Howard Fensterman, in his address, recounted his journey of establishing a partnership with Frank Carone and expanding his practice into Brooklyn. Despite spending over three decades working on Long Island, Fensterman shared that he had always harbored ambitions of leading Brooklyn’s largest law firm. He acknowledged the support and contributions of several key figures in the Brooklyn legal community, including Carone, RoseAnn Branda, Ethan Gerber, Anthony Genovesi, Larry DiGiovanna, and Mark Caruso, many of whom are past presidents of the BBA.

The event highlighted the collaborative and supportive nature of the Brooklyn legal community, underscoring the importance of recognition and mentorship. The gala served not only as a celebration of individual achievements but also as a showcase of the collective strength and camaraderie within the legal fraternity of Brooklyn.

Justice Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix, a Caribbean-born jurist, has made history as New York City’s first Caribbean-born woman to serve as corporation counsel following a unanimous confirmation by the New York City Council in February 2022. Previously an associate justice of the New York State Appellate Division, Second Department, Hinds-Radix now leads the city’s Law Department, responsible for legal representation in all civil litigation involving the city, its mayor, elected officials and agencies.

Appointed by Mayor Eric Adams, Hinds-Radix, who also conducted the mayor’s swearing-in ceremony, has a distinguished legal career. Before her appellate role, she served as the administrative judge for civil matters in the Second Judicial District, overseeing the New York State Supreme Court, Civil Term, and the New York City Civil Court. Her tenure as a judge in the Supreme Court, Kings County, and the New York City Civil Court underscores her extensive judicial experience.

A graduate of Howard University School of Law, Hinds-Radix began her career at District Council 37 Municipal Employees Legal Services and was elected president of the Caribbean American Lawyers Association (CALA) in July 2020. Her commitment extends beyond the legal field, as evidenced by her tutoring efforts at the Brooklyn-based Barbados Ex-Police Association and various leadership roles in legal and community organizations.

Justice Hinds-Radix’s accolades include the Gold Crown of Merit from the Governor General of Barbados and the 2019 New York State Bar Association’s Diversity Trailblazer Award. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Massachusetts and a Master’s in Political Science from Long Island University, and is admitted to practice in the State of New York and the United States Federal Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.

Married to Dr. Joseph Radix, a Grenadian-born dentist, they have three daughters, one of whom, Jovia, is a lawyer and president of the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association.

Howard Fensterman, managing partner and co-founder of Abrams Fensterman, is renowned for his comprehensive legal expertise and significant contributions to the community. Under his guidance, Abrams Fensterman has evolved from a 13-attorney startup in 2000 into a substantial legal entity, now boasting more than 115 attorneys and 240 employees across five offices in New York state.

Fensterman’s legal practice encompasses a wide array of areas, including corporate transactions, litigation, real estate and health care law. He is particularly noted for his work with health care professionals and facilities, handling complex issues related to professional misconduct and regulatory enforcement.

His commitment to public health and governance is evident through his service on the New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council from 2008 to 2014, an appointment made by Gov. David Paterson. He has also led the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency and contributed to the Public Health Council Establishment Committee.

Fensterman’s leadership and community service have earned him widespread recognition, including inclusion in City & State Magazine’s Long Island Power 100 List since 2019. He was jointly honored with the Dor L’ Dor-Generation to Generation award from the Chabad of Port Washington with his son Jordan in 2016. His contributions to the Long Island community have also been recognized by Schneps Media and the Long Island Business News Leadership in Law Awards.

In addition to his legal pursuits, Fensterman is deeply involved in philanthropic activities. He serves on the board of trustees of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America-Long Island Chapter and chairs the board at Chabad of Port Washington.

A graduate of Georgetown Law Center, Fensterman is licensed to practice in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

The Brooklyn Bar Association also acknowledged the dedicated service and notable accomplishments of Justices Joseph Gubbay, Esther Morgenstern, Evelyn Laporte, Mark Partnow, Donald Kurtz, Delores Thomas, Karen Rothenberg, Robin S. Garson, Michael R. Milsap, and Reinaldo E. Rivera, who are retiring this year. Each judge was presented with a plaque.