WWBA April 2018 Newsletter
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Westchester Women’s Bar Association
APRIL 2018
WWBA
WWBA General Membership Meeting
Presents Perspectives on Sexual
Harassment in the Workplace in the
Wake of #MeToo
Tanya Briendel
T
he Spring General Membership
Meeting was held
the evening of March 22,
2018 at the Elisabeth Haub School
of Law at Pace University. Fifty
people attended an excellent presentation
entitled “Perspectives on
Sexual Harassment in the Wake of
#MeToo.“ The esteemed panel consisted
of the Honorable Lisa M. Smith,
District Court for the Southern District
of New York, the Honorable Linda
Jamieson, Supreme Court
Westchester County, Kim Berg, Esq.,
Gould & Berg, LLP, Susan Corcoran,
Esq., Jackson Lewis, P.C. and was
moderated by Sara Kula, Esq.,
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
APRIL 2018
WWBA Participates in
Read Across America
(page 4)
An Interview with
Hon. Larry Schwartz
(page 7)
Litigation Tip: E-filing
Reaches Appellate Division
(page 9)
Upcoming Events
(page 12)
continued on page 5 ➥
General Membership Meeting Panel
Susan Corcoran, Esq., Hon. Linda Jamieson,
Hon. Lisa M. Smith, Kim Berg, Esq., and Sara
Kula, Esq.
SAVE THE DATE
RESOLVING FAMILY
DISPUTES
COLLABORATIVELY
April 17, 2018
McCarthy Fingar, LLP
White Plains, New York
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
news
www.wwbany.org
JURY SELECTION
AND RACE
April 24, 2018
Keane & Beane, P.C.
White Plains, New York
WWBA ANNUAL DINNER
June 6, 2018
Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club
Mamaroneck, New York
PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
I saw the first,
purple crocus valiantly
pushing itself
heavenward in my
front yard yesterday
and I could not
help but feel a
glimmer of hope
that this gray and Lisa M. Denig
difficult winter
might just be behind us at last. Funny,
how these smallest and most fragile
of spring flowers are the first to muster
up the energy and strength to burst
from the hardened soil and bring
with them the exuberant message of
spring.
This thought quickly reminded
me of the recent book read and discussed
by the WWBA Book Club –
“Sisters In Law: How Sandra Day
O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Went to the Supreme Court and
Changed the World.” Justice
Ginsburg, who turned 85 years old
on March 15, 2018, could not be
any tinier and often appears frail and
fragile, but, oh, the power and exuberance
she brought to her work as
an attorney advancing women’s
rights and, now, as a Supreme Court
Justice, ensuring that those rights are
not trampled.
It was inspiring to read about her
prodigious body of work at the ACLU
and her unflagging determination to
constantly “push the envelope” in her
quest for equality. While most of the
continued on page 3 ➥
Page 1
The Westchester Women’s Bar Association is a Chapter of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York
WWBA Member Newsletter
APRIL 2018
Published Monthly by the
Westchester Women’s
Bar Association, a Chapter of
the Women’s Bar Association
of the State of New York
~ 2017/2018 Officers and Directors ~
President LISA M. DENIG
President-Elect KIM BERG
Vice Presidents
AMANDA C. FRIED JENNIFER L. GRAY HON. LISA M. SMITH
Treasurer
ANGELA MORCONE GIANNINI Recording Secretary NATANYA BRIENDEL
Corresponding Secretary ELIZABETH Z. MARCUS
Immediate Past ast President
SUSAN EDWARDS COLSON
Elected Directors Westchester Board
GAIL M. BOGGIO HÉLÈNE CÔTÉ LONYA A. GILBERT
SHARI R. GORDON ADRIENNE J. ORBACH
State Directors Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York
ROBIN D. CARTON KITLEY S. COVILL SUSAN EDWARDS COLSON
DONNA E. FROSCO MARIAN GENIO THERESA A. GIROLAMO
ANNETTE G. HASAPIDIS JANE SILVERMAN
Executive Director ELISABETH CAMPOS
© Copyright 2017 Westchester Women’s Bar Association. All rights reserved.
The opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) only and do not reflect the official position of the Association.
