Women’s Bar Gala honors Justice Edwards and past president Mirman

May 30, 2023 Rob Abruzzese

The Brooklyn Women's Bar Association honored Past President Michele Mirman and Hon. Genine Edwards during its Annual Gala at the Liberty Warehouse on Thursday, May 18. Pictured from left to right: Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Michele Mirman, Hon. Genine Edwards, and President Susan Mauro. Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo.

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The Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association (BWBA) hosted its Annual Gala at the Liberty Warehouse in Red Hook on Thursday, May 18. In a night of glitz, glamor, and a united sense of purpose, the gathering celebrated not only the continued impact of the association but also two distinguished individuals who have notably contributed to the advancement of women in the legal profession.

Attorney General Letitia James and BWBA President Susan Mauro (right).

The honorees of the night were past president Michele Mirman, recipient of the Beatrice M. Judge Award, and Hon. Genine Edwards, who was awarded the Sybil Hart Kooper Award.

“This is truly a special evening for our association, and we are thrilled to share it with each of you,” said BWBA President Susan Mauro.

Mauro thanked the gala committee and acknowledged the effort put into the revitalization and growth of the organization post-pandemic. She also extended her gratitude to Justice Sylvia Hinds-Radix, the current NYC Corporation Counsel and a significant influence within the association, for her unwavering support and mentorship.

“The revitalization of this organization, its purpose, its growth, and success post-pandemic proved to be a far greater challenge than I anticipated or expected, but I cannot be happier with how far we have come,” Mauro continued. “All of it would not be possible without the constant support of my family, who kept me strong and resilient.”

From left: Marea Wachsman, Meryl Schwartz, Helene Blank, and President Susan Mauro.

Mirman, an attorney with over 40 years of experience specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice, and civil rights litigation, has had a distinguished career marked by active involvement in various bar associations, including her time as president of the BWBA. She has been a steadfast advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. Mirman is now involved with the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association Foundation and has worked alongside Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix to create a scholarship in the judge’s name.

NYC Corporation Counsel Sylvia Hinds-Radix, and Hon. Frank Seddio.

“I have always taken a stand for women,” said Mirman, reflecting on her lifelong advocacy for women’s rights. “I never imagined, though, when my younger and more idealistic self in Earth shoes and blue jeans marching for the ERA in Washington in the early 70s and dragging my younger sister along with me that one day I would be honored at this beautiful event. Thank you.”

Justice Edwards, a St. John’s University School of Law graduate, first elected to the Civil Court bench in 2006 and the Supreme Court in 2016, has been one of the BWBA’s most consistently active members over the last decade. Her dedicated service and impressive ability to work with everyone was praised as her “superpower.”

The Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association’s Annual Gala drew nearly 300 guests to the Liberty Warehouse in Red Hook.

“From the day I joined the board of this organization, Judge Edwards stood behind me, giving me that gentle nudge, that push, that only Judge Edwards can give,” said President-elect Jovia Radix. “She is the most dedicated member of this board. There is never a task too large or a committee too small. She is the leader of our Black History Month committee, our Lunch with a Judge program, and she keeps us on track with the dinner committee. Justice Edwards, you are an incredible example for young attorneys across this city. Your dedication to the community and your ability to work with everyone is your superpower.”

Edwards, however, was quick to point out that the success of the BWBA was truly a team effort, graciously acknowledging the individual contributions of her colleagues.

District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and President-elect Jovia Radix.

Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte presented Mirman and Judge Edwards with an Assembly citation, celebrating the progress made in the representation of women in the judiciary.

“I’m a law student aspiring to be like you all and I’m so happy that the face of our courtroom, equity and fairness is changing,” Bichotte said. “I’m very proud that we are getting more and more women judges running. Last year we hit a record where nine out of 12 judges who were elected were women.”