Esteemed judges share insights on trial assignment parts at Columbian Lawyers CLE event

November 21, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

From left: Hon. George Silver, Hon. Judith McMahon, Hon. Pamela Fisher, Hon. Adam Silvera, and John Dalli, president of the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

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The Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn hosted a meeting on Nov. 7 at Gargiulo’s Restaurant in Coney Island, featuring a panel of esteemed jurists who shared insights into navigating trial assignment parts (TAPs).

From left: Helene Blank, Paul Nuccio, Hon. Adam Silvera, and Hon. Judith McMahon. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

The speakers included Hon. Adam Silvera, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the New York City Courts; Hon. George Silver, retired Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the New York City Courts; Hon. Judith McMahon, former Administrative Judge for Richmond County; and Hon. Pamela Fisher, a Supreme Court Justice in Kings County.

Immediate past President Yolanda Guadagnoli and Mario Romano, president of the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

The seminar, titled “TAP Your Fears Away — Helpful Hints When Appearing in a Trial Assignment Part,” drew a large audience of attorneys eager to learn practical strategies for managing cases in these critical court divisions over plates of pasta.

From left: Steven Bamundo, Hon. Donald Kurtz, Hon. George Silver, Hon. Kenneth Sherman, and Gregory Cerchione. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

Trial assignment parts, which oversee the efficient scheduling and assignment of trial-ready cases, play a vital role in New York’s bustling court system. Attorneys often face challenges such as last-minute judge assignments, scheduling delays, and pressure to settle cases. The panelists provided actionable advice and shared their personal experiences to help attendees better navigate these obstacles.

From left: Domenick Napoletano, president of the NYS Bar Association, Marisa Arrabito, Gianna Famulari, and Hon. Thomas Aliotta. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

Judge Adam Silvera, recently appointed Deputy Chief Administrative Judge, has garnered respect for his leadership and administrative expertise. A Brooklyn Law School graduate, his judicial career began in 2014 on the New York City Civil Court bench. He has since served in roles ranging from presiding over family law matters to managing complex litigation as New York City Asbestos Litigation Coordinating Judge.

Dino Mastropietro (left) and Hon. George Silver. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

Judge George Silver, who retired as Deputy Chief Administrative Judge in 2022, brought his extensive experience managing the city’s trial courts to the discussion. A Bronx native and Hofstra Law graduate, Judge Silver has held numerous judicial and administrative roles, including overseeing the Trial Assignment Part in Manhattan. His career also includes developing innovative programs like early settlement mediation for medical malpractice cases, further cementing his reputation as a forward-thinking leader.

From left: Hon. Katherine Levine, Hon. Lawrence Knipel, Hon. Kenneth Sherman, Michael Benjamin, and Hon. Mark Partnow. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

Justice Pamela Fisher, who has served on the Supreme Court in Kings County since 2015, earned her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School in 1990. Before joining the bench, she held various public service roles, including serving as an assistant deputy general manager for the New York City Housing Authority and as a principal law clerk to Justice Mark Partnow.

From left: Hon. Caroline Piela Cohen, Adam Kalish, immediate past president of the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association, Hon. Monique Holaman, and Stephen Burzio. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

Justice Judith McMahon has served on the Supreme Court bench in Richmond County since her election in 2009. A graduate of New York Law School, she began her legal career as a trial lawyer before transitioning to judicial service.

From left: Hon. Lara Genovesi, Hon. Kenneth Sherman, Hon. William Mastro, and Hon. Carl Landicino. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

The Columbian Lawyers will host its 57th annual Judge’s Night on Thursday, Dec. 5, at Gargiulo’s Restaurant in Coney Island. This highly anticipated event is one of the bar association’s biggest of the year, celebrating judges of Italian heritage as well as its esteemed member judges from Brooklyn and Staten Island. Attendance is exclusive to association members.