Editor-in-Chief: Elizabeth Z. Marcus • Designed and Printed by IPM Media Group, Inc. (516) 809-0501
2017-2018 WWBA Committee Chairs
S T A N D I N G C O M M I T T E E S
By-Laws ............................................. Hélène Côté, Anna L. Georgiou
Corporate & Commercial ........................ Lisa M. Bluestein, Eva David
Criminal Law ....... Kitley S. Covill, Lisa M. Denig, Hon. Sandra A. Forster
Families, Children & the Courts ........... Shari R. Gordon, Joy S. Joseph,
Lauren Morrissey
Grievance/Ethics ............................ Kitley S. Covill, Deborah A. Scalise
Judicial Screening ............... Hon. Sandra A. Forster, Loren I. Glassman
Judiciary .......... Hon. Delores Scott Brathwaite, Hon. Linda S. Jamieson
Lawyering & Parenting .......... Joelle M. Burton, Jana Kosberg-Kleidman
Legislation ................................................. Angela Morcone Gianinni
Matrimonial .......... Robin Carton, Dolores Gebhardt, Lonya A. Gilbert
Annual Dinner ......... Robin D. Carton, Lisa M. Denig, Jennifer L. Gray,
Jennifer N. Netrosio, Katie Wendle
Annual Dinner Souvenir Journal .............................. Andrea Friedman
Appellate Practice ....................... Lisa M. Denig, Hon. Mark C. Dillon,
Hon. Sondra M. Miller, Hon. Robert A. Spolzino
Archive & Historian ..................................................... Susan L. Pollet
Awards .................................................. Elizabeth Barnhard, Kim Berg
Deborah Farber-Kaiser
Bankruptcy ................... Susan Mills Richmond, Wendy Marie Weathers
Breast Cancer Awareness ...................................... Adrienne J. Orbach
Collaborative Law ............................. Kathleen Donelli, Lynn J. Maier,
Hon. Sondra M. Miller
Community Outreach ... Deborah A. Scalise, Hon. Lisa Margaret Smith
Continuing Legal Education ..................................... Ann M. McNulty
Construction ........................................... Aisling Brady, Sushmita Roy
Diversity in Membership ........... Jacqueline Hattar, Stephanie Melowsky
Domestic Violence ........... Natanya L. Briendel, Beth Levy, Audrey Stone
Education Law ....................... Adrienne J. Arkontaky, Julie P. Passman,
Susan Mills Richmond
Elder & Health Law & Reproductive Rights ....... Elizabeth A. Cumming,
Shari R. Gordon, Moira Laidlaw
Employment Law ................................................ Kim Berg, Sara Kula
Environmental & Land Use .......... Lucia Chiocchio, Anna L. Georgiou,
Jennifer L. Gray, Katherine Zalantis
Gender Dynamics ...................................... Hon. Terry Jane Ruderman
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
A D H O C C O M M I T T E E S
Membership ............................................... Sherry Bishko, Hélène Côté
Networking ............................................ Arin Liebman, Suzanne Volpe
New Lawyers ................................... Elizabeth Z. Marcus, Katie Wendle
Professional Development ......... Susan Edwards Colson, Adam J. Krim,
Stephanie Melowsky
Programs .......................................... Natanya Briendel, Amanda Fried
Public Relations ............................... Joelle M. Burton, Jennifer L. Gray
Real Property ................................... Allyson Magliery, Michelle Murphy
Sponsorship .......................... Susan Edwards Colson, Lucia Chiocchio
Taxation ....................................................................................... TBD
Trusts & Estates ........ Gail M. Boggio, Nancy J. Rudolph, Karen J. Walsh
Golf & Tennis Outing ................................................................ TBD
Holiday Party and Boutique ...... Dolores Gebhardt, Jennifer N. Netrosio
Immigration .............................................................................. TBD
Insurance Law ........................................................................... TBD
Intellectual Property .............. Elizabeth M. Barnhard, Donna E. Frosco,
Theresa O’Rourke Nugent
Judgment Enforcement & Collections .............. Christopher T. Bonante,
Daniel F. Florio, Jr.
