WWBA December 2018/January 2019 Newsletter

Westchester Women’s Bar Association 

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 

WWBA 

Advice for Jobseekers from the 

WWBA’s Women in Professional 

Transition Project 

Susan Edwards Colson and Allyson J. Lanahan 

I 

t’s been said a thousand times, 

“Looking for a job is a full time job.” 

This feels especially true if you are 

looking for a job while working at an actual 

full time job. So here are some tips to help 

focus your efforts and get results more quickly. 

Where to start? Start by understanding 

who you are, what you have to offer and identifying 

where you want to be. The point at 

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 

DECEMBER 2018/ 

JANUARY 2019 

CLE on Advocating for 

Families in Crisis 

(page 5) 

An Interview with 

Carol Swidler, Esq. 

(page 6) 

PWJC Annual Gala 

(page 8) 

Upcoming Events 

(page 12) 

Allyson J. Lanahan and 

Susan Edwards Colson 

which these things intersect is where you want to find your paycheck. 

When it comes to resumes, language counts. To make sure your resume will make 

it through the initial resume screening systems used by many recruiters, include key 

words targeted for the job you want. You can use resources like “tagcrowd.com” to find 

out what keywords your resume currently has and tweak it from there. You want to 

make sure what you think your resume is saying, is what people are hearing. 

Legal resumes should be boring. No fancy formatting or spicy marketing here. As 

Director of Career Counseling at Pace University Robye Margolius puts it, “Don’t give 

me a reason to throw your resume away.” Your resume should fit the standard template. 

Recruiters should know where to look to find the information they are seeking. 

Your creativity can be used to edit and tailor the content. Job experience can be 

Westchester Women’s Bar Association News 

news 

www.wwbany.org 

continued on page 4 ➥ 

SAVE THE DATE 

WWBA BOOK CLUB 

January 16, 2019 

Larchmont, New York 

DISCUSSION OF THE 

2018 AMENDMENTS TO 

THE FEDERAL RULES OF 

BANKRUPTCY 

PROCEDURE 

January 17, 2019 

White Plains, New York 

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP 

MEETING 

Ethics Update 2019 

February 6, 2019 

White Plains, New York 

PRESIDENT’S 

MESSAGE 

I hope that you all 

had a wonderful 

holiday season and 

I wish you a happy, 

healthy new year. 

The start of a 

new year is typically 

marked by reflection 

on our past accomplishments, 

review of Kim Berg 

our current personal and professional 

goals, and efforts to prioritize our objectives 

for the year ahead. Although I 

am most certainly doing that now, I will 

readily admit that I spent significant time 

in 2018 prior to being sworn in as President 

to reflect on the WWBA’s past, review 

our current goals, and prioritize 

objectives for the 2018-2019 year. 

As I stated in my speech at the 

WWBA Annual Dinner on June 6, 

2018, through hindsight and historical 

perspective there remains no doubt in 

my mind that a women’s bar association 

still has relevance today. Additionally, 

in 2019, the WWBA has more than 

just “relevance.” Statistics in numerous 

recent reports and studies reveal 

that the gender disparities that continue 

to plague our legal profession are not 

a pipeline issue and inroads toward 

equality remain slow at best. The 

WWBA, and by that I mean all of its 

members who routinely volunteer their 

time to promote our goals and mission 

statement, serves a vital role in continuing 

to make inroads, expanding 

opportunities for women, and leveling 

the playing field in an effort to eradicate 

these disparities. 

One method the WWBA utilizes to 


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 

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 

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 2019 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. Mark 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 

Cyber Law .............................................................. Georgea Mancuso 

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 

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

Membership ....................... Sherry Bishko, Marian Genio, 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, 

Marian Genio, Deborah Farber-Kaiser 

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

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

Karen J. Walsh 

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

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 

“[A]s we close the 

chapter of 2018, 

let us not forget from 

where we have come and 

how far we still have to 

go to eradicate gender 

disparities that continue 

to affect us.” 

promote our members is by recognizing 

members’ accomplishments and achievements 

through awards. Our Awards Committee 

co-chairs, Elizabeth Barnhard and 

Deborah Farber-Kaiser, have devoted a 

tremendous amount of time and effort compiling, 

drafting and submitting nomination 

materials for eight of our members for 

awards on both the local and state level. 

