Rosato reigns supreme: Celebrated trial attorney takes helm of the Brooklyn Bar Association

June 23, 2023 Rob Abruzzese

Joseph Rosato was installed as president of the Brooklyn Bar Association during a ceremony at Borough Hall. Pictured with Rosato (right) is Past President Gregory Cerchione (left) and Hon. Lawrence Knipel, the administrative judge of the Kings County Supreme Court, Civil Term. Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo.

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The grand ceremonial courtroom at Borough Hall bustled with anticipation as the Brooklyn Bar Association held its annual Induction Ceremony on Wednesday, June 14. The ceremony honored the installation of its new president, officers, and trustees.

The star of the event, Joseph Rosato, a renowned trial attorney and community pillar, stepped into the role of president amid friendly jibes likening the ceremony to his bar mitzvah.

The Rosato family including wife, Fran Rosato (in white).

This isn’t Rosato’s first time leading a bar association. His impressive resume includes presidencies at the Nathan R. Sobel Inns of Court, The Columbian Lawyers Association, and the Catholic Lawyers Guild. In a scene familiar yet significant, Hon. Matthew D’Emic, Rosato’s best friend, carried out the induction ceremony.

Hon. Matthew D’Emic presides over the induction of Joe Rosato as Brooklyn Bar Association president.

“There is a history I have with almost everyone in this room over the years, and the memories are just precious,” Rosato remarked, brimming with gratitude. “I want to thank everyone for taking the time to be here today.”

Rosato steps into his role as president at a time of cautious optimism. The bar association, like many organizations, has weathered significant challenges over the past few years due to the pandemic. However, Rosato, demonstrating his characteristic resilience, believes better days are on the horizon.

“These past few years, for all of us, have been somewhat difficult, and I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to feel better,” he said, displaying his natural leadership and empathetic understanding. He optimistically spoke of the Association’s future, stating, “The bar association is improving, try to come by.”

Rosato is a renowned trial attorney whose reputation precedes him, both for his courtroom successes and his unfaltering commitment to legal reform and mentorship. His work has resulted in over two hundred million dollars in verdicts and settlements, cementing his position as one of the industry’s most effective and driven advocates.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Rosato received his undergraduate degree from New York University before attending Brooklyn Law School while working full-time as a court officer.

Borough President Antonio Reynoso welcomed the Brooklyn Bar Association to Borough Hall for the ceremony.

Rosato began his career in the insurance defense field before moving to the preeminent plaintiff’s personal injury firm of Schneider, Kleinick, Weitz, Damashek and Shoot in 1996. There, he honed his skills as a trial attorney, particularly in complex litigation. His career trajectory led him to merge with the legendary attorney Johnnie Cochran, forming the New York office of The Cochran Firm.

Even amidst his rigorous legal practice, Rosato found time to dedicate his energies to the betterment of the legal community. His dedication led him to serve as president of the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn, the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Kings County, and the Nathan R. Sobel Inns of Court.

New officers installed (from left): Bruno Codispoti, Daniel Antonelli, Christina Golkin, and Anthony Vaughn, Jr.

His contributions to the legal profession extend beyond his presidency roles. He is a member of the Independent Judicial Election Qualification Commission for the Second Judicial District, the Judicial Screening and Grievance Committees for the Brooklyn Bar Association, and a Master in the King’s County Inns of Court. His volunteer work also includes serving on the board of Catholic Migration Services of the Diocese of Brooklyn, providing legal assistance and outreach to immigrant communities.

Rosato was not the only one to step into a new role last Wednesday. The ceremony also saw Anthony Vaughn, Jr., become president-elect, Christina Golkin as first vice president, Daniel Antonelli as the second vice president, Angelicque Moreno as secretary, and Bruno Codispoti as treasurer. The newest trustees included Imran Ansari, Grace Borrino, Andrea Caruso, Adam Kalish, Daniel Miller, Joy Thompson, and Joseph Vasile, heralded as some of Brooklyn’s most respected young attorneys and future BBA leaders.

New trustees installed (from left to right): Joseph Vasile, Adam Kalish, Andrea Caruso, and Grace Borrino. Not pictured are Imran Ansari, Daniel Miller, and Joy Thompson.

The 150-strong audience witnessed warm praise for Rosato from the assembled dignitaries.

“He’s going to be one of the best presidents that we will have,” said Hon. Frank Seddio. “His John Hancock will be signed right on top of our records, and he will build on top of the foundation that was there so we will truly be the palace that we should be and the primary bar association in the entire state of New York.”

From left: Joseph Bova, Gregory LaSpina, Hon. Frank Seddio, Joseph Rosato, and Yolanda Guadagnoli, president of the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn.

Hon. Ingrid Joseph, a longtime friend of Rosato, fondly recounted their early years of camaraderie. “I don’t remember how we met, but Joe had a friendly and outgoing personality, and I felt a kinship with him from the beginning,” she shared.

With his installation as the BBA president, Rosato sets out to make his mark on the organization, bringing years of leadership experience and an unwavering commitment to the legal profession. The coming term under his presidency promises renewed vigor for the association as it continues to navigate and adapt to the challenges ahead.