Litigation ...................... Angela Morcone Giannini, Jacqueline Hattar
Kimberly Sheehan
Long Range Planning ................ Carla D. Glassman, Linda Markowitz
Ann M. McNulty
Mediation ............................ Amy Carron Day, Hon. Sondra M. Miller,
Lauren S. Morrissey, Abby Rosmarin
Network of Bar Leaders ............................................. Donna E. Frosco
Pace Board of Visitors ................................................ Gail M. Boggio
Past Presidents ........... Jane Bilus Gould, Mary F. Kelly, Linda Markowitz
Practice Management .............. Jamieson L. Keiser, Jennifer N. Netrosio
Wendy Marie Weathers
Pro Bono ........................................... Marian Genio, Natalie Sobchak
Social Media .............. Hélène Côté, Kristen Motel, Jennifer N. Netrosio
Technology/Website .......... Donna E. Frosco, Theresa O’Rourke Nugent
WCA Board Delegate ............................................ Anthony Morando
WWBA Foundation President ..................................... Susan S. Brown
WWBA Representative Director to the WCBA Board .. Dolores Gebhardt
Page 2
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
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President’s Message
from page 1
“Too often women –
especially those of us
who hover around
five feet tall – are
immediately judged
to be meek and frail
and must work
doubly hard to be
taken seriously
whether it be in the
courtroom or in other
phases of our very
complicated, very
demanding lives”
nation is now quite aware of what a
powerhouse she is, I wonder if, early in
her career, her small stature lulled opposition
attorneys into a sense of false
complacency! She is my first inspiring
“crocus” of this spring.
In last month’s column, I briefly mentioned
the group of young gymnasts
who stood to face their abuser at the
sentencing proceeding after he was
convicted of sexually assaulting them.
Nearly 200 young women, most of
whom barely stood five-feet tall, conjured
up the bravery and courage to
tell their stories and urge the judge to
hold the defendant responsible for the
damage he had done.
Rachel Denhollander, the first
woman to accuse Larry Nassar of sexually
abusing her, implored the Court:
“How much is a little girl worth?” Aly
Raisman, the Olympic gold-medal winning
gymnast, stopped several times
during her speech to glare defiantly at
Nassar, refusing to cower in the presence
of the man who had repeatedly
hurt her. These petite heroines are also
like the tiny crocuses in my yard, bravely
throwing off the dark and heavy soil of
shame and confusion and, perhaps
continued on page 10 ➥
Editor’s Note
“A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.”
Making Dates and Getting Published
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
❑ Deadline for newsletter submissions is the 12th of the month prior to publication (submissions
received after the deadline are subject to the discretion of the editor).
❑ Send submissions as email attachments to Elizabeth Z. Marcus at elizabeth.z.marcus@gmail.com.
❑ Articles should be 1,000 words or fewer. Remove all pagination, headers, footers or other
formatting, other than bold, underline or italics. Authors are encouraged to submit photographs
for publication with their submissions and include a short biographical statement with
their submissions.
❑ Materials submitted allow the WWBA a limited copyright and full permission to reprint the
material in any WWBA publication or on its website without additional consent.
❑ Photographs must be high-resolution (150 dpi or more) and the subject and all persons in
each photograph must be fully identified.
PROGRAM SCHEDULING
❑ First visit the WWBA website: www.wwbany.org and click on the calendar at the home page to
view scheduled programs. Conflicts in scheduling will be assessed on a case by case basis, with
priority for early submissions.
❑ Contact Elizabeth Z. Marcus at elizabeth.z.marcus@gmail.com to schedule a WWBA sponsored
or co-sponsored program, including committee meetings, CLE programs, etc.
❑ Once you have reserved the date with Elizabeth Z. Marcus, proceed with planning your
program and creating your flyer.
❑ Flyers must be approved by the Programs Committee. In advance of the 12th of the month,
please send your flyer to the Program Committee Co-chairs for review and copy the Executive
Director. Once approved, please send your final flyer to the Executive Director, Elizabeth Z.
Marcus and the President for publication on the website calendar and the newsletter calendar.
The final flyer will also be emailed to the membership.
❑ We will also consider publicizing programs from outside organizations that may be of interest
to our members.
❑ Post-event: You may report on the success of your program and provide photographs of the
speakers and participants that can be included in an upcoming newsletter. Send your submission
to Elizabeth Z. Marcus, following the guidelines above.
