Every year prior to COVID the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association held a luncheon at the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department. It was meant to provide members with an opportunity to be introduced to the court’s bench and get to know them in a more relaxed atmosphere.
After finally getting back to in-person events this year, of course the Women’s Bar brought the event back and hosted the once-again annual event with Justice Hector LaSalle, the presiding judge of the court on Jan. 25.
“It is my great honor and pleasure to welcome each one of you to the resumption of our annual luncheon,” said President Susan Mauro. “We’re very happy today to have Presiding Justice Hector LaSalle here with us.
Hon. Rachel Adams, and Hon. Joseph Maltese.
“This is an important event for the BWBA in conjunction with the Appellate Division,” Mauro continued. “It gives practitioners, those who have had the opportunity to argue in the Appellate Division, and those who would like to do so, to meet and speak with the justices that they will appear in front of. It also gives them a chance to see the actual courtroom and get a feeling for what it is like. It’s a fantastic experience and a special place. I’m glad that we could host this event once again and hopefully it will be annual again going forward.”
It was helpful that one of its own members and board members, Hon. Lillian Wan, has joined the Appellate Division, and was able to help coordinate the event. Justice Wan has served on the Appellate Division since May 2022 and served the dual purpose of representing both the court and bar association, which made her the perfect person to introduce the judges at the luncheon.
From left: Raymi Ramseur-Usher, Hon. Genine Edwards, Hon. Hector LaSalle, Hon. Paul Wooten, Hon. William Ford, and Hon. Connie Mallafre Melendez.
“I want to thank our presiding Justice Hector LaSalle for having this event today and allowing the bench and the bar to come together in person for the first time in over three years,” Justice Wan said. “It is great to see everyone in person again.”
The event wasn’t long and was meant to be one in which members and judges could easily mingle over lunch. After President Mauro introduced Justice Wan, who introduced LaSalle and the bench, the presiding judge gave brief remarks.
“The work you all do for the residents of Brooklyn is appreciated,” said LaSalle. “The quality of legal representation is incredible and the court system doesn’t work without zealous advocates working on behalf of the people so I want to commend you for the work that you do. I’m so impressed with all of you and you are one of the most prestigious bar associations in the entire state.”
From left: Hon. Robin Sheares, Hon. Genine Edwards, Hon. Rupert Barry, and Hon. Betsy Barros.Diana Szochet and Hon. Mark Dillon.From left: Hon. Cenceria Edwards, Hon. Rosemarie Montalbano, Hon. Angela G. Iannacci, and Diane Matero.From left: Hon. Helen Voutsinas, Hon. Barry Warhit, and Hon. Linda Christopher.From left: Hon. Cenceria Edwards, Hon. Valerie Brathwaite Nelson, Natoya McGhie, and Betsey Jean-Jacques, president of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Kings County.The Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association held its annual Appellate Division Luncheon with Hon. Hector LaSalle. Pictured are Hon. Lillian Wan (left), Presiding Justice Hector LaSalle, and BWBA President Susan Mauro. Eagle photos by Robert AbruzzeseHon. Bernard Graham and Helene Blank.From left: Hon. Francesca Connolly, Hon. Lara Genovesi, Brittany Mazzatto, and Hon. Linda Christopher.Hon. Hector LaSalle, presiding justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department, greets members of the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association during its annual Appellate Division Luncheon.
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