WWBA September 2018 Newsletter

Westchester Women’s Bar Association 

SEPTEMBER 2018 

WWBA 

WESTCHESTER WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION 

2018 ANNUAL INSTALLATION DINNER 

Elizabeth Z. Marcus 

O 

n June 6, 2018, the Westchester Women’s Bar Association Annual Dinner 

and Installation of Officers was held at the Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht 

Club. The WWBA’s keynote speaker was the Honorable Kathie Davidson, 

Administrative Judge of the Ninth Judicial District. 

Immediate Past President Lisa M. Denig expressed her gratitude for the WWBA’s 

officers, directors, and members. She focused her remarks, in part, on the great strides 

that were made in accomplishing three main goals: to increase the number of social 

photos and article continued on page 4 ➥ 

WWBA 2018 Annual Installation Dinner 

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 


WWBA Cocktails and 

Conversation Event 

(page 6) 

An Interview with 

Lisa M. Denig 

(page 7) 

Social Media Discovery 

Requests 

(page 9) 

Upcoming Events 

(page 12) 

Westchester Women’s Bar Association News 

news 

www.wwbany.org 

SAVE THE DATE 

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP 

MEETING 

September 5, 2018 

White Plains, New York 

WESTCHESTER 

WOMEN’S BAR 

BOOK CLUB 


Hartsdale, New York 

MEET THE OFFICERS OF 

THE WWBA: A NIGHT OF 

NETWORKING 


White Plains, New York 

PRESIDENT’S 

MESSAGE 

The WWBA 

2018-2019 year 

kicked off with our 

extraordinary celebration 

and swearing 

in of officers at 

the WWBA Annual 

Dinner at the beautiful 

Mamaroneck 

Beach and Yacht Kim Berg 

Club on June 6, 2018. In my speech, 

I discussed the importance of having 

historical perspective and how, with reflection 

on past events and hindsight 

being “20/20” we can use historical 

perspective to set the guideposts for our 

future course. Having had the tremendous 

benefit of serving as President Elect 

last year under the tutelage of Past President 

Lisa Denig, I have spent the summer 

months planning and setting in 

motion the WWBA’s future course for 

the upcoming year. 

My first effort was to get our committees 

set up and having our amazing 

co-chairs of our over 50 committees 

conceptualize the programs, events and 

activities they will plan for our new fiscal 

year. I must sincerely thank all of 

our committee co-chairs who were in 

place by our organizational meeting on 

July 25th and have been filling the Fall 

calendar with CLEs, programs, and 

networking events for our members’ 

benefit. Many of our committees have 

seen the addition of members who are 

stepping up for the first time as co-chairs 

and we welcome their ideas and efforts. 

Please take a look at our website to see 

all of the committees and consider joining 

a committee that fits with your area 

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 


Published Monthly by the 

Westchester Women’s 

Bar Association, a Chapter of 

the Women’s Bar Association 

of the State of New York 

~ 2018/2019 Officers and Directors ~ 

President KIM BERG 

President-Elect ANGELA MORCONE GIANNINI 

Vice Presidents 

HON. LISA M. SMITH AMANDA C. FRIED KRISTEN MOTEL 

Treasurer 

NATANYA L. BRIENDEL Recording Secretary SHERRY BISHKO 

Corresponding Secretary ELIZABETH Z. MARCUS 

Immediate Past ast President 

LISA M. DENIG 

Elected Directors Westchester Board 

SUSAN EDWARDS COLSON LISA M. DENIG LONYA A. GILBERT 

JENNIFER L. GRAY JACQUELINE HATTAR 

State Directors Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York 

ROBIN D. CARTON LUCIA CHIOCCHIO DEBORAH FARBER-KAISER 

MARIAN GENIO THERESA A. GIROLAMO ANNETTE G. HASAPIDIS 

SUSAN MILLS RICHMOND JENNIFER ROBINSON 

Executive Director ELISABETH CAMPOS 

© Copyright 2018 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 

2018-2019 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, Virginia Trunkes 

Criminal Law ........... Lisa M. Denig, Hon. Sandra A. Forster, Amy Puerto 

Families’, Children & the Courts .......... Joy S. Joseph, Lauren Morrissey 

Amanda Rieben 

Grievance/Ethics ................................................... Deborah A. Scalise 

Judicial Screening ............... Hon. Sandra A. Forster, Loren I. Glassman 

Judiciary ........................................................ Hon. Linda S. Jamieson 

Lawyering & Parenting .......... Joelle M. Burton, Jana Kosberg-Kleidman 

Legislation ...................................... Natanya L. Briendel, Kitley Covill, 