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Contacts
~ Melinda Gates
Elizabeth Z. Marcus, Corresponding Secretary and Newsletter Editor-in-Chief: elizabeth.z.marcus@gmail.com
Natanya Briendel, Programs Committee Co-Chair: nbriendel@law.pace.edu
Amanda C. Fried, Programs Committee Co-Chair: afried@cartonrosoff.com
Lisa M. Denig, President: president@wwbany.org
Ann M. McNulty, CLE Chair: ann.m.mcnulty@morganstanley.com
Elisabeth Campos, Executive Director: executivedirector@wwbany.org
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Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
Page 3
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WWBA PARTICIPATES IN READ ACROSS
AMERICA DAY IN YONKERS
Jacqueline Hattar, Esq.
The WWBA celebrated Read Across
America Day on March 2, 2018 at the
Eugenio Maria de Hostos MicroSociety
School in Yonkers, New York.
It is a pre-kindergarten
through eighth grade school
with over 600 students located
in southwest Yonkers,
and its minority enrollment is
approximately 97 percent of
the student body. The volunteers
included Shari Gordon,
Stephanie Melowsky
and Julie Passman.
The staff, students and
parents who compose the
community at the Hostos
School are dedicated to providing
an atmosphere in
which excellence and equality
in education are valued
and achieved by every stu-
dent so that they become
productive members of our
multicultural society.
The Westchester chapter
was one of the first
WBASNY chapters to participate
in the Read Across
America program in the Yonkers
Public School approximately
11 years ago. During
the course of their involvement
in this program,
the chapter has donated
books, t-shirts and school
supplies. We look forward
to participating in the Read
Across America program
next year. ◗
Shari Gordon and Julie Passman
Julie Passman
Page 4
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
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Perspectives on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
from page 1
DelBello Donnellan
Weingarten Wise &
Wiederkehr, LLP.
Ms. Berg commenced
the substantive portion of the
evening with an overview of
the process from a plaintiff’s
perspective. She was followed
by Ms. Corcoran who
spoke about best practices
for employers. Judges Smith
and Jamieson participated
in both presentations with
updates on recent case law
and provided practical sug-
gestions for case resolution.
The panel had created
several fact patterns to use in
their presentations, which
were referred to by the speakers
throughout the evening.
The audience was actively engaged
and asked numerous
questions throughout the two
hour presentation covering
such issues as whether to bring
a matter in federal or state
court, when an action is time
barred and what types of recovery
are available to victims.
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General Membership Meeting March 22, 2018
THE WWBA PAINTS THE TOWN!
On January 18, 2018, the WWBA’s Networking Committee hosted “Paint Night” at
Muse Paint Bar in White Plains. The event brought WWBA members together for a
fun-filled night of networking. It was indeed a masterpiece!
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
Page 5
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Magistrate Judge:
NEVER BE “TOO BUSY” TO BE A MENTOR
“Be on the lookout for opportunities to mentor
others, and take them when those opportunities
arise. Rather than make excuses, such as thinking,
‘I’m too busy,’ or ‘This could be a waste of my time,’
realize that the opposite is more likely to be true.”
Christian Nolan
Judge Lisa Margaret
Smith, United States Magistrate
Judge for the Southern
District of New York, says you
can never be too busy to
mentor someone else.
“Be on the lookout for
opportunities to mentor others,
and take them when
those opportunities arise,”
said Smith. “Rather than
making excuses, such as
thinking, ’I’m too busy,’ or
’This could be a waste of my
time,’ realize that the opposite
is more likely to be true.
Moreover, even if the
mentoring opportunity does
not bear fruit, you likely will
not have lost anything but a
few minutes of your time.”
Smith recalled an unexpected
mentoring experience
last fall.
“When I was attending
family weekend at my
daughter’s college, I happened
to overhear a mom
talking to another parent
about her daughter, named
Kathryn. She was a senior at
the college, majoring in legal
studies with a minor in
computer and digital forensics,”
Smith explained.
“As I unashamedly listened
in, I learned that
Kathryn was pursuing a career
focusing on e-discovery,
and particularly the need for
effective communications
between forensic professionals
and legal professionals.
I, too, have an interest in e-
discovery, and I thought I
might be able to help her. I
spoke to her mother, and
very shortly thereafter
Kathryn and I began a correspondence,
the highlight
of which was her creation of
a survey which I was able to
distribute to a number of legal
and forensic professionals
involved in e-discovery.”