These awards not only publicly highlight 

our members’ significant accomplishments 

but they also set our members apart when 

they are seeking a new position, partnership, 

promotion or a leadership role. One 

of our goals for 2019 must be to continue 

to highlight and publicize the achievements 

of our members and I am confident 

that in 2019 the WWBA will continue to 

promote its members by nominating them 

for well-deserved recognitions, honors and 

awards. 

Another method the WWBA implemented 

this year in an effort to expand 

opportunities for women was the creation 

and implementation of a mentorship program. 

In my view, there is no better way 

for women to advance in the legal profession 

than by providing them access to solid 

role models and mentors. Membership 

Committee Co-Chairs Sherry Bishko, 

Kristen Motel, and Marian Genio, have 

really gone the extra mile in not only recruiting 

approximately 80 law students to 

our membership but also by establishing 

a connection between these students and 

a WWBA admitted attorney for ongoing 

mentorship. The feedback I have received 

has been tremendously positive and I am 

aware of several new opportunities that this 

has created for our law student members. 

In prioritizing objectives for 2019 and the 


Editor’s Note 


“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others 

to join you” 

~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg 

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 secretary@wwbany.org. 

❑ 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 secretary@wwbany.org to schedule a WWBA sponsored or cosponsored 

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 

Full Page Display Ad 

5-10 Issues - $525.00 per issue 


Half Page Display Ad 



Contacts 

Elizabeth Z. Marcus, Corresponding Secretary and Newsletter Editor-in-Chief: secretary@wwbany.org 

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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Classified – office space, furniture/equipment, employment & situation wanted (up to 5 lines) 

Members - $50.00 first issue; $25.00 each succeeding issue; Non-Members - $75.00 per issue 

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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 secretary@wwbany.org for any questions regarding advertising. 

Page 3

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Advice for Jobseekers from the 

WWBA’s Women in Professional 

Transition Project 

from page 1 

segmented anyway that works best for the particular job in which 

you are interested. It doesn’t have to be chronological. Try to 

keep your resume to one page, unless you have been in the 

workforce for 15 years or longer. You may also want to consider 

keeping a “master resume” with complete descriptions reflecting 

the entirety of your experience. You can then pull information 

from that to create a custom resume for each job you apply to. 

Use your cover letter to say what you can’t say in your resume. 

This is the place to talk about yourself as a professional 

and highlight the personal traits you have to offer. 

LinkedIn is another useful resource for jobseekers. Use your 

profile to make a marketing pitch in your bio and make sure the 

job history you’ve listed on LinkedIn matches your resume. Your 

LinkedIn profile is the place for a dynamic biography, your credentials 

and representative transactions. You can use the site to 

promote your relevance by sharing articles pertinent to your niche 

or by writing your own articles and posting them to the site. 

Your alma mater may provide career counseling help, too. 

Though their primary focus may be to find jobs for recent grads, 

it can be worthwhile to connect with your school’s alumni advisor, 

if they have one. If you went to law school far away and want 

access to job postings at local law schools, you can see if your 

school will offer reciprocity. 

Finally, there is much to be said for networking and making 

face-to-face connections. Margolius suggests a “listening tour” 

by which you connect with people in your desired practice area 

and arrange informational meetings. You can let people know 

what you are looking for and how they can help, and you can 

listen to what they have to say about the area or position in which 

you are interested. You will make a connection and learn more 

about what you want to do. Finally you can steer the conversation 

toward how you can help them, because everyone has something 

to offer. 

Friend in a job search? What to do? 

What can you do if you have a friend making a professional 

transition? We’ve all been there. You spend a few minutes 

catching up with a friend with whom you haven’t spoken in a 

while. After the pleasantries, you talk about what you’re doing 

now, and she says, “There have been big changes at my job. 

People are being let go and I don’t know what’s going to happen. 

I might be looking for a job soon.” You want to do something 

to help, but what’s the best way to support your friend? 

Offer your assistance by letting her know specific ways you’d 

be happy to help. For example, “I’d be happy to review your 

resume or practice interview questions if it would be helpful-just 

let me know.” Then let her approach you when she’s ready to 

take you up on that offer. 

You can arrange an informational interview with someone 

you know in her desired field. Even if it doesn’t lead directly to a 

job offer, a new connection can help your friend to think of things 


Page 4 


from page 3 

long term future of the WWBA, these efforts must continue as this 

is our pipeline to sustaining a solid foundation of members who 

will no doubt continue to drive the mission of the WWBA further 

when their time arrives. 