Angela Morcone Gianinni 

Matrimonial ...... Robin D. Carton, Dolores Gebhardt, Lonya A. Gilbert 

Annual Dinner ................... Kim Berg, Lisa M. Denig, Robin D. Carton, 

Amanda C. Fried, Andrea Friedman, Angela Morcone Giannini, 

Jennifer L. Gray, Jennifer N. Netrosio, Katie Wendle 

Annual Dinner Souvenir Journal ............................... Andrea Friedman 

Appellate Practice ......................... Lisa M. Denig, Hon. Marc C. Dillon, 

Hon. Sondra M. Miller 

Archive & Historian ...................................................... Susan L. Pollet 

Awards .............................. Elizabeth Barnhard, Deborah Farber-Kaiser 

Bankruptcy .................... Susan Mills Richmond, Wendy Marie Weathers 

Breast Cancer Awareness ....................................... Adrienne J. Orbach 

Collaborative Law ............................ Kathleen Donelli, Michelle Lewis, 

Lynn J. Maier, Hon. Sondra M. Miller 

Community Outreach ... Deborah A. Scalise, Hon. Lisa Margaret Smith 

Construction ............................................. Aisling Brady, Sushmita Roy 

Continuing Legal Education ..................................... Ann M. McNulty 

Diversity and Inclusion ............. Jacqueline Hattar, Stephanie Melowsky 

Domestic Violence ....... Natanya L. Briendel, Beth Levy, Audrey E. Stone 

Education Law ........................ Adrienne J. Arkontaky, Julie P. Passman, 

Susan Mills Richmond 

Elder & Health Law & Reproductive Rights ....... Elizabeth A. Cumming, 

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 

Golf Outing .................................. Gail M. Boggio, Adrienne Orbach 

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A D H O C C O M M I T T E E S 

Membership .............................................. Sherry Bishko, Kristen Motel 

Networking ...................... Jennifer Robinson, Alsion Sloto, Erica Sattler 

New Lawyers ................................... Elizabeth Z. Marcus, Katie Wendle 

Professional Development .. Susan Edwards Colson, Stephanie Melowsky 

Programs .................................. Natanya L. Briendel, Amanda C. Fried 

Public Relations ............................... Joelle M. Burton, Jennifer L. Gray 

Real Property .................................. Michelle Murphy, Allyson Lanahan 

Sponsorship ......................... Lucia Chiocchio, Susan Edwards Colson, 

Deborah Farber-Kaiser 

Taxation ........................................................... Patricia Rusch Bellucci 

Trusts & Estates .............................. Gail M. Boggio, Nancy J. Rudolph, 

Karen J. Walsh 

Holiday Party and Boutique ...... Dolores Gebhardt, Jennifer N. Netrosio 

Immigration ........................................ Nicole Feit, Laura A. Rosmarin 

Insurance Law .............................................................................. TBD 

Intellectual Property .. Elizabeth M. Barnhard, Theresa O’Rourke Nugent 

Judgment Enforcement & Collections ...................... Daniel F. Florio, Jr. 

Litigation ....................... Angela Morcone Giannini, Jacqueline Hattar 

Kimberly Sheehan 

Long Range Planning ............... Susan Edwards Colson, Lisa M. Denig 

Linda Markowitz 

Mediation ........................... Hon. Sondra M. Miller, Lauren S. Morrissey 

Donna Erez Navot, Abby Rosmarin 

Past Presidents ............ Jane Bilus Gould, Mary F. Kelly, Linda Markowitz 

Practice Management ......... Jamieson L. Keiser, Wendy Marie Weathers 

Pro Bono ........................................... Marian Genio, Natalie Sobchak 

Social Media .................................. Kristen Motel, Jennifer N. Netrosio 

Technology/Website .......... Donna E. Frosco, Theresa O’Rourke Nugent 

Wellness ................................ Jennifer Netrosio, Susan Mills Richmond 

Women in Leadership ............................................ Adrienne Arkontaky 

Network of Bar Leaders ................................................................. TBD 

Pace Board of Visitors ....................... Gail M. Boggio, Lonya A. Gilbert 

WBASNY Judicial Screening Committee ................. Gail M. Boggio, 

Lisa M. Bluestein 

WBASNY Nominations Committee ............................. Gail M. Boggio 

Lisa M. Bluestein 

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 

“Having had the 

tremendous benefit of 

serving as President Elect 

last year under the tutelage 

of Past President Lisa Denig, 

I have spent the summer 

months planning and setting 

in motion the WWBA’s 

future course for the 

upcoming year.” 

of practice or where you feel you can meaningfully 

contribute. Joining is simple, just 

click on the “Join” link next to the committee 

of interest. There is truly something for 

everyone. 

I am very pleased to form two new 

committees: Wellness and Women in Leadership. 

These new committees can certainly 

benefit from your input and assistance. 