Smith said the survey results
were to be used in
Kathryn’s senior project.
“This opportunity to
mentor a young woman in
a law-related field arose
from a chance encounter,
and has been rewarding for
both of us,” said Smith.
Smith’s remarks about
mentoring came in accep-
~ Judge Lisa Margaret Smith
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tance of the 2018 Kay
Crawford Murray Award presented
by the Committee on
Women in the Law of the
New York State Bar Association.
Smith received her award
on January 23 during the
Association’s Annual Meeting
in New York City. The award
recognizes an attorney who
continued on page 8 ➥
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Kay Crawford Murray Award: Lisa Margaret Smith, United States
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Committee on Women in the Law. Patricia L. Angley and Jacqueline
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Page 6
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
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An Interview with Honorable Larry Schwartz
Susan L. Pollet
Chair of the Archive and
Historian Committee
Q: Please tell us about your
legal career.
A: I began my career in the
early 1980s as an Assistant
District Attorney in the
Rockland County DA’s office.
After leaving the District
Attorney’s office, I was
a partner and principal of
Klinger & Schwartz in
Haverstraw, New York
where my practice included
criminal defense and civil
litigation.
While in private practice,
from 1998 until taking
the bench this year, I served
as a part-time assistant
public defender at the
Rockland County Public
Defender’s office. I was an
active member of the
Rockland County Drug
Court team and served on
the board of the Rockland
County Drug Court Executive
Committee. In 1993, I
became a founding partner
of Schwartz & Silverstein
LLP in New City where I
maintained a varied practice
until this past December.
Q: Why did you become a
judge?
A: The thought of becoming
a judge appealed to
me from my earliest days
as a practicing attorney.
I’ve always believed the
courtroom should be an
orderly and dignified
place where the voices of
all participants are heard.
As an attorney, I saw the
difference that reasoned
and patient judges made
in the outcome of a case. I
“My advice for new lawyers is
to find ways to distinguish
themselves and develop skills
and knowledge bases that are
unique and in demand. I also
recommend they develop
meaningful relationships in the
legal community and seek advice
from experienced practitioners.”
wanted to make that difference.
After practicing law for
over three decades, I saw taking
the bench as a unique
opportunity to embrace the
challenge of applying my legal
experience in a different
and meaningful way.
Q: What community activities
are you involved in?
A: I have been involved in
several legal and community
organizations throughout
Rockland County. I’m currently
a member of the board
of directors and former secretary
of the board for the
Rockland County Bar Association.
In addition, I am a
member of the board of directors
and former president
of Community Awareness
Network for a Drug-Free Life
and Environment (CANDLE),
a youth organization in
Rockland County. I also serve
on the board of directors of
the Rockland Conservatory of
Music.
Q: How have you balanced
your work and family life over
the years?
A: It was always a challenge
to balance work and family
life. The biggest advantage
I had was that I always practiced
in the same community
in which I lived. Even though
I often worked long hours,
the proximity of my offices
to my home frequently enabled
me to adjust my
schedule so I could attend
school events and my
children’s activities. I was always
mindful of the importance
of family and strove
to make my family a priority.
Q: What advice do you have
for new lawyers entering the
profession, and for seasoned
lawyers continuing in it?
A: My advice for new lawyers
is to find ways to distinguish
themselves and develop
skills and knowledge
bases that are unique and in
demand. I also recommend
they develop meaningful relationships
in the legal community
and seek advice from
experienced practitioners.
I also would encourage
new lawyers to join bar associations.
It’s so much more
Hon. Larry Schwartz
enjoyable to practice law as
a part of a community than
from the solitude of your office.
Seasoned lawyers
probably do not need advice
from me. But I will offer
the reminder that we should
all continue to make our
health and well-being a priority.
It is too easy to become
so engulfed in our work that
we forget to take proper
care of ourselves. The more
we neglect ourselves, the less
we can attend to the needs
of others, whether they are
clients, family, or friends.
Q: You were recently elected
County Court Judge in
Rockland County but are sitting
in Westchester. How are
you enjoying your assignment
in White Plains?