As I continue to reflect on our past accomplishments, I am in 

awe of the amazing achievements of our members and the amount 

of time they selflessly dedicate to drive this organization forward 

in its important and very relevant mission. I am also incredibly 

thankful for the guidance of my Executive Board, the support of 

all of the WWBA members, and the excellent work performed by 

our Executive Director, Elisabeth Campos. I must highlight and 

emphasize how much the WWBA is driven by the work of all of its 

members who volunteer to serve in one or more roles: whether 

that be as an officer, director, committee chair, panelist for a 

program, sponsor, host, liaison, etc. This work is all organized, 

scheduled and kept in continual motion with the daily assistance 

of our Executive Director, Elisabeth Campos, who is equally instrumental 

in supporting and sustaining the WWBA’s efforts. 

Just to give you a snapshot of how many moving parts there 

are in the WWBA, since June 2018 our members have volunteered 

countless hours to put together a wide array of programs 

and events for our members which included: six well attended 

networking events, including our wonderful annual Holiday Party 

on December 12, 2018; seven informative panels on diverse 

legal subjects five of which were for continuing legal education 


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THE WWBA’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY 

Our Favorite Event of the Year 

From the President’s remarks to our annual “red photo” to laughs with dear friends, this year’s WWBA’s holiday party on 

December 12, 2018 at the Women’s Club of White Plains was a huge hit! Thank you to our generous sponsors! 

ADVOCATING FOR FAMILIES: 

Informative CLE on Family and Immigration Law 

Amanda Riebel 

Co-Chair Family Children and the 

Courts Committee 

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On October 16, 2018, the 

Families, Children & the Courts 

Committee in conjunction with 

the Immigration, Diversity, and 

Domestic Violence Committees 

presented a Continuing Legal 

Education Program, “Advocating 

for Families in Crisis: Navigating 

the Intersection of Family 

and Immigration Law.” The 

program was held at the Pace 

Law School Campus with more 

than 50 attorneys in attendance. 

A panel of five attorneys 

presented on immigration issues 

in the family law context, particularly 

as they affect children. 

Meredith Bloch, a Staff Attorney 

at Empire Justice Center, provided 

background information 

on the United States immigration 

system and why immigration 

matters. Mary Beth 

Morrissey Ph.D., Esq. then presented 

an overview of federal immigration 

detention regulatory 

procedures affecting access to 

health and mental health services. 

She also gave a firsthand 

account of the conditions of 

some of the detention centers 

here in the United States. 

Next, we heard from Nicole 

Feit, Staff Attorney with Legal Services 

of the Hudson Valley, who 

addressed legal options available 

to immigrant victims of domestic 

violence seeking legal status 

in the United States, focusing 

primarily on the petition for 

U Nonimmigrant Status (U- 

Visa). Jessica Young, Supervising 

Attorney at Make the Road 

New York, discussed how children 

and other family members 

may apply to obtain Special Immigrant 

Juvenile Status in Family 

Court, and the issues/facts a 

family court practitioner should 

consider in litigating these types 

of cases. Karin Anderson, Esq., 

Director of Legal Services, 

Neighbors Link Community Law 

Practice, concluded the program 

with a detailed account of the 

legal risks attorneys should be 

cognizant of when representing 

undocumented clients, and the 

actions they can take to protect 

their clients. 

The Families, Children & the 

Courts, Diversity, Immigration 

and Domestic Violence committees 

are all very grateful for the 

time and energy the presenters 

devoted to preparing for and 

presenting this informative and 

timely program. Thank you to 

Pace Law School for donating 

their excellent facility for this 

event. ◗ 


Page 5

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From the WWBA’s Newly-Formed Wellness Committee: 

WELLNESS AS A PRIORITY: PRACTICE 

Jennifer N. Netrosio, Esq. 

When I teach yoga I ask my students 

to practice from a place of honesty. We 

begin every class in silence, and I ask the 

students to focus on observing how their 

mind and body exists in that moment. I 

ask them to make this observation without 

judgment. Now I ask you to do the same. 

Step 1: Observe. Sit, stand, lay 

down, it doesn’t matter, but wherever you 

are, close your eyes and take 5-10 deep 

breaths. Begin to reflect upon where you 

are right now: physically, emotionally, and 

mentally. How does your body feel? What 

emotions, if any, are coming up or came 

up for you throughout the day? And finally, 

what is the dialogue in your head, 

or what was the dialogue in your head for 

most of the day? If you like, write down 

what you observe. Remember, no judgment. 