Our new Wellness Committee, cochaired 

by Jennifer Netrosio and Susan 

Mills Richmond, will focus on tips for 

achieving work-life balance, wellness strategies, 

and hosting several fun and active 

events this year focused on improving our 

overall mental and physical well-being. 

Our new Women in Leadership Committee, 

chaired by Adrienne Arkontaky, will 

focus on issues and challenges that impact 

women who serve in leadership positions 

in private and public sector positions 

and law firms. 

We kicked off our networking programs 

on August 9, 2018 with a beautiful 

evening of “cocktails and conversation” 

at the Red Hat on the River. The turnout 

was fantastic and included a diverse group 

of new members, existing members, law 

students, practitioners in a range of substantive 

areas, sponsors, judges, and a few 

of our friends from the Rockland County 

Women’s Bar Association chapter. 

We have so many programs already 

in place for the Fall 2018. How can you 

learn about upcoming programs that might 

be of interest? The WWBA circulates a 

weekly update, emailed to you every Tuesday, 

for upcoming events and you can find 

links for easy sign up for every program 

listed. If you are reading these updates, 


Editor’s Note 


“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that 

reflects it.” 

~ Edith Wharton 

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, Elisabeth Campos 

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. 

A d v e r t i s i n g R a t e s 

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5-10 Issues - $525.00 per issue 


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Contacts 

Elizabeth Z. Marcus, Corresponding Secretary and Newsletter Editor-in-Chief: elizabeth.z.marcus@gmail.com 

Natanya L. Briendel, Programs Committee Co-Chair: tanyabriendel@gmail.com 

Amanda C. Fried, Programs Committee Co-Chair: afried@cartonrosoff.com 

Kim Berg, President: president@wwbany.org 

Ann M. McNulty, CLE Chair: ann.m.mcnulty@morganstanley.com 

Elisabeth Campos, Executive Director: executivedirector@wwbany.org 

Quarter Page Display Ad 



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5-10 Issues - $650.00 per issue; 1-4 Issues - $700.00 per issue 

Deadline for all ads is the 12th of the month prior to publication. Ads are subject to space limitations. 

Contact Elizabeth Z. Marcus at elizabeth.z.marcus@gmail.com for any questions regarding advertising. 

Page 3

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from page 1 

events provided; to expand the WWBA’s 

social media presence; and to reach out 

to younger attorneys and law students. As 

Lisa reminded us, “No other organization 

offers the type of timely and diverse programs 

that we do.” The infectious enthusiasm 

and dedication with which Lisa led 

her Presidency took center stage when she 

led the crowd in a memorable rendition of 

Aretha Franklin’s all time-classic, “Respect.” 

With attendees standing on their 

feet cheering and clapping, all that could 

be said was Bravo Lisa, Bravo! 

As is tradition, Hon. Sondra M. Miller 

administered the oath of office to the incoming 

officers and directors. WWBA Past 

President Jane Bilus Gould administered 

the oath of office to our newly elected President 

Kim Berg. 

Incoming President Kim Berg highlighted 

the WWBA’s continuing relevance 

and importance. A longtime active member, 

Kim reflected on the WWBA’s influential 

past as well as its bright future – a 

future Kim stressed would continue to advance 

the social, economic and legal status 

of women through the law, expand 

Lisa M. Denig delivers the outgoing 

President’s remarks 

Hon. Kathie E. Davidson, Administrative 

Judge of the Ninth Judicial District, delivers 

the Keynote speech 

opportunities for women, and raise the 

level of competency and integrity in the legal 

profession. A true “group effort,” Kim 

called on the WWBA’s officers, directors, 

and members to help further its mission – 

a mission we will surely achieve and exceed 

under the hardworking and dedicated 

leadership of Kim. Kim, we are lucky to 

have you! 

This year, the Karen Z. Bell Moderate 

Means Panel Award was presented to 

Debra Palazzo, Esq., the Family Friendly 

Employer Award was presented to My Sisters’ 

Place, the Diversity Achievement 

Award to the Pace Women’s Justice Center, 

and the WWBA Foundation’s Justice 

Sondra M. Miller Scholarship was presented 

to Pace Law Student Kristi Intorre. 

And last but not least, many thanks 

to the Annual Dinner Co-Chairs Kim Berg, 

Lisa M. Bluestein, Natanya L. Briendel, 

Robin D. Carton, Lucia Chiocchio, Susan 

Edwards Colson, Lisa M. Denig, 

Amanda C. Fried, Dolores Gebhardt, 

Jennifer L. Gray, Jennifer Netrosio, 

Deborah A. Scalise, Katie Wendle, and 

the Souvenir Journal Chair Andrea B. 