A: When I first arrived in
White Plains, I knew almost
no one. Everyone in the
courthouse who I work with,
without exception, has been
helpful and supportive. I am
also quite impressed by the
Westchester bar. I have
found almost all the attorneys
to be quite knowledgeable,
professional and helpful
to the court. ◗
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
Page 7
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NEVER BE “TOO BUSY” TO BE A MENTOR
from page 6
enhances diversity in the profession and
advances the professional development
of women attorneys. The committee created
the award in Murray’s honor in
2008.
Murray, who died in January, was
the former general counsel to the New
York City Department of Juvenile Justice
and was active with the State Bar
Association for many years, including
serving as chair of the Committee on
Women in the Law.
Mentoring is a Challenge
Smith said the award gives credit
to professionals who serve as active
mentors for women attorneys, “but it is
important that we support and encourage
all those who face challenges,
whether it is because of their gender, or
their race, or their sexual identity, or their
age, or their disability status, or simply
their circumstance in life.”
Smith recalled a young black man
named William who appeared before
her in court charged with a serious crime
and later pled guilty to a misdemeanor.
“William had a few stumbles, but
eventually he served his probationary
sentence, and he chose a path that led
him to attend Pace Law School, where I
came to know him again as a student
in my evidence class,” recalled Smith.
When William graduated from
Pace Law School, Smith was among
those congratulating him, but his trials
did not end there, as he struggled to
gain admittance to the Bar because of
the criminal conviction. Smith is proud
to say that William is now a full member
of the New York Bar “and that he
did so, in some small part, due to my
No Excuses: 2018 Kay Crawford Murray Award recipient Judge Lisa Margaret Smith says that
it is important that “we support and encourage all those who face challenges.”
(Photo by Richard A. Smith)
presence as a mentor in his life,” said
Smith.
“Do not give up on those you come
into contact with. Mentoring is a challenge,
but you will attain the greatest
satisfaction when someone you have
mentored achieves his or her goal, despite
the steepest odds,” said Smith.
Sharing Knowledge
Smith, who sits in White Plains, was
originally appointed in 1995 as a magistrate
judge. From 2006 to 2008, she
served as chief magistrate judge for the
Southern District.
Before her appointment to the
bench, Smith was an assistant U.S. attorney
in the Southern District of New
York from 1987 to 1995. She also
served as an assistant district attorney in
“Do not give up on those you come into
contact with. Mentoring is a challenge, but you
will attain the greatest satisfaction when
someone you have mentored achieves his or
her goal, despite the steepest odds.”
~ Judge Lisa Margaret Smith
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Kings County, where she worked her way
up to supervising senior ADA in the Appeals
Bureau. She also spent time as
an assistant attorney general in the Appeals
and Opinions Division of the New
York State Department of Law.
Smith frequently lectures at CLE and
bar association programs, with a particular
focus on e-discovery and evidence.
She is a regular participant in
events that educate children about the
courts, including Take Your Children to
Work Day, an annual program of the
Westchester Women’s Bar Association.
In addition to Murray, Smith said
she was also honored to join the ranks
of such greats as the Honorable
Sondra Miller of the Appellate Division
Second Department, and the Honorable
Jenny Rivera of the New York Court
of Appeals, as a recipient of this
award.
“Kay Crawford Murray personified
a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.,”
said Smith, “which is: ’Life’s most persistent
and urgent question is, what are
you doing for others?’” ◗
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Christian Nolan is a senior writer for the
New York State Bar Association.
Page 8
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
April Litigation Tip
✦ E-FILING TECHNOLOGY REACHES OUR APPELLATE DIVISION!
On March 1, 2018, all four appellate departments approved mandatory electronic filing
rules for certain appellate cases. The rules apply to cases where the Notice of Appeal is
filed on or after March 1, 2018.*
The new electronic filing rules are codified at 22NYCRR Part 1245 and Attachment A
discusses the formatting rules for the documents that are electronically filed. The new
rules also can be found at www.nycourts.gov/RULES/jointappellate/
22NYCRRPart1245-03-01-2018A.pdf.
The rules do provide for personal exemptions at NYCRR 1245.4(a)(1) and (2) for the
unrepresented litigant and exempt attorneys are defined in the rules and CPLR
2111(b)(3)(a) or (B).