Step 2: Accept. Accept exactly 

where you are, not where you expected to 

be or wish to be. Accept exactly where 

you are. I agree with Oprah Winfrey that, 

“Who you are meant to be evolves from 

where you are right now . . . ” Pause, and 

Advice for Jobseekers from the WWBA’s Women in 

Professional Transition Project 

from page 4 

in a different way, and set her 

in a promising new direction. 

Support her online. Contribute 

to her LinkedIn profile 

endorsing some of her skills or 

writing a recommendation. If 

she has a blog or online portfolio, 

share a link or two on 

your social network. You’ll 

help shore up her social presence 

and your unsolicited endorsement 

will come across as 

a solid vote of confidence in 

her work. 

At the very least, you can 

offer a listening ear and help 

your friend remember her 

strengths. A job search can 

take a toll on a person’s self 

accept where you are. 

Step 3: Practice Gratitude. To 

me, gratitude is the greatest gift you can 

give yourself. By allowing your energy to 

focus on what you are grateful for, your 

energy will shift away from a place of scarcity 

(I am not enough, I do not do enough, 

I do not have enough) into a place of abundance 

(I am whole exactly as I am, my life 

is whole exactly how it is). To this end, I 

suggest keeping a gratitude journal, in any 

form, and writing at least one thing a day 

that you are grateful for. Additionally, recognize 

that while acknowledging gratitude 

for whatever brings you joy tends to come 

more naturally, try to equally acknowledge 

with gratitude those dark moments in your 

life. Who you are now evolved from where 

you once stood. Thus, to achieve a sense 

of feeling your life is whole, you must also 

acknowledge with gratitude all that contributed 

to where you are right now. 

Step 4: Choose Your Words 

Wisely 

isely. For me, steps 1 through 3 are 

the foundation for any wellness routine, but 

what truly brings wellness to fruition is what 

you say and how you say it. Beginning, of 

esteem. As a friend you can 

remind her of all she has to 

offer, even if a potential employer 

hasn’t recognized it yet. 

Change is inevitable and 

at one point or another we all 

find ourselves in a period of 

transition professionally. 

Whether it be an exciting step 

up the corporate ladder, a lateral 

move in a familiar field, 

or an entirely new beginning, 

we can all use extra support at 

these times. 

WWBA’s Help Along the 

Way 

Women in Professional 

Transition (“WIPT”) a project 

of WWBA’s Professional Development 

Committee, was created 

to provide WWBA members 

with the informal support 

they need to effectively deal 

with professional transition 

phases. We meet the first Friday 

of every month for an informal 

lunch and will offer resources 

to help members make 

the most of their next transition. 

Meetings will offer a 

space for members to share 

their goals, explore possibilities, 

and address the anxieties that 

often accompany change. WIPT 

is intended to establish and foster 

partnership and collaboration 

among those who are new 

to the area, new to an area of 

practice, or actively job seeking, 

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course, with how you speak to yourself. 

Lawyers know the power behind 

words, which is why lawyers spend a large 

amount of time strategizing which words 

to use, and not use, which words to emphasize 

in oral argument, and so on. 

Evaluate the words you use when you speak 

of or about yourself. For example, are you 

using words like “busy” when describing 

how you are or how your time is spent, or 

do you choose “productive”? To me, “productive” 

focuses on what you 

accomplish(ed), while “busy” focuses on 

the time you feel you do not have. Be 

mindful of your word choice. Choose 

words that honor your time and energy. 

Choose words that attract abundance, not 

scarcity. 

The foregoing steps can be a lot of work 

and may not come easy. Try not to be discouraged 

by that. I find it very profound 

that attorneys practice law, just like people 

practice yoga. There is an inherent implication 

that we collectively recognize what 

we do evolves, and the more we do it and 

nourish it, the stronger our practice becomes. 

Approach your wellness routine as 

a practice, and practice it every day. ◗ 

and will partner with other 

WWBA committees to help forge 

supportive connections among 

members. The networking and 

mentoring opportunities offered 

by the WIPT are intended to help 

women in transition harness the 

power of change to create their 

best professional life. 

Whether you are a job 

seeker or satisfied with where 

you are in your career and just 

want to help, you can join us 

at our next monthly meeting. 