Friedman. ◗ 

Immediate Past President Lisa M. Denig, 

President Kim Berg, Hon. Sondra M. Miller, 

Hon. Kathie E. Davidson, and President-Elect 

Angela Morcone Giannini 

2018-2019 Executive Officers: President- 

Elect Angela Morcone Giannini, Vice 

Presidents Hon. Lisa M. Smith, Amanda C. 

Fried, and Kristen Motel, Treasurer Natanya 

L. Briendel, Corresponding Secretary 

Elizabeth Z. Marcus, and Recording Secretary 

Sherry Bishko 

WWBA President-Elect Angela Morcone 

Giannini presents the 2018 Family 

Friendly Employer Award to My Sister’s 

Place 

WBASNY President Greta K. Kolcon, Shari 

Gordon, Esq., and Families, Childrens, and 

the Courts Co-Chairs Lauren Morrissey and 

Joy S. Joseph 

Page 4 

2018-2019 State Directors: Lucia 

Chiocchio, Robin D. Carton, Annette G. 

Hasapidis, Marian Genio, Deborah Farber- 

Kaiser, Theresa A. Girolamo, and Jennifer 

Robinson 

Diversity and Inclusion Committee Co-Chairs 

Jacqueline Hatter and Stephanie Melowsky 

present the WWBA’s Diversity Achievement 

Award to Pace Women’s Justice Center 


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Jane Bilus Gould administers the 

oath of office to newly elected 

President Kim Berg 

Hon. George E. Fufidio, Hon. 

Christie Derrico, and Hon. Mark 

C. Dillon 

Kim Berg delivers the President’s remarks 

WWBA President-Elect Angela 

Morcone Giannini with WBASNY 

President Greta K. Kolcon 

Hon. Michael A. Martinelli, Hon. 

William J. Giacomo, and Hon. 

Colleen D. Duffy 

Immediate Past President 

Lisa M. Denig with WWBA 

Executive Director Elisabeth 

Campos 

Past Presidents of the WWBA 

Susan S. Brown, WWBA 

Foundation President, presents 

the Sondra M. Miller Scholarship 

to Pace Law Student Kristi Intorre 

Grievance and Ethics Committee 

Chair Deborah Scalise, Hon. 

Joan B. Lefkowitz, and Alayne 

Katz, Esq. 

2018-2019 Elected Directors: Jacqueline Hattar, Jennifer L. Gray, 

Lisa M. Denig, Lonya A. Gilbert, and Susan Edwards Colson 

Hon. Brandon R. Sall, Hon. La Tia 

W. Martin, and Westchester 

County District Attorney Anthony 

A. Scarpino, Jr. 

Past Presidents Co-Chair Jane 

Bilus Gould and President Kim 

Berg 

State Director Annette G. Hasapidis, Hon. Alan D. Scheinkman, 

and Hon. Daniel D. Angiolillo 


Trusts and Estates Committee 

Co-Chair Gail M. Boggio with 

Hon. Linda S. Jamieson 

Page 5

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Summertime and the Livin’ is Easy! 

Cocktails and Conversation with the WWBA 

On August 9, 2018, WWBA members gathered together for 

the Second Annual “Cocktails and Conversation” event at the 

Red Hat Restaurant in Irvington, New York. Co-sponsored with 

the Rockland County Women’s Bar Association, members networked 

and socialized while overlooking the beautiful Hudson 

River – the event was the perfect way to celebrate summer. Stay 

tuned for more WWBA fun-filled events! ◗ 


from page 3 

you may have noticed the month of September is already chock 

full of programs and events. You can also find all of our programs 

online at www.wwbany.org under the Calendar tab. 

On September 5, 2018, we invite all WWBA members to the 

first of four General Membership Meetings. The topic “Implicit 

Bias is Real: A Candid Discussion on Subconscious Stereotyping” 

can be used to fulfill the new one credit CLE requirement in 

Diversity, Inclusion and Elimination of Bias. In hearing my goals 

of diversifying our membership, the Diversity and Inclusion Committee 

and Employment Law Committees have arranged for an 

esteemed panel to engage in a very frank discussion about implicit 

bias: Honorable Shira Scheindlin, retired U.S.D.C. S.D.N.Y., 

Of Counsel at Stroock, Stroock & Lavan; Taa Grays, Esq. VP & 

Associate General Counsel of Information Governance at Met 

Life; and Nikki Adame-Winningham, Esq., Corporate Counsel 

for Pfizer, Inc. 

On September 6, 2018, the Book Club will meet to discuss 

“The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote” by Elaine 

Weiss. 

On September 7, 2018, the Women in Professional Transition 

will meet for their monthly brown bag lunch to discuss the 

challenges and creative solutions for those facing or contemplating 

changes in their professional lives. 

On September 27, 2018, please join us for a another networking 

event, this time welcoming our newest members at our 


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An Interview with Lisa M. Denig 

Susan L. Pollet 

Chair of the Archive and 

Historian Committee 

Q: You just finished your 

year as WWBA President. 

