KCCBA celebrates Espinal, Rendeiro, and other legal leaders at annual awards ceremony
The Kings County Criminal Bar Association (KCCBA) held its annual dinner last Thursday, gathering judges, attorneys and court staff to honor leaders whose contributions have shaped Brooklyn’s criminal justice system.
Hosted at Giando on the Water, the event offered sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline as attendees celebrated the evening’s distinguished honorees.
This year’s honorees included Hon. Keshia Espinal, Andrew Rendeiro, ADA Kin Ng, Borough Chief Clerk Charles Blaha and Denise Perez.
KCCBA President Darran Winslow, presiding over his final term, opened the ceremony by reflecting on Brooklyn’s unique legal culture and resilience. Winslow, originally from Kentucky, spoke about Brooklyn’s unmatched volume of cases and the collaborative environment that defines the borough’s criminal bar.
“When I came to Brooklyn, I quickly learned it is a special place to practice law,” Winslow said. “We are second to none in the country.”
The evening’s top award, the Gustin L. Reichbach Judicial Recognition Award, went to Hon. Keshia Espinal, supervising judge of Kings County Criminal Court.
Winslow described Judge Espinal as “an incredible, humble leader” and praised her dedication to her role. “We always know we’re in excellent hands with Judge Espinal’s leadership,” he said. Judge Yavinsky, a colleague of Espinal’s, commended her as “one of the most reliable, trustworthy and productive judges” he had ever worked with.
Attorney Andrew Rendeiro was honored with the James L. Koenig Person of the Year Award.
Winslow shared his personal admiration for Rendeiro, a former KCCBA president, calling him a “beloved figure” who has been a bridge to Legal Aid and Brooklyn Defender Services members. “Andy is the adult in the room at all times,” Winslow said, echoing past president Gary Farrell’s praise, who called Rendeiro the “GOAT of the KCCBA.” Rendeiro’s calm and steady presence, Winslow noted, has made him a rock for the legal community.
Assistant District Attorney Kin Ng received the Robert N. Kaye Memorial Award for his dedication to public service. Winslow highlighted the outpouring of support Ng received from colleagues and defense attorneys alike. “He is universally loved and respected by everyone he works with,” Winslow said.
Borough Chief Clerk Charles Blaha, who is retiring this year, was awarded the Court Employee Award for his service and contributions to the court system. Winslow explained that Blaha has a reputation as a caring and approachable leader.
“Everyone likes Charlie,” Winslow said. “He’s always got a huge smile on his face and is always trying to help anyone he can.”
Denise Perez was presented with the Michael J. Boundy & Daniel Alessandrino Memorial Award, a new honor created to commemorate two legendary court clerks who passed away this year.
Winslow introduced Perez by noting the difficult year she faced, having lost both her husband and two close friends. Perez, a past KCCBA honoree, has been a beloved figure in the Clerk’s Office for years, embodying the same dedication and compassion that Boundy and Alessandrino were known for, Winslow explained. Winslow also expressed admiration for her resilience and strength.
Reflecting on the evening, Winslow encouraged attendees to cherish the bonds shared in Brooklyn’s legal community. “We aren’t just co-workers,” he noted, emphasizing the profound societal and moral weight of their work.
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