The WIPT project meets for 

lunch at 1:00 p.m. on the first 

Friday of each month at the 

445 Café, 445 Hamilton Avenue 

in White Plains. No RSVP 

required. ◗ 

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An Interview with Carol Swidler, Esq. 

Susan L. Pollet 

Chair of the Archive and 

Historian Committee 

Q: You have been a loyal 

WWBA members for many 

years. How many is it now? 

A: I lost count at 25 … I remember 

Hon. Joann Friia was 

the President at the time. 

Q: Why did you become a 

member and what has kept 

you involved? 

A: Rae Ellen Vitiello was my 

mentor and encouraged me 

to join, and to go to the meetings. 

We also traveled together 

to Montreal and New Orleans 

for a State Convention and to 

Washington, D.C. to be admitted 

to the U.S. Supreme 

Court. I remember meeting 

fascinating women and enjoying 

the camaraderie. 

The matrimonial lawyers 

reach out to me, periodically, 

for ideas on CLE topics and to 

coordinate efforts for events. 

My husband, Steven, has 

for many years been on the 

WWBA Judicial Screening 

Committee. I fondly remember 

Steven and I volunteering 

to be among the “models” in 

a “dress for success” event 

program sponsored by the 

WWBA. 

Q: Please tell us about your 

legal career. 

A: This is my third career. I 

was a registered dental hygienist, 

a registered dietitian and 

taught nutrition at NYU (I can’t 

help but notice a beautiful 

smile!). I applied to law school 

after my daughter was born, 

and I went to Pace at night 

(my son was born during my 

second year). I met Amy 

Lippman in law school and we 

became close friends and both 

participated in the internship 

program and worked together 

“Many years ago I applied for an open 

law secretary position with a well known 

judge who clearly intimated that I, a 

woman with young children, would be 

taking away the position from a man who 

needed to support his family. I can’t 

imagine that would happen today.” 

in the law department. I also 

worked for Hon. Theodore 

Dachenhausen in Supreme 

Court and Hon. Isaac Rubin in 

the Appellate Division before 

graduating. After a short stint 

in Yonkers City Court and relief 

clerking for Hon. George 

Bergerman and Hon. Sam 

Fredman (both of whom I 

adored), I was very fortunate to 

be chosen for an open court 

attorney position in the fledgling 

law department headed by Fred 

Shapiro (soon to become Hon. 

Fred Shapiro), a wonderful person 

and great boss. At the time, 

we shared cubicle space with 

James Garfein, Rae Ellen 

Vitiello, and Hon. Ingrid Braslow. 

The job of a court attorney 

has changed significantly. In my 

tenure, we have gone from 5 

court attorneys to now over 20. 

Judge Scheinkman restructured 

the court system and created the 

compliance part and the matrimonial 

parts. At his urging (you 

could not say “No” to Judge 

Scheinkman) and my desire to 

undertake a new challenge, I 

was assigned to the matrimonial 

part in 2012 as the supervising 

Court Attorney-Referee. 

When the matrimonial attorneys 

heard that I was going 

into the “Mat Part” there were 

several words of advice: “Don’t 

just give dates for discovery” (try 

to settle the case), and if you 

show any signs of weakness, the 

attorneys will “Eat you alive.” 

I’m still here and my record 

speaks for itself. I have enjoyed 

working with every judge that 

has been in the Mat Part, and I 

give my Mat Part colleagues 

credit for always working as a 

team. We have regular “brown 

bag” lunches to discuss cases, 

issues, and strategies. The best 

part of these lunches is the law 

secretaries who have left the Part 

and return for our lunches! 

Q: How has the legal profession 

changed for women since 

you first started practicing, if at 

all? 

A: Despite the fact that court 

employees attended mandatory 

sensitivity training, it was not 

uncommon for a judge to call 

us “Dear” if he could not remember 

our name. Many years 

ago I applied for an open law 

secretary position with a well 

known judge who clearly intimated 

that I, a woman with 

young children, would be taking 

away the position from a 

man who needed to support his 

family. I can’t imagine that 

would happen today. To say I 

was insulted and angry is an 

understatement. Obviously, I 

did not get the job. 

Q: What advice do you have 

for balancing work and family 

life? 

A: When I joined the law department, 

Hon. Fred Shapiro followed 

by James Garfein led our 

then small team of court attorneys 

and always made it clear 

Carol Swidler, Esq. 

that family and personal life 

comes first. I know from my 

husband how hard it is for attorneys 

in private practice, 

most of whom work long 

hours and weekends to meet 

deadlines and prepare to go 

to court. I am very fortunate 

that my position affords me the 

time and ability to have a diverse 

and rewarding family 

and personal life outside the 

courthouse. 