Please tell us the accomplishments 

of which you are 

most proud? 

A: Before my presidency 

began, my Executive Officers 

and I met and highlighted 

three things that we 

wanted to focus on during 

the year: social media, 

more “social” or fun events, 

and reaching out to 

younger lawyers. I am 

proud to say that we made 

headway in all three areas. 

As to social media, we 

started a WWBA Instagram 

account and have actively 

posted to it and our other 

social media accounts on 

Facebook and Twitter all 

year. This has increased 

our social media presence 

and helped us get information 

regarding events and 

programs to new audiences. 

In regards to planning 

more social events, 

we successfully added 

many programs and outings 

this year including a 

trip to see a Broadway 

show, a wine tasting, paint 

night, a Learn to Spin class, 

and our popular Book 

Club. These events have 

given members the opportunity 

to network and socialize 

in a less formal environment 

and are often 

named by members as 

some of their favorite gettogethers 

of the past year. 

Finally, we reached out to 

Pace Law School and 

signed up over 50 law students, 

many of whom have 

become very active in our 

“I want to create positive 

social change in this world. In 

whatever situation I am in – 

whether it is at work, in an 

organization like the WWBA, 

or even just in a relationship 

with someone – I always ask 

myself, “How can I make 

this even better?” 

group. This is important as 

these younger students are 

the future of our organization. 

Q: Are there any projects 

which began or were continued 

during your Presidency 

which you would like to see 

further developed in the future? 

A: We were able to volunteer 

with the Hillside Food 

Outreach, helping to stock 

shelves and organize their 

inventory. Hillside is a very 

special food pantry that caters 

to the homebound, utilizing 

volunteers to deliver 

food and specializing in gluten-free 

foods and other 

healthy choices. I would 

love to see our connection 

with this group - and other 

non-profits in the area - grow 

and thrive as our members 

have reported that they 

would like to see the WWBA 

offer more volunteer opportunities. 

Q: Which direction would 

you like to see the WWBA 

move in during the coming 

years? 

A: I am so proud to be a 

member of this organization 

and to see it grow and 

change with the ever evolving 

needs of women in the 

legal community. I would 

like to see the Westchester 

Women’s Bar Association remain 

the standard-bearer for 

equality in the law and society 

and to continue to push 

for measures that will accomplish 

that. I would also 

like to see the WWBA continue 

to meet the needs of 

our local legal community in 

this new age by providing 

our CLEs online or streaming. 

This is the not the wave 

of the future, it is the first 

choice of younger attorneys 

right now and the WWBA 

has to adapt to provide these 

opportunities to its members. 

Q: How did the #MeToo 

Movement impact upon your 

Presidency if at all? 

A: The #MeToo Movement 

was at the forefront of 

women’s issues this past year 

and the WWBA responded, 

as it always does, with a 

thoughtful and highly educational 

program that 

delved into the law surrounding 

sexual harassment law- 

Lisa M. Denig 

suits. This panel discussion 

included two judges who 

deal with sexual harassment 

cases as well as two 

accomplished attorneys 

who presented both sides 

of the issue - plaintiff and 

defendant. The best part 

about this program was 

that the audience was thoroughly 

engaged, asking 

questions, offering insight 

and rounding out the discussion 

in a way I have not 

seen at a program in a 

long time. This illustrates 

the timeliness and sensitivity 

of the issue and, as always, 

the Westchester 

Women’s Bar Association 

committees were right there 

to provide a comfortable 

and honest forum for such 

a discussion. 

Q: You are such a productive 

person. What advice 

do you have for our membership 

about how to best 

multi-task? 

A: Like most women, I 

have a rather full plate. I 

am the Bureau Chief of 

Special Litigation at the 

Westchester County District 



Page 7

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WELLNESS AS A PRIORITY: SELF-CARE 

A Tip from the WWBA’s Newly-Formed Wellness Committee 

Jennifer N. Netrosio, Esq. 

Co-Chair of the WWBA Wellness 

Committee 

As a culture, we live by our “todo” 

lists, whether we write them down 

or the list just lives in our head, we are 

constantly thinking about what we need 

to accomplish, whether or not we did 

accomplish it, and whether what we accomplished 

is up to par. If we didn’t 

accomplish what we sought out to, we 

think “shit” and either stay up all night 

doing or we reluctantly add to 

tomorrow’s list. Our high functioning 

brains have the ability to organize 

thoughts into lists, to prioritize and rationalize, 

and it’s a beautiful thing. But 

how about using your high functioning 

brain wisely, and put self-care to the 

top of your to-do list. Every. Single. 