While all the electronic filings are through the NYSCEF system, each department has
very specific rules and differ as to what types of cases require electronic filing. The First
Department requires electronic filing for all appeals on commercial matters originating
in the Supreme Court, Bronx and New York Counties. The Second Department requires
electronic filing of all appeals in matters originating and electronically filed in
the Supreme Court and Surrogate’s Courts in Westchester County. The Third Department
requires electronic filing for all appeals in civil actions commenced by summons
and complaint in the Supreme Court originating in the Third Judicial District and the
Fourth Department requires electronic filing of all appeals in matters originating in, or
transferred to, the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court in the Fourth Judicial
Department.
It is also anticipated that each Department will gradually increase the types of appellate
cases which require electronic filing and therefore attorneys filing appeals should consult
the new rules frequently.
Additional information specific to each department can be accessed through the following
links:
❑ 1st Dept: http://www.nycourts.gov/courts/ad1/efiling.html
❑ 2nd Dept: http://www.nycourts.gov/courts/AD2/efiling
❑ 3rd Dept: http://www.nycourts.gov/courts/ad3
❑ 4th Dept: http://www.nycourts.gov/courts/efile
* Each Department has specific rules with regard to those cases where the Notice of Appeal was filed before
March 1, 2018 and the Appeal will be perfected before May 15, 2018.
Written by Angela Morcone Giannini, Co-Chair, Litigation Committee
Other Co-Chairs: Jacqueline Hattar & Kimberly Sheehan
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
Page 9
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WWBA New Members
The Westchester Women’s Bar Association
proudly welcomes our newest members:
TO PROTECT THE PRIVACY OF OUR MEMBERS, THIS
INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE WWBA ONLY.
Chapter News and Announcements
Classifieds
OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE – MOUNT KISCO
Two beautiful windowed offices for rent in professional suite.
Regular access to 2 newly renovated, large windowed conference rooms. Part-time
assistant/paralegal/billing services; receptionist; cleaning;
WiFi, copy/scan/fax; Plenty of parking; close to train. Call 914-242-7200 ◗
Become a New
Member Today
RENEW YOUR
WWBA MEMBERSHIP TODAY
FOR THE PERIOD
JUNE 1, 2017 TO MAY 31, 2018.
RENEW NOW! DON’T WAIT!
WWBA Membership includes
membership to the Women’s Bar
Association of the State of New York
(WBASNY).
January 31, 2018 is the closing date in
order to count the WWBA members
towards our certification to WBASNY and
assure our number of delegates.
Renewing before this date will allow our
Westchester Chapter (WWBA) to continue
to be a strong presence in our statewide
organization (WBASNY) while you will
enjoy its many benefits, events,
newsletter and CLE programming.
President’s Message
from page 3
unknowingly, brightly leading us into a future where their courage will most certainly
forge a better path.
And who could be tinier than our own Judge Sondra Miller! Judge Miller’s
small and wispy frame belies a strength and perseverance that dwarfs men twice
her size. Judge Miller was in the first class at Harvard to admit women and she
was also the first woman to be appointed as an Associate Justice in the Appellate
Division, Second Department.
She is one of the “Founding Mothers” of the WWBA and still works tirelessly
to advance the status of women through our organization and at the state level
through her committee work in WBASNY. Every time I see Judge Miller struggle to
reach for a microphone placed too high for her petite size, I wonder how many
judges and opposing attorneys misjudged this amazing woman. She is my favorite
“crocus” of the WWBA.
Too often women – especially those of us who hover around five feet tall –
are immediately judged to be meek and frail and must work doubly hard to be
taken seriously, whether it be in the courtroom or in other phases of our very
complicated, very demanding lives. I hope that the analogy of the crocus has
given you a bit of inspiration to set out to disprove this misconception. Burst forth,
ladies, and show your strength, your bravery and your vibrant colors of hope! ◗
Hélène Côté, Sherry A. Bishko,
Elisabeth Campos
It is easy to renew by going to the
WWBA Website at www.WWBANY.org.
You can use a credit card or
PayPal to make payment.