Q: What activities are you 

involved in when you are not 

on the bench? 

A: Now that our children have 

grown and moved to Austin, 

Texas, my husband and I travel 

as much as possible. We recently 

returned from a trip to 

Dublin to attend a Rolling 

Stones concert and to visit the 

Ireland Supreme Court where 

we were privately entertained 

by Justice Iseult O’Malley, one 

of three women Justices on the 

nine-member court. 

We regularly take long 

bike trips, I entertain often as I 

love to bake, and we have recently 

moved into New York 

City after 35 years in Ardsley 

in Westchester County. 



Page 7

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Pace Women’s Justice Center 27th Annual Making a 

Difference Benefit Dinner 

Jacqueline Hattar and Anne Marie Hynes, Honorees 

Jacqueline Hattar, PWJC Executive Director Cindy Kanusher, and 

Anne Marie Hynes 

On Wednesday, October 

24th, the Pace Women’s Justice 

Center (http:// 

www.law.pace.edu/wjc) 

(PWJC), Westchester’s leading 

non-profit civil legal services 

and training provider addressing 

domestic violence, 

sexual assault and elder abuse, 

held their annual Making A 

Difference Benefit Dinner. This 

year PWJC honored two 

women who have been instrumental 

in helping the Center 

accomplish their mission toward 

a coordinated community 

response to eradicating interpersonal 

violence. Anne 

Marie Hynes, Esq., and President 

of the Hynes Foundation 

and Jacqueline Hattar, Esq., 

a partner at Wilson, Elser, 

Moskowitz, Edelman and 

Dicker, LLC. 

“We are delighted to be 

honoring two very exceptional 

women this year,” said PWJC 

Executive Director, Cindy 

Kanusher, Esq. “Anne Marie 

has been involved with the 

Center for more than 10 years 

and has represented domestic 

violence victims in the Family 

Court as well as providing legal 

services for seniors.” 

“Jacqueline has been a devoted 

supporter of the Center 

for many years and serves on 

the PWJC Friends of Gail Advisory 

Board, Kanusher continued. 

Both women’s contributions 

to the Center have 

been invaluable over the years. 

Without their endless support, 

we would not be able to do 

the work we do” finished 

Kanusher. 

Honoree Jacqueline 

Hattar noted, “I am proud to 

receive the Pace Women’s Justice 

Center’s ’Making a Difference 

Award’ and prouder 

still of the outstanding free legal 

services, which the Center 

provides to victims and survivors 

of domestic violence, 

sexual abuse and elder abuse. 

I look forward to continuing my 

support of the Center and its 

many good efforts on behalf 

of our community.” 

“It is such a great honor 

both to be recognized with the 

’Making a Difference’ award 

and to be associated with 

PWJC,” said Anne Marie 

Hynes. “The organization has 

been so effective in addressing 

Domestic Violence issues 

for more than 25 years and has 

a significant commitment to 

serving the community. I 

strongly believe in their mission 

and wish them continued 

success in the future.” 

This year’s Making A Difference 

Benefit Dinner began 

with a video of PWJC’S new 

office and walk-in legal clinic 

(https://youtu.be/ 

cTqmaPkGU4E), 

Westchester’s first of its kind, 

where clients can get free legal 

services in a warm and 

welcoming space without an 

appointment. A welcome alternative 

for some who are 

fearful of going to the courthouses. 

“The explosion of the 

#MeToo Campaign demonstrates 

the need for the Pace 

Women’s Justice Center’s 

walk-in clinic; more victims of 

abuse are speaking out and 

needing help and the clinic 

will remove obstacles that 

many victims face when coming 

forward. We will give 

people the critical help that 

they need to feel safe, and we 

will be at their side every step 

of the way throughout the legal 

process,” said Cindy 

Kanusher, Executive Director, 

PWJC. The new $1.5 million 

office space was funded by 

Pace University and private 

donors. 

