Bay Ridge Lawyers Association welcomes new president Mario Romano at annual ceremony

September 30, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Mario Romano (center), newly installed president of the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association, with Yolanda Guadagnoli (left), immediate past president of the Columbian Lawyers Association, and Ray Ferrier (right), past president and master of ceremonies of Wednesday's installation. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo

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The Bay Ridge Lawyers Association (BRLA) held its annual “Passing of the Gavel” ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at Mama Rao’s in Dyker Heights, where Mario Romano was officially installed as the association’s new president. The event, a longstanding tradition, brings together past BRLA presidents to offer their support and advice to the incoming leader.

From left: Hon. Donald Leo, Hon. Heidi Cesare and Hon. Bernard Graham. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo

Ray Ferrier, who served as BRLA president from 1977-1978 and has acted as master of ceremonies for the past decade, opened the ceremony by reflecting on the organization’s history.

“The BRLA was formed in 1954 by a group of local attorneys who wanted to meet and discuss various issues they were experiencing in the practice of law,” Ferrier explained, noting that the association has grown significantly from its humble beginnings in local law offices.

From left: Pat Russo, Helen Galette, Mary Ann Stathopoulos, Stephen Chiaino and Yolanda Guadagnoli. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo

Ferrier shared anecdotes about early meetings held at the Hotel Gregory — now the Best Western on 84th Street and 4th Avenue — and later at Guy’s Classic Italian Restaurant, where the tradition of hosting dinner meetings began in the 1970s. He also highlighted a key moment in BRLA history: the decision to welcome women into the organization, which faced initial resistance but ultimately strengthened the group.

From left: Marianne Bertuna, Sarah Moore and Andrea Arrigo. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo

“There were spirited discussions at the meetings as to whether women should be allowed,” Ferrier recalled. “The older members wanted no change. I was a young man, imagine that, and me and a number of others continued to push, and eventually, women came into our organization. It was the best thing that ever happened to the Bay Ridge Lawyers.”

From left: Dominic Famulari, Maria Neri and William Neri. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo

The ceremony featured past presidents standing in the order of their service, from Ferrier to immediate past president Adam Kalish. Many offered words of encouragement to Romano, emphasizing the camaraderie and support within the BRLA.

John Bonina, who joined the organization in 1990, spoke about the sense of continuity among the members.

Hon. Vincent Del Giudice installs Mario Romano as the president of the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo

“Every single one of the people here has had this gavel in their hands, and as we pass it, I know that we are all in great hands,” Bonina said. “Good luck, and if you need to rely on us, feel free.”

Past President Rosa Pannitto echoed that sentiment: “Mario, we will always be here for you for whatever you need. We wish you the best of luck, and we will make sure you have a good year.”

From left: Mario Romano, Yolanda Guadagnoli, Maria Neri, Antonietta Monaco and Sarah Moore. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo

Margaret Stanton, another past president, noted that while the organization is valuable for its shared professional knowledge, its strength lies in the friendships formed.

“It doesn’t matter if I need to cry on your shoulder or need advice on the law; you are there,” Stanton said. “Once a month, we look forward to seeing each other.”

From left: Lisa Becker, Brendan Mahoney, William Neri, Jamie Lathrop and Dean Delianites. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo

Mario Romano, an experienced criminal defense attorney and former assistant district attorney, is a long-time BRLA member. He began his legal career in 1992 with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office before establishing his private practice in 1997. Romano, who graduated from St. John’s University School of Law, has been recognized as a top-rated attorney by Super Lawyers from 2013 to 2019.

Past presidents pictured from left to right: William Gillen, Mary Ann Stathopoulos, Joseph Vasile, Margaret Stanton and Grace Borrino. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo

Romano succeeds Adam Kalish, who served as BRLA president last year. In addition to Romano, the association installed its new slate of officers, including Vice President Yolanda Guadagnoli, Recording Secretary Sarah K. Moore, Treasurer Antonietta Monaco and Corresponding Secretary Maria Neri.

From left to right: Michael Benjamin, Hon. Mark Partnow, Hon. Lawrence Knipel and Ray Ferrier. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo

The newly appointed Board of Directors includes Lisa Becker, Sandra Spennato, Dean Delianites, Mary Ann Stathopoulos, James Lathrop, Brenden Mahoney, William Neri Sr. and Gianna Famulari.

The BRLA’s next major event is its second annual fishing trip, scheduled for next Friday. Kalish invited members to join the outing, which will depart from Gerritsen Beach at 7 a.m. and include a friendly competition to see who can catch the biggest fish.