Brooklyn Bar’s Family Law mixer brings bench and bar together

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December 11, 2024 Rob Abruzzese

RoseAnn Branda (left), co-chair of the Brooklyn Bar Association’s Family Law Section and a past president of the BBA, stands with Hon. Jeffrey Sunshine (center), statewide coordinating judge for matrimonial matters, and Grace Borrino. The trio played key roles at the recent “Bench and Bar Mixer,” which brought attorneys and judges together to foster connections and discuss advancements in matrimonial law. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

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The Brooklyn Bar Association’s Family Law Section hosted a “Bench and Bar Mixer” on Monday, Nov. 18, bringing together attorneys and judges for an evening of connection and camaraderie.

Organized by section co-chairs RoseAnn Branda and Aimee Richter, along with Hon. Jeffrey Sunshine, the statewide coordinating judge for matrimonial matters, the event aimed to foster relationships in the field of family law.

“Tonight there is no program,” Branda explained during her remarks. “The evening was organized with the sole intention for all of us to relax and get to know one another on a more human basis, for all of us to put our swords away and to not annoy the judges that are here tonight like we usually do.”

Branda, a past president of the BBA, spoke warmly of her co-chair, Aimee Richter, who was unable to attend. Richter recently was honored at the association’s annual dinner.

From left: Hon. Carolyn Piela-Cohen, RoseAnn Branda and Hon. Eric Prus. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

Paul Nuccio and Judge-elect Tehilah Berman. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

Hon. Robert Markoff and Hon. Linda Christopher. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

From left: Latoya Haley, Ronald Cosme and Mark Hager. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

Hon. Sharon Bourne-Clarke (left) and Hon. Lisa Lewis. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

From left: Hon. Joanne Quinones, Hon. Lorna McAllister, Hon. Theresa Ciccotto, Hon. Jeffrey Sunshine, RoseAnn Branda, Hon. Cheryl Gonzales and Hon. Eric Prus. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

Abigail Mattaro (left) and Hon. Nancy Sunshine, county clerk, commissioner of jurors and clerk of the Supreme Court. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

Meghan Buckwalter (left) and Tawanna St. Louis. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

Steve Cohen (left) and District Leader Mark Hanna. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

“I would love everyone in the room tonight to support Aimee,” she said, encouraging attendees to join the bar association and highlighting its strong judiciary and robust CLE programming.

Judge Sunshine, also a past president of the BBA, took a moment to introduce the matrimonial parts present at the mixer and acknowledge the contributions of his colleagues.

“I’m delighted to be here today,” Sunshine said. “I would like to thank Aimee Richter, who is going to be receiving the Trailblazer Award by the Brooklyn Bar Association. We would not be here tonight without RoseAnn Branda. A lot of things wouldn’t happen without RoseAnn and all of her help for all of the committees she works with.”

The mixer, free for BBA members, provided a relaxed atmosphere for attorneys and judges to connect outside of the courtroom. With drinks, conversation, and no formal program, attendees had the opportunity to strengthen ties and share insights in a less formal setting.