National Association of Women Judges hosts annual holiday party

December 9, 2015 By Rob Abruzzese Brooklyn Daily Eagle

President Hon. Kathy J. King (left), Hon. Betty J. Williams and the National Association of Women Judges, New York Chapter hosted its annual holiday party in Manhattan on Tuesday night. Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese

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The National Association of Women Judges, New York Chapter hosted its annual holiday party at the regal Surrogate’s Court building in Manhattan on Tuesday night. The party gave its members a chance to mingle and look back at another successful year for the organization.

“This is such a great occasion and such a beautiful venue, I think we can all agree on that,” said President Hon. Kathy J. King. “I would like to thank Surrogate Court Judge Rita Mella for graciously opening her house to us this evening. I would also like to thank each and every one of you, not only for attending this evening, but also for supporting NAWJ and its programs throughout the year.”

King discussed how much the group has done in the past year, and singled out the MentorJet program, where the judges met with law school students. She also praised the Judicial Mentoring Program, which matched experienced judges up with those newer to the bench, and the Color of Justice Program, where judges went and spoke with high school and college students considering a legal career.

“We were able to do a lot in the community, which made this past year particularly great for us,” King said. “Our success is due to you and your commitment to the organization.”

Justice Betty J. Williams, the group’s outgoing District 2 director, also spoke at the event about NAWJ’s Women in Prison program. Started in 1999 by Hon. Sarah L. Krauss, Hon. Cheryl J. Gonzales and Hon. Laura Lee Jacobson, the program collects toiletries and gifts and gives them to incarcerated women.

“Judge King always tells me to sit down because I get carried away when I talk about the Women in Prison program,” Williams joked. “That is the one thing that NAWJ NY does that outshines everybody in the nation. We did 400 gift bags the other day based on contribution from all of you. You have supported this project since I’ve been on the bench and it’s a wonderful project.”

The NAWJ’s New York chapter will meet again on Jan. 29 for its annual meeting at the New York Hilton. The meeting will be held as part of the New York State Bar Association’s annual meeting.