Brooklyn Bar Association to honor leading legal figures at annual meeting

Natoya McGhie joins executive board as treasurer

April 29, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

During the Brooklyn Bar Association's Annual Meeting on May 8th, Anthony Vaughn Jr, will be elected as the first Black male president and Natoya McGhie as treasurer, while Domenick Napoletano and Lawrence “Larry” DiGiovanna, who will be honored with the Lynn Terrelonge Bridge to Diversity Award and the Distinguished Service Award, respectively, will be among the members of the legal community honored. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

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The Brooklyn Bar Association is set to hold its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 8, at its headquarters on Remsen Street, where prominent members of the legal community will be recognized for their contributions to the field.

Domenick Napoletano. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

This year’s event will honor several distinguished figures, including District Attorney Eric Gonzalez; Hon. Edwina Richardson, the deputy chief administrative judge for justice initiatives for the State of New York; and Domenick Napoletano, the president-elect of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) and a past president of the Brooklyn Bar Association.

The trio are slated to receive the Lynn Terrelonge Bridge to Diversity Award, named in honor of the BBA’s first Black president, celebrating their efforts to enhance diversity within the legal profession.

Lawrence DiGiovanna. Photo courtesy of Access Justice Brooklyn

Lawrence DiGiovanna, a past president of the BBA and a partner at Abrams Fensterman, will be bestowed with the Distinguished Service Award, acknowledging his longstanding commitment and service to the community.

The Avery Eli Okin Award, named after the association’s longtime executive director, will be awarded to Linda LoCascio, the principal law clerk to Hon. Rosemarie Montalbano, the Surrogate Court judge for Kings County. LoCascio’s significant contributions extend beyond her official duties, including her past role as president of the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn.

In recognition of exceptional pro bono service, Ruth O’Sullivan, the project and clinical director of the Brooklyn Mental Health Court, will receive the Freda S. Nisnewitz Award. This court, under the leadership of Hon. Matthew D’Emic, focuses on the treatment of mental health and alternatives to incarceration.

Additionally, Tamara Broadus, a court clerk specialist in the Kings County Supreme Court, Civil Term, will be honored with the Nathan R. Sobel Award, celebrating her exemplary dedication and service.

The meeting will also acknowledge the retirement of trustees Randi Karmel, Dino Mastropietro and Pamela Walker, thanking them for their years of service and commitment to the association.

Historic Elections Included

In addition to the awards and recognitions, the event also marks a significant day in the governance of the Brooklyn Bar Association, as it doubles as the official election day for the organization’s officers. This year’s elections hold particular significance as they herald the historic election of Anthony Vaughn Jr. as the first Black male president of the BBA.

Natoya McGhie. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

The elections, typically predictable with each officer advancing to the next role, still bring fresh developments with the announcement that Natoya McGhie steps into a new role on the executive board as the treasurer.

As the officers ascend in rank, Christina Golkin will advance to president-elect, Daniel Antonelli will step up as the first vice president, Angelicque Moreno will assume the role of second vice president and Bruno Codispoti will take over as the secretary. This progression reflects the structured and anticipated succession plan that maintains continuity and stability within the BBA’s leadership, while also introducing dynamic shifts that promise to influence the direction of the association in the coming years.