Day. And here’s how: 

Don’t overthink it. Yes, lawyers, I 

said it. Don’t overthink it. Self-care 

SELF CARE 

LESSONS 

FROM 

THE 

OCEAN: 

 

Take Time to Coast 

Sea Life’s Beauty 

Harbor Strength 

takes on many different forms. It may 

take the form of saying no (to plans, 

obligations, or otherwise); it may take 

the form of letting go (of an expectation, 

an ideal, or maybe a burden you 

carry); it may take the form of physical 

activity, rest, or mental wellness (a yoga 

or meditation practice); it may take the 

form of a gratitude journal. It may take 

the form of something that only you 

understand that you need in that moment. 

But the really beautiful thing about 

self-care is this: your body already 

knows exactly what it needs. Your soul 

already knows exactly what it needs. 

The challenge of your high functioning 

mind is to listen. So, every single 

day, listen to yourself, and do something 

for your own self-care. Honor the 

amazing mind, body, and soul that you 

have been given, and show it some 

love. ◗ 

An Interview with Lisa M. Denig 

from previous page 

Attorney’s Office; I teach 

seven spin classes a week 

at New York Sports Club; I 

am the immediate past 

president of the Westchester 

Women’s Bar Association as 

well as Co-Chair of the 

Criminal Law, Appellate 

and Annual Dinner Committees; 

I coordinate the 

children’s programs and 

teach Sunday School at my 

church; I volunteer with numerous 

organizations; and 

I am currently working towards 

a Master’s Degree in 

Public Service from the 

Clinton School of Public 

Service at the University of 

Arkansas. Sometimes, even 

I am not sure how I get it all 

done in one day! But I will 

say this: use every minute 

in your day to achieve 

something. I get up very 

early (4:45AM) and go to 

bed relatively early (between 

9:30 and 10PM). Keeping 

these hours is conducive to 

greater efficiency than plopping 

down on the couch to 

watch television all evening 

long. I have never bingewatched 

anything in my life! 

I don’t even think that term 

should be in our lexicon! 

And I’ve never had a 

Facebook account - if I want 

to “connect” with people, I 

go to a Westchester 

Women’s Bar Association 

event or volunteer on a Habitat 

for Humanity build site. 

God only gives us so many 

hours on this earth-I want to 

use every one of mine to accomplish 

something that 

makes a difference in this 

world. 

Q: Which community activities 

will you continue to be 

involved with other than the 

Westchester Women’s Bar 

Association? 

A: Leaving the presidency of 

the Westchester Women’s Bar 

Association behind has freed 

up some of those precious 

hours and there is so much I 

want to do! As most people 

know, I have four rescue 

dogs who are the loves of 

my life so I would like to become 

more involved in a 

local pet rescue organization. 

I will continue to volunteer 

with Hillside Food 

Outreach and Habitat for 

Humanity. Additionally, I 

have become more active in 

my local political organization. 

And then there is that 

secret wish that I just have not 

gotten around to yet….I want 

to learn to play piano. 

Q: What do you want to 

accomplish personally going 

forward? 

A: Simple: I want to create 

positive social change in this 

world. In whatever situation 

I am in – whether it is at 

work, in an organization like 

the WWBA, or even just in 

a relationship with someone 

– I always ask myself, “How 

can I make this even better? 

What can I do to 

help?” There are so many 

opportunities to touch 

people’s lives and create 

new and better paths and I 

want to be the person to do 

that. I definitely have the 

resources and the energy to 

do this; it seems the only 

thing holding me back is this 

measly 24 hour day… ◗ 

Page 8 


September Litigation Tip 

✦ SOCIAL MEDIA DISCOVERY REQUESTS 

Social media discovery requests are now commonplace in litigation. In Forman v Henkin, 30 NY3d 

656 (2018), the Court of Appeals addressed a dispute in a personal injury action concerning disclosure 

of materials from plaintiff’s Facebook account. The decision reminds the bar of the rules 

regarding disclosure and the courts of the need for tailored court orders. 

In Forman, the Plaintiff claimed physical and cognitive injuries including to spinal injuries, traumatic 

brain injuries, difficulty writing and using a computer. She testified at deposition that she 

posted a lot of photographs prior to the accident showing her active lifestyle. Defendant sought an 

unlimited authorization to obtain Plaintiff’s entire “private” Facebook account, contending photographs 

and written postings would be material and necessary to his defense of the action under 

CPLR 3101(a). When Plaintiff failed to provide the authorization, the Defendant moved to compel. 

The lower court tailored an order permitting disclosure but limited it to all photographs privately 

posted prior to the accident intended to be used at trial, all photographs post-accident privately 

posted that do not depict nudity or romantic encounters, and records showing the time plaintiff 

posted private messages after the accident and number of words/characters in those messages. 

