DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — After more than 20 years as a civil litigator, Brooklyn-born Marisa Arrabito has now ascended to the bench to become a Kings County Civil Court judge.
Arrabito’s induction took place at St. Francis College, 179 Livingston St., on Dec. 21 before hundreds of spectators.
“Being in the court system is what I was meant to do,” Arrabito told the Brooklyn Eagle. “I just want to enjoy every minute of this and take it all in. I look forward to helping as many people as I possibly can.”
Yolanda Guadagnoli, the event’s mistress of ceremonies, referred to Arrabito as “Wonder Woman.”
“Marisa is an amazing and inspiring woman,” Guadagnoli said. “I can tell you without hesitation that she will be an incredible judge.”
Dominic Famulari, the first speaker of the afternoon, said that Arrabito will be a credit to the bench. “She’s walked the walk that practicing lawyers like myself and many of you in this room have walked for a long time.”
Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair and Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, D-42, spoke alongside a number of district leaders. She said she is thankful to have a person of warmth and compassion as a judge in the Unified Court System.
“Marisa has a clear understanding of the people who rely on our legal system,” Bichotte Hermelyn said. “As a litigator, she has handled the kinds of cases where people walk into court anxious, uncertain and seeking fairness, and met that responsibility with care and integrity — qualities that our communities look for in a judge.”
District leaders Josh Pierre, Sarana Purcell, Jennifer Faucher, Frank Seddio, Nancy Tong, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and Hon. Marisa Arrabito. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
Hon. Frank Seddio called Arrabito “the most popular person I have ever seen,” noting that her name and reputation as a legal professional is revered throughout southwest Brooklyn.
“I also like when women who have children get elected to the bench,” Seddio said. “When you can deal with raising children, you can certainly deal with interacting with people — a key quality in a good judge. I’m so looking forward to seeing Marisa on the bench.”
Hon. Kenneth Sherman, who swore Arrabito in, called her “someone special, both as a lawyer and a person. Throughout her years as my law clerk, Marisa demonstrated intellectual rigor, sound judgment and unwavering commitment to doing what is right.”
Arrabito gave a moving speech at the conclusion of the event, reflecting on her late husband while holding back tears. “My journey to get here would not have begun without one person: Orazio. He was there with me and for me from the very beginning and was as excited for me as my own family was.”
Hon. Marisa Arrabito alongside New York City and State Court justices. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
Beginnings
Arrabito began her legal career 22 years ago, focusing on family and matrimonial law, landlord-tenant matters and plaintiff personal injury.
As a civil litigator for two decades, Arrabito managed a wide variety of cases from inception to settlement or trial, including personal injury, family law, matrimonial matters, landlord/tenant disputes, real estate, contracts and insurance defense. Her experience also includes handling cases involving premises liability, labor law, commercial motor vehicle accidents, property damage and contractual indemnification.
In 2022, Arrabito transitioned into the Supreme Court system, where she served as principal law clerk to Sherman. Arrabito is a board member of the Columbian Lawyers Association, Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association, Bay Ridge Lawyers and Catholic Lawyers Guild.
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