Bay Ridge Lawyers’ post-holiday holiday party continues to be a success

January 23, 2020 Rob Abruzzese

From left: Past president Margaret Stanton, Christopher Caputo and Maryann Stathopoulos. Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo

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The Bay Ridge Lawyers Association hosted its annual holiday party on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at the Dyker Beach Golf Course where its members shared dinner, danced and celebrated the New Year together.

Hemalee Patel (left) and Janet McFarland.

From left: Stephen Bonanno, Stephen Spinelli, Hon. Barbara Panepinto and Grace Borrino.

The group has now celebrated its last three holiday parties after the holidays. It’s a recent tradition that started because many of the borough’s judges and attorneys are members of multiple bar associations. Between all of the parties hosted by bar associations, law firms and law school alumni associations, December can be an incredibly hectic month.

Ray Ferrier (left) and Joe Rosato, president of the Nathan R. Sobel Inns of Court.

The move also coincided with the start of the BRLA’s now annual “Breakfast with Santa” party that was started by past President Margaret Stanton. So, not only do its members get a break from yet another December obligation, but the group can focus its efforts on bringing Christmas joy to the neighborhood.

From left: Dominic Famulari, Eric DiNapoli, Mario Romano, Yolanda Guadagnoli and Christopher Caputo, president-elect of the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn.

The Bay Ridge Lawyers Association continued its tradition of hosting a holiday party after the New Year with a bash at the Dyker Beach Golf Course on Wednesday, Jan. 15. Pictured are President Maryann Stathopoulos (left) and past President Helen Galette.

From left: Hon. Joy Campanelli, Hon. Theresa Ciccotto, Hon. Vincent Del Guidice and Laura Messiana.

The move has paid off too as attendance at the annual holiday party has increased over the last few years. The group even moved from the restaurant Encore on Fourth Avenue to the Dyker Beach Golf Course this year to accommodate more guests.

From left: Hon. Bruce Balter, Marisa Arrabito and Gianna Famulari.

From left: Rosa Pannitto, Maryann Stathopoulos, Hon. Elizabeth Bonina, Andrea Bonina and Angela Chiaino.

The evening was just a simple celebration amongst friends. Only long-time member Ray Ferrier and President Maryann Stathopoulos briefly spoke.

Hon. Christopher Robles and Hon. Margarita Lopez Torres.

Hon. Robert Miller (left) and Hon. Donald Kurtz.

The BRLA will host its next meeting, which features a continuing legal education seminar by Dale Fong-Frederick on legal fees, at Mama Rao’s in Dyker Heights on Wednesday, Jan. 29.