Chris Caputo and Judge Troia honored at Richmond County Bar Association’s banquet

June 16, 2023 Rob Abruzzese

Outgoing Richmond County Bar Association President Kerri Bringslid flanked by Honoree of the Year, Judge Charles M. Troia (left), and Richard D. Lasher Meritorious Service Award recipient, Christopher Caputo (right), as they proudly display their awards at the 112th Anniversary Banquet. Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo.

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The Richmond County Bar Association’s 112th Anniversary Banquet held on Tuesday, June 6, on Staten Island was a night to remember as a pair of Brooklyn-connected legal luminaries were spotlighted.

Christopher Caputo, a past president of the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn, received the Richard D. Lasher Meritorious Service Award, while the Honorable Charles M. Troia was named the 2023 Honoree of the Year.

Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon (left) and Christopher Caputo.

Outgoing Richmond County Bar Association President Kerri Bringslid lauded the honorees in her opening remarks, “We are here tonight to honor the Hon. Charles M. Troia, our Honoree of the Year, and Christopher Caputo, Esq., our Richard D. Lasher Meritorious Service Award Recipient. I congratulate both of them on their recognition this evening.”

A graduate of Xaverian High School, Caputo is a past president and current Executive Board member of the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn. He has served the legal community extensively, particularly as chair of the RCBA Judiciary Committee since 2017, and was described by Bringslid as an “irreplaceable asset.” His resilience, commitment, and dedication to representing plaintiffs in personal injury litigation and trials earned him the prestigious Richard D. Lasher Meritorious Service Award.

“His unwavering commitment to the Richmond County Bar Association and his extensive time spent to serve the same, even when presented with difficult situations, has benefited all of our members and warrants the recognition bestowed upon him today,” Bringslid said.

Judge Troia, a justice of the Supreme Court, Richmond County, although not a Brooklyn judge, served as the principal law clerk to Hon. John Leventhal in the Kings County Supreme Court and the Appellate Division, Second Department. He later served as the principal court attorney to the Honorable Barry Kamins, the Administrative Judge for the Kings County Supreme Court. This Brooklyn chapter of Troia’s career laid the foundation for his judicial work, including extensive lecturing on guardianship and mental health, and his active participation in Richmond County’s Volunteer Lawyer Project.

From left: Hon. Barry Kamins, Hon. Charles Troia, and Hon. John Leventhal.

“He shares his expert knowledge and guidance in these areas by lecturing all over New York and identifies the changes needed to better assist incapacitated persons and those in need in our community,” Bringslid said. “He is one of the most proficient jurists in guardianship and mental health legal matters and we are thrilled to have him currently working with the Richmond County Bar Association’s Volunteer Lawyer Project.”

The event also marked a transition of power with the installation of new Officers and Directors. Timothy M. O’Donovan was sworn in as the new president, taking over from Bringslid. Other officers installed included Karen Soren as president-elect, Vincent Albunio as vice president, Matthew Santamauro as secretary, and Eve Newman as treasurer.

From left: Hon. Maria Aragona, Hon. Lizette Colon, Linda LoCascio, and Suzanne Gennusa.

Judge Desmond Green, administrative judge of the Richmond County Supreme Court, delivered remarks, and Hon. Joseph Maltese of the Appellate Division, Second Department, presided over the installations. The new president was sworn in by Hon. Biju Koshy.

Bringslid concluded her tenure on an appreciative note, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the RCBA President and praising the Banquet Committee for their work. She also thanked the RCBA Officer and Directors for their voluntary service, reaffirming her belief in the productive year ahead under the new leadership.