Bay Ridge Lawyers welcomes Adam Kalish as president in “Passing of the Gavel” Ceremony

October 3, 2023 Rob Abruzzese

Now the Immediate Past President, Dominic Famulari (left), passes off the gavel to President Adam Kalish during the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association’s installation meeting last week.
Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo

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The Bay Ridge Lawyers Association (BRLA) inaugurated its new leadership for the 2023-2024 term in a ceremony held at Mama Rao’s in Dyker Heights on September 27. Adam Kalish took the helm as president during the association’s traditional “Passing of the Gavel” event.

The ritual, influenced by the Inns of Court in England, has been a staple of BRLA’s annual gatherings. Ray Ferrier, a longstanding figure in the group, recounted how members adopted the practice after witnessing it on a trip to England. Ferrier was joined by other past presidents, who imparted a blend of advice and humor before Kalish was officially installed by Hon. Frank Seddio.

The official ceremony to install Adam Kalish as the president of the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association was overseen by his longtime mentor and friend Hon. Frank Seddio.

“The room was packed at Adam Kalish’s induction as the new BRLA president, with members of the judiciary and legal community turning out in support,” said past president Stephen Chiaino. “Adam’s already shown he’s a proactive leader, updating the website and planning new events. It was a privilege for me to be a part of his induction ceremony and I am proud to call him my friend. I look forward to an amazing year for the BRLA under his leadership.”

From left: Mark D’Addona, Stephen Chiaino, Rosa Pannitto and Dominic Famulari.

Kalish, who holds a law degree from Brooklyn Law School and a B.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University, has been practicing law for over a decade. Admitted to the New York Bar in 2010, he is also qualified to appear before several federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court as of 2018.

Previously a special counsel to the New York State Senate Finance Committee, Kalish currently runs his own practice. He has gained a reputation for his dedication to pro bono work and has previously been recognized for his volunteer efforts in bankruptcy and foreclosure legal services.

“Adam is a natural leader who has been working to promote the Bay Ridge Lawyers for the last several years as an officer,” said Immediate Past President Dominic Famulari. “He has already implemented innovations such as electronic payments, additional sponsors and the launching of our new website. Adam’s installation meeting was a huge success with record attendance — the association is in great hands and we are very excited to have a spectacular year.”

Adam Kalish was not the only officer installed on Wednesday. Officers Mario Romano, Yolanda Guadagnoli, and Sarah Moore were installed as vice president, recording secretary and treasurer, respectively. Ryan Mahoney, not pictured, will also serve as the corresponding secretary.

The installation ceremony also saw other officers assume their new roles, including Vice President Mario Romano, Recording Secretary Yolanda Guadagnoli and Treasurer Sarah K. Moore.

The BRLA continues to serve as a hub for legal professionals in Brooklyn, offering an active platform for dialogue, community service and advocacy. With Kalish at the helm, the association anticipates a productive year ahead.

He is already tinkering with the idea of changing up this year’s annual winter seminar in Atlantic City, New Jersey as a way to shake up the group’s annual events. Look for an upcoming announcement from the BRLA.