A Brooklyn milestone: Domenick Napoletano to be sworn in as NYSBA President

May 29, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Domenick Napoletano receives the Lynn Terrelonge Bridge to Diversity Award from Brooklyn Bar Association members Anthony Vaughn Jr., Joy Thompson, Joseph Rosato and David Chidekel, recognizing his contributions to diversity and his friendship with the BBA's first Black president, Lynn Terrelonge. Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

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Domenick Napoletano, a distinguished Brooklyn attorney and longtime leader within the legal community, will be sworn in as the 127th president of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) on June 1.

This historic event marks the first time a Brooklyn lawyer will lead the NYSBA, signifying a monumental moment for the local legal community.

The swearing-in ceremony and celebration will take place on June 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Liberty Warehouse at 260 Conover St. in Brooklyn. Retired Supreme Court Justice Michael Pesce, a lifelong friend of Napoletano, will administer the oath of office.

Napoletano, the first in his family to graduate from grammar school, high school, college and law school, has a background that resonates deeply with many NYSBA members. As a solo practitioner focused on commercial litigation, he understands the challenges faced by solo and small-firm practitioners, who make up two-thirds of the association’s membership.

“Two-thirds of our members are solo and small-firm practitioners,” Napoletano said. “I know what their needs are because I suffer them myself every day.”

Napoletano recently noted that although he is the first Brooklyn lawyer to lead the NYSBA, a past president, while not from Brooklyn, did have an office in the borough.

Having been a member of the NYSBA since 1981, Napoletano has held numerous leadership roles within the association. From 2018 to 2023, he served as treasurer and contributed to various groups, committees and task forces. Notably, he co-chaired the Emergency Task Force for Solo and Small Firm Practitioners, which provided crucial support to attorneys during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Domenick Napoletano is a Brooklyn attorney and longtime leader within the legal community, soon to be sworn in as the 127th president of the New York State Bar Association. Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

Most recently, Napoletano chaired the Working Group on Facial Recognition Technology and Access to Legal Representation. This group recommended changes to New York Civil Rights Law to prevent companies from using facial recognition technology to ban individuals from entertainment and sports venues.

“It’s forever changing,” Napoletano said. “So, you have to always be on top of it, make sure that we don’t lose sight of it because once we do, we’re in chaos.”

Napoletano’s extensive involvement in the legal community includes serving as past president of the Brooklyn Bar Association, Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn, the Confederation of Columbian Lawyers of the State of New York and the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Kings County.

He earned his law degree from Hofstra Law School and his undergraduate degree from Brooklyn College. His wife, Fran, is an attorney and former chief compliance officer for various security firms, while his daughter, Alexis, is a medical malpractice defense lawyer. His son, Nicholas, is a mechanic.

Domenick Napoletano’s swearing-in as NYSBA President not only highlights his remarkable career but also represents a significant milestone for Brooklyn’s legal community.