
“To receive the support of the BWBA is both deeply meaningful and generally humbling,” she said.
RoseAnn Branda, executive partner and director of the Family and Matrimonial Law department at Abrams Fensterman, LLP. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
Schwartz, a past president of the BWBA, whose areas of practice include fighting for plaintiffs in wrongful death actions, airline accidents, personal injury and medical malpractice, said she is grateful to be recognized alongside so many talented and inspiring people.
The BWBA was created in 1918 when nine women lawyers united for the purpose of achieving equality, diversity, fairness and opportunity for women lawyers and all women. Since then, the association has grown to include several hundred members, and through its affiliation with the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, it has spearheaded countless advances for women.
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.
