Past President Dominic Famulari delivers expert foreclosure insights at BRLA winter seminar

March 21, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Dominic Famulari (right) with his father, John Famulari and sister, Gianna Famulari, at the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association’s annual Winter Seminar in Atlantic City.
Brooklyn Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo

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The Bay Ridge Lawyers Association (BRLA) held its 2024 Winter Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Seminar on March 1 at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, where past president Dominic Famulari presented on the pitfalls of foreclosures.

An experienced legal practitioner and respected member of the Brooklyn legal community, Famulari delivered a presentation entitled “Being a Referee in a Foreclosure: Avoiding Traps for the Unwary,” aimed at equipping attorneys with the necessary insights to navigate the complex responsibilities and potential pitfalls in foreclosure proceedings.

Famulari, a partner at the Law Office of John D. Famulari and a figure well known for his involvement in various legal associations across the borough, has carved out a niche for himself through his expertise in foreclosure matters.

His comprehensive session covered critical aspects of serving as a referee in foreclosure cases, including eligibility requirements, disqualification criteria, conflict of interest considerations and the procedural nuances of foreclosure cases from a referee’s perspective.

Famulari detailed the eligibility criteria for becoming a referee, emphasizing compliance with Part 36 of the Rules of the Chief Judge and the disqualification grounds for certain individuals, including sitting judges and political party officials. Famulari also outlined the financial constraints placed on referees by the Office of Court Administration, such as the cap on annual compensation and restrictions on the number of high-compensation appointments.

In the midst of his presentation, Famulari navigated through the procedural intricacies of handling foreclosure cases, dividing them into two distinct parts: the computation phase and the foreclosure sale.

Dominic Famulari was introduced by Yolanda Guadagnoli, the president of the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn, during the Winter Seminar.

He provided practical insights into managing tax lien and mortgage foreclosure computations, stressing the importance of accuracy in interest calculations and adherence to Kings County Foreclosure Rules. Through sample documents and personal anecdotes, Famulari illuminated the challenges and responsibilities of conducting foreclosure sales, including managing bids, ensuring compliance with legal and court protocols and addressing any potential surplus-funds scenario.

Famulari’s talk highlighted how important it is to be thorough and ethical when working as a referee in foreclosure cases. His vast experience, including his law degree from Brooklyn Law School and roles in various legal positions in Kings and Richmond counties, shows his dedication to law and his skill in helping lawyers understand foreclosure law.