The Plaintiff appealed, and the appellate court modified in limiting the disclosure to certain photographs 

intended to be used at trial both pre and post-accident and eliminated the post-accident data 

requests. The appellate court granted leave for the Defendant to appeal. 

The Court reminded us that disclosure in civil actions in New York is generally governed by CPLR 

3101(a), which directs: “[t]here shall be full disclosure of all matter material and necessary to the 

prosecution or defense of an action, regardless of the burden of proof.” This right to disclosure, 

although broad, is not unlimited. CPLR 3101 itself “establishes three categories of protected 

materials: privileged matter, attorney’s work product, and trial preparation materials, which are 

subject to disclosure only on a showing of substantial need and undue hardship.” Further, pursuant 

to CPLR 3103(a) protective orders are available for the account holder, for example, for sensitive 

or embarrassing materials of marginal relevance. 

The Court of Appeals explained that rather than applying a one-size-fits-all rule, discovery requests 

“must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with due regard for the strong policy supporting 

open disclosure.” The Court explained courts should first consider the nature of the event giving 

rise to the litigation and injuries claimed, as well as any other information specific to the case, to 

assess whether relevant information is likely to be found on the Facebook account. The Court 

agreed with other courts that have rejected the notion that commencement of a personal injury 

action renders a party’s entire Facebook account automatically discoverable. (See Kregg v. 

Maldonado, 98 AD3d 1289 (4th Dept 2012). The Court further stated that for the purposes of 

disclosure the threshold inquiry is not whether the materials sought are private but whether they 

are reasonably calculated to contain relevant information. 

The Court reversed the appellate court’s order and reinstated the lower court’s order. 

Written by Angela Morcone Giannini, Co-Chair, Litigation Committee 

Other Co-Chairs: Jacqueline Hattar & Kimberly Sheehan 


Page 9

Chapter News and Announcements 

WWBA Members Recognized at the 12th 

Annual Above the Bar Awards Ceremony 

At this year’s 12th Annual Above the 

Bar Awards Ceremony, Keynote Speaker, 

Honorable Kathie E. Davidson, Administrative 

Judge of the Ninth Judicial District, 

stated that although the award winners practice 

in very different substantive areas of law 

they have in common a pursuit of excellence 

and sense of a higher calling. The 

WWBA is proud of our members, Natalie 

Sobchak, Kim Berg and Sarah Cinquemani, 

each of whom received an Above the Bar 

Award for their pursuit of excellence in the 

legal profession. 

In the category of “Most Socially Conscious 

Attorney”, Natalie Sobchak was recognized for a career in pro bono legal and 

government service which warrants praise and recognition by her peers and the community, 

including in her current role at the Pace Women’s Justice Center where she 

directs pro bono programs. 

Kim Berg received the award for “Leading Civil Rights Attorney”, in recognition of 

her career devoted to the pursuit of justice for victims of discrimination, harassment, 

retaliation and violation of their basic civil rights and for being well-respected for her 

ethical representation of clients. 

Law Student member, Sarah Cinquemani, received the “Most Promising Pace Law 

Student” award. Ms. Cinquemani’s accomplishments while a student at Pace Law 

School including graduating magna cum laude with a certificate in Environmental Law 

and serving as President of the Student Bar Association. We wish her the best as she 

embarks upon her next career step in Albany where she will work as a New York State 

Excelsior Service Fellow. ◗ 

Classifieds 

❑ Office Space Available in White Plains – Law firm 

office available: downtown White Plains, walking distance 

to courts, 12’7“ x 12’1”, two windows, receptionist, 

conference room, copier, scanner, fax. $990/ 

month with parking available next door at the Ritz for 

an additional fee. Contact Reiko Kratzer at 

rkratzer@ssmplaw.com. 

Deborah A. Scalise, Lisa M. Denig, Natalie 

Sobchak, Kim Berg, Marian Genio and 

Natanya L. Briendel 

❑ Office Space Available in 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, 2018 TO MAY 31, 2019. 

RENEW NOW! DON’T WAIT! 

WWBA Membership includes 

membership to the Women’s Bar 

Association of the State of New York 

(WBASNY). 

January 31, 2019 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. 

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 


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Westchester Women’s Bar Association 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. 


from page 6 

annual “New Member Reception” and 

“Meet the Executive Board” event where 

members, including law students, will 

have the opportunity to mix and mingle 

with our Executive Officers and Board 

members, learn more about the WWBA, 

potentially link up with a mentor or 

mentee, and learn more about rewarding 

ways to get involved in the WWBA. Nonmembers 

are also welcome so please feel 

free to bring a colleague and peak their 

interest in joining the Westchester Women’s 

Bar Association. 

Of course these events, and your participation 

as members of committees and 

attendees of our events, all help to sustain 

and grow our membership – another 

goal I mentioned at the annual installation 

dinner. In looking back on the past 

and attempting to solidify the WWBA’s 

future membership, I have set up a long 

range planning “task force” headed by 

Lisa Denig and Susan Edwards Colson. 

