The Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn and its President Yolanda Guadagnoli invited Hon. Jeffrey Sunshine to speak at the group’s monthly meeting in Coney Island on Wednesday.
Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo
On Wednesday, Sept. 6, the Columbian Lawyers Association held its monthly meeting at Gargiulo’s Restaurant in Coney Island. It was the first meeting under new president Yolanda Guadagnoli, and the spotlight of the evening was on the Hon. Jeffrey S. Sunshine, the statewide coordinating judge for matrimonial matters.
With a speech titled, “Matrimonial Rules, Law & Forms…What’s New, What May Be Coming,” Judge Sunshine shed light on the intricacies and ongoing changes in matrimonial law. One of the focal points of his presentation was the top 20 most common mistakes when filing uncontested divorce forms — an essential takeaway for legal professionals looking to ensure their clients navigate this process smoothly.
Moreover, he discussed the harmonization of the Supreme Court rules with the Matrimonial Rules. The Joint Divorce Pilot programs, especially the one simplifying the Uncontested Divorce process in New York, took center stage as well. It’s noteworthy that Brooklyn is among the counties actively participating in this pilot.
Judge Sunshine also touched upon the Kings County Uncontested Matrimonial Part Uniform Rules and Protocols. These discussions resonated deeply, offering valuable insights to the legal community on both current practices and potential future developments.
As the Statewide Coordinating Judge for Matrimonial Matters since June 2018, Justice Sunshine has regularly engaged with various judicial and administrative stakeholders. His endeavors during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the creation of the virtual evidence courtroom (VEC), showcased his proactive approach to judicial innovation.
Justice Sunshine’s work extends beyond the courtroom. He led the creation of the Uncontested Joint Divorce Pilot Project and has also been pivotal in harmonizing court rules, ensuring they are accessible to self-represented litigants and survivors of domestic violence or intimate partner violence. His efforts also shine through in the Matrimonial Judges dashboard, which allows for more efficient tracking of caseloads.
A former president of the Brooklyn Bar Association, Justice Sunshine’s dedication to the legal profession has spanned decades.
At the meeting the Columbian Lawyers announced the creation of its new website— www.clabklyn.org — which will promote its upcoming events, like its next continuing legal education meeting in Coney Island on Oct. 4, or its Italian Heritage Month event at Tiro A Segno in Manhattan on Oct. 17. See the new website for more details.
Columbian Lawyer Grace Borrino, a past president of the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association, will be installed as the corresponding secretary of the Federation of Columbian Lawyers on Monday, Sept. 25 at Barosa Restaurant in Rego Park, Queens.
Hon. Frank Seddio (left) and Adam Kalish, who will be installed as the new president of the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association at a ceremony later this month.From left: Yolanda Guadagnoli, Hon. Joanne Quinones, Christopher Caputo, Marisa Arrabito and Y. Gail Goode.From left: Grace Borrino, Hon. Janet McFarland, and Betsey Jean Jacques, president of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Kings County.From left: Hon. Lara Genovesi, Hon. Rosemarie Montalbano, Hon. Ellen Spodek, president of the Brooklyn Brandeis Society, and Linda LoCascio.From left: Steven Bamundo, Hon. Donald Kurtz and Hon. Connie Mallafre Melendez.From left: Immediate Past President Salvatore Scibetta, Hon. Mark Partnow, Michael Benjamin, and Hon. Lawrence Knipel, administrative judge of the Kings County Supreme Court, Civil Term.Stephen Spinelli (left) and Bruno Codispoti.
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.