Page 10
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
The Westchester Women’s Bar Association
requests the pleasure of your company
at its
ANNUAL DINNER
~ and ~
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
Our Distinguished Keynote Speaker:
HONORABLE KATHIE DAVIDSON
ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE, NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club
Mamaroneck, New York
We also welcome your ad in our Souvenir Journal:
Outside Back Cover - $1,000; Inside Back Cover - $600
Inside Front Cover - $600; Gold Page - $400
Full Page - $350: Half Page - $200; Quarter Page - $150
Please contact Andrea B. Friedman, Esq. at andrea@sarilaw.com
You can also place your ad order online at www.wwbany.org
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
Page 11
WWBA Schedule of Upcoming Events
COMMITTEE DATE/TIME PLACE TOPIC RSVP (also online at www.wwbany.org)
WWBA Diversity and
Litigation Committees and
NYSBA’s Committee on
Diversity & Inclusion
Families, Children, and the
Courts Committee
WCBA ADR Committee and
WWBA Collaborative Law
Committee
Criminal Law
Committee
4/9/18
Registration –
6:00 PM
Program – 6:15 –
7:30 PM
Light supper will
be provided.
4/10/18
12:30-2:00 PM
Brown bag lunch
4/17/18
12:15 – 1:30 PM
Brown bag lunch
4/24/18
Registration -
5:30 PM
Program – 6:00 –
7:00 PM
Light snacks and
beverages
provided
Board of Directors Meeting 5/2/18
5:30-7:30 PM
Wilson Elser Moskowitz
Edelman & Dicker LLP
1133 Westchester
Avenue
White Plains, NY
(Enter from the Section C
parking lot entrance/
reception area is on the
1 st floor)
Westchester County
Courthouse
9 th Floor (Conference
Room)
111 Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, Ny
McCarthy Fingar, LLP
11 Martine Avenue
12 th Floor
White Plains, NY
Keane and Beane
Conference Room
445 Hamilton
Suite 1500
White Plains, NY
BNY Mellon
701 Westchester Ave.
White Plains, NY
“A Continuing Lecture
Series on Diversity in
the Legal Profession”
Perspectives from the
Bench and the Bar on
Diversity
CASA in the Courts:
The Mental Health
Association of
Westchester County,
Inc. (MHA) Family
Court’s Court
Appointed Special
Advocates
Resolving Family
Disputes Through the
Collaborative Process:
A Primer
One (1) CLE credit –
Professional practice
“Jury Selection and
Race: A Review of
Recent Batson
Decisions”
One (1) CLE Credit –
Diversity and Inclusion
*Pending approval
Please RSVP no later than April 5,
2018 by registering online at
www.wwbany.org
Space is limited to members of the
sponsoring organizations and
invited guests – PLEASE NO
WALK-INS
Register online by April 2, 2018 at
www.wwbany.org
Seating is limited; RSVP at
http://www.wcbany.org/events/Eve
ntDetails.aspx?id=1073351&group
=
RSVP online at www.wwbany.org
or email
executivedirector@wwbany.org
**Seating is limited, please register
early**
For questions or if you are not able
to attend contact:
Lisa Denig at
president@wwbany.org
WWBA Women in
Professional Transition
Project
5/4/18
1:00 PM
WWBA Annual Dinner 6/6/18
Cocktails – 5:30
PM
Dinner – 7:00 PM
445 Café
445 Hamilton Ave.
White Plains, NY
(Parking is available in
the garage next door;
follow signs for “office
parking”)
Mamaroneck Beach and
Yacht Club
Mamaroneck, NY
“First Fridays” with the
WWBA’s Women in
Professional Transition
Project
Annual Dinner and
Installation of Officers
No RSVP necessary
For more information go to
www.wwbany.org
Register online at
www.wwbany.org
Unless otherwise indicated, events are for WWBA members and invited guests only.
The opinions expressed by any program presenter are the presenter’s own, and do not reflect
the official position of the WWBA.
WWBA is a chapter of WBASNY, which is an approved provider of CLE credit. Full and partial scholarships for CLE programs based
on financial need are available. For information on the guidelines and procedures for applying, please contact the person running
the program. All requests are strictly confidential. All programs are for transitional credit unless the program states otherwise.
REMEMBER, YOU CAN FIND THE WBASNY WEB PAGE
AT WWW.WBASNY.ORG.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO RECYCLE
Connect
with
us
THE WWBA MEMBERSHIP PERIOD FOR
2017-2018 BEGINS ON JUNE 1, 2017.
PLEASE RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP TOD
ODAY AT
WWW.WWBANY
.WWBANY.ORG
.ORG