This plan is critical for our sustaining our 

membership and continuing to be a strong 

entity at the state level. In an effort to 

secure our place in the present day, I have 

been working diligently with the Membership 

Committee, co-chaired by Kristen 

Motel and Sherry Bishko, to sustain existing 

members, sign up new members, and 

reach out to those who have recently 

joined to get them involved and active in 

the WWBA. We will be collaborating with 

the Presidents of the Pace University 

School of Law Student Bar Association and 

Women’s Association of Law Students to 

recruit law students as part of our drive to 

increase membership now and for the 

WWBA’s future. The Law Student Members 

are eager to get involved, can assist 

with your committee’s programs and 

events, and are in need of mentors which 

is something the Westchester Women’s Bar 

Association can give back to them and 

our local legal community. 

As you can see from just the plans 

made for September, the WWBA offers 

unique and varied programs, events and 

CLEs which will peak the interest of a wide 

range of members. Of course, all of our 

efforts could not be accomplished without 

our wonderful Jewel Sponsors. We 

are truly grateful to have the continued 

support of our Diamond Sponsor Sterling 

National Bank and Emerald Sponsor BNY 

Mellon, as well as the addition of our second, 

and new, Emerald Sponsor Benchmark 

Title. ◗ 


Page 11

WWBA Schedule of Upcoming Events 

COMMITTEE DATE/TIME PLACE TOPIC RSVP (also online at www.wwbany.org) 

Board of Directors Meeting 

and General Membership 

Meeting 

9/5/18 

Board Meeting 

5:30-6:00 PM 

General 

Membership 

Meeting 6:00- 

7:15 PM 

WWBA Book Club 9/6/18 

6:00 PM 

WWBA Women in 

Professional Transition 

Project 

New Lawyers, Networking, 

and Membership 

Committees 

9/7/18 

1:00 PM 

9/27/18 

6:00-8:00 PM 

Wellness Committee 9/29/18 

11:00 AM 

Board of Directors Meeting 10/3/18 

5:30-7:30 PM 

BNY Mellon 


White Plains, NY 

WWBA member Sandra 

Forster’s Home 

Hartsdale, NY 

445 Café 

445 Hamilton Avenue 


(Parking is available in 

the garage next door; 

follow signs for “office 

parking”) 

The Brazen Fox 

175 Mamaroneck 

Avenue 


Wilkens Farm 

1335 White Hill Road 

Yorktown Heights, NY 

BNY Mellon 



Diversity & Inclusion 

Committee and 

Employment Law 

Committee Present: 

“Implicit Bias Is Real: 

A Candid Discussion on 

Subconscious 

Stereotyping” 

One CLE Credit – 

Diversity and Inclusion 

and Elimination of Bias 

(pending approval)* 

Book: 

“The Women’s Hour: 

The Great Fight to Win 

the Vote” by Elaine 

Weiss 

“First Fridays” with the 

WWBA’s Women in 


Project 

Network with the 

WWBA officers and 

directors and find out 

more about the 

advantages of joining 

the WWBA! 

Join the newly created 

WWBA Wellness 

Committee for a funfilled 

day of apple 

picking! 

Register online at 

www.wwbany.org or via email to 

executivedirector@wwbany.org 



No RSVP necessary 

For more information go to 






For questions or if you are not able 

to attend contact: Kim Berg at 

president@wwbany.org 

WWBA Women in 


Project 

Judges & Lawyers Breast 

Cancer Alert (JALBCA) 

10/5/18 

1:00 PM 

10/18/18 

12:30 PM 

Light lunch will 

be served 

445 Café 

445 Hamilton Avenue 


(Parking is available in 

the garage next door; 

follow signs for “office 

parking” 

Westchester County 

Courthouse 

9 th Floor Conference 

Room 

111 Dr. Martin Luther 

King, Jr. Blvd. 


“First Fridays” with the 

WWBA’s Women in 


Project 

Breast Health; Early 

Signs of Disease; Risk 

Factors; and Treatment 

Options 

No RSVP necessary 

For more information go to 


RSVP online at www.wwbany.org 

or email 

executivedirector@wwbany.org 

REMEMBER, YOU CAN FIND THE WBASNY WEB PAGE 

AT WWW.WBASNY.ORG. 

PLEASE REMEMBER TO RECYCLE 

Connect 

with 

us 

THE WWBA MEMBERSHIP PERIOD FOR 

2018-2019 BEGINS ON JUNE 1, 2018. 

PLEASE RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP TOD 

ODAY AT 

WWW.WWBANY 

.WWBANY.ORG 

.ORG

WWBA September 2018 Newsletter

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