KCCBA celebrates Espinal, Rendeiro, and other legal leaders at annual awards ceremony

October 30, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor
From left to right: KCCBA President Darran Winslow, Denise Perez, Hon. Keshia Espinal, District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, Andrew Rendeiro and retiring Borough Chief Clerk Charles Blaha stand together at the Kings County Criminal Bar Association’s annual dinner. Held at Giando on the Water, the event honored these distinguished members of Brooklyn’s legal community for their dedication and service. Not pictured is honoree Kin Ng. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten
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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. 

Danielle Eaddy (left) and honoree Kin Ng. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten
Danielle Eaddy (left) and honoree Kin Ng. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten

Hosted at Giando on the Water, the event offered sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline as attendees celebrated the evening’s distinguished honorees.

From left to right: Charles Blaha, Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez, Kerry Puckhaber and Michael Farkas. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten
From left to right: Charles Blaha, Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez, Kerry Puckhaber and Michael Farkas. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten

This year’s honorees included Hon. Keshia Espinal, Andrew Rendeiro, ADA Kin Ng, Borough Chief Clerk Charles Blaha and Denise Perez.

Darran Winslow with honoree Andrew Rendeiro and son Vaughn. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten
Darran Winslow with honoree Andrew Rendeiro and son Vaughn. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten

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. 

Darran Winslow with honoree Denise Perez. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten
Darran Winslow with honoree Denise Perez. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten

“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.”

Darran Winslow with honoree Keshia Espinal, supervising judge of the Kings County Criminal Court. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten
Darran Winslow with honoree Keshia Espinal, supervising judge of the Kings County Criminal Court. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten

The evening’s top award, the Gustin L. Reichbach Judicial Recognition Award, went to Hon. Keshia Espinal, supervising judge of Kings County Criminal Court. 

A group of guests Including Hon. Joanne Quinones (third from left), Hon. Keshia Espinal (fourth from left), Hon. Claudia Daniels DePeyster (next to Espinal), Hon. Sharen Hudson (behind Espinal), Hon. Patrick Hayes Torres (behind Daniels-DePeyster) and others. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten
A group of guests Including Hon. Joanne Quinones (third from left), Hon. Keshia Espinal (fourth from left), Hon. Claudia Daniels DePeyster (next to Espinal), Hon. Sharen Hudson (behind Espinal), Hon. Patrick Hayes Torres (behind Daniels-DePeyster) and others. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten

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. 

From left to right: Amanda Hamann, Susan Mitchell and Judge Dena Douglas. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten
From left to right: Amanda Hamann, Susan Mitchell and Judge Dena Douglas. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten

Attorney Andrew Rendeiro was honored with the James L. Koenig Person of the Year Award. 

Hon. Donald Leo (left) and Hon. John Hecht. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten
Hon. Donald Leo (left) and Hon. John Hecht. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten

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.

From left: Emily Campbell, Hon. Barry Kamins and Hon. Michael Yavinsky. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten
From left: Emily Campbell, Hon. Barry Kamins and Hon. Michael Yavinsky. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten

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. 

George Farkas and Hon. Matthew J. D'Emic, administrative judge of the Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten
George Farkas and Hon. Matthew J. D’Emic, administrative judge of the Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten

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. 

Hon. Dineen Riviezzo and Hon. Michael Ryan. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten
Hon. Dineen Riviezzo and Hon. Michael Ryan. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten

“Everyone likes Charlie,” Winslow said. “He’s always got a huge smile on his face and is always trying to help anyone he can.” 

From left: Michael Pecorella, Omar Russo, Cary London and Michael Cibella. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten
From left: Michael Pecorella, Omar Russo, Cary London and Michael Cibella. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten

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. 

From left: Paul Hirsch, David Cohen and Allison Lewis. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten
From left: Paul Hirsch, David Cohen and Allison Lewis. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten

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.

From left: Sara Kurtzberg, Lisa Perlman and Miss Gregory. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten
From left: Sara Kurtzberg, Lisa Perlman and Miss Gregory. Brooklyn Eagle photos by John McCarten

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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