The benefit Dinner was 

held at The Doral Arrowwood 

in Rye Brook, NY and was cochaired 

by Gayle Lob, CFP, 

Stephanie Melowsky, Esq., and 

Chief David Ryan. With nearly 

300 in attendance, the dinner 

raised $150,000. All of the 

proceeds will go to PWJC to 

allow the center to continue 

providing free legal services for 

approximately 3,500 victims of 

domestic violence, sexual assault 

and elder abuse each 

year. ◗ 

About the Pace Women 

omen’s 

Justice Center: 

The Pace Women’s Justice 

Center (PWJC) is a self-funded nonprofit 

legal center located at Elisabeth 

Haub School of Law, under the 

501(c)(3) status of Pace University. 

Each year, PWJC provides free legal 

services to nearly 3,500 victims and 

survivors of domestic violence, sexual 

assault, and elder abuse, as well as 

conducts or participates in over 140 

training and outreach events. Serving 

Westchester and Putnam Counties, 

PWJC’s mission is to pursue justice 

for victims and prevent abuse 

through quality legal services, community 

partnerships, education, and 

awareness. With an experienced 

staff and a team of dedicated volunteers, 

including attorneys, other professionals, 

and students, PWJC has 

built an effective, coordinated community 

response to interpersonal violence. 

For more information: 

www.law.pace.edu/wjc 

Follow us on Facebook at https:// 

www.facebook.com/PaceWJC/ 

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram 

@PWJCenter 

Page 8 


December/January Litigation Tip 

✦ TOPIC: ADVERSE INFERENCE CHARGE DEEMED APPROPRIATE 

SANCTION WHERE EMPLOYEE RECORDS WERE NEGLIGENTLY 

DESTROYED 

In a recent negligent supervision and training case, the Second Department held where a Defendant 

failed to preserve an employee personnel file, the lesser sanction of an adverse inference 

charge should be given at trial. In Squillacioti v. Independent Group Home Living Program, Inc., 

2018 Slip Op. 08343, the Plaintiff claimed negligent supervision and training of the Home’s 

employees caused Plaintiff who was blind and disabled to suffer fractures to his leg. At depositions, 

it was revealed that one of the employees involved in getting the Plaintiff out of a chair 

resulting in injury had been terminated after the incident for failing a drug test. Plaintiff requested 

copies of the employee’s personnel file and was advised the file had been destroyed. 

Plaintiff was able to establish that the Home failed to suspend their routine document retention 

/destruction policy and put in place a litigation hold to ensure preservation of these relevant 

documents. Plaintiff moved to strike the Defendant’s Answer or in the alternative, for an adverse 

inference charge for trial based upon spoliation of evidence. The Appellate court recognized 

the personnel file was critical in establishing the Home’s knowledge of any prior wrong 

doing of its employees and this included information concerning specific training. However, 

the Court held in the absence of willful or contumacious conduct, in order to impose the sanction 

of striking an Answer, there must be prejudice that resulted from the spoliation. Since 

Plaintiff did not demonstrate that they were deprived the ability to establish their case without 

the personnel file, the Court held the drastic remedy of striking the Defendant’s answer was not 

warranted and the lesser sanction of the adverse inference charge was the appropriate remedy. 

This case is a good reminder for all parties of the burden of proof required to strike a pleading as 

well as the importance of establishing a litigation hold to ensure the preservation of documents 

and other relevant evidence. (See VOOM HD Holdings LLC v EchoStar Satellite L.L.C., 93 AD3d at 

36, quoting Zubulake v UBS Warburg LLC, 220 FRD 212, 218). 

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

Other Co-Chairs: Jacqueline Hattar & Kimberly Sheehan 

Jamie O’Connell 

Wealth Director 

701 Westchester Avenue 

White Plains, NY 10604 

T 914 299 3050 F 955 498 2839 

jamie.o’connell@bnymellon.com 

www.bnymellonwealth.com 


Page 9

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Chapter News and Announcements 

Community Outreach – Wanted: Mock Trial 

Judges in Winter/Spring 2019 

The NYSBA 2019 High School Mock Trial Competition is about to begin. We are 

looking for lawyers to serve as Judges in the Competition. In exchange for your time 

you will not only earn CLE Credit but you will enjoy watching and helping the lawyers 

of the future as they try a case. If you are interested contact: Marisa Klein, Coordinator, 

WCBA Mock Trial, Westchester County Bar Association, 4 Westchester Park Drive, 

Suite 155, White Plains, NY 10604; Cell: (203) 581-4708; e-mail: 

westchestermocktrial@gmail.com. ◗ 


from page 4 

credit; an informative breast cancer awareness panel; raised over $20,000 toward 

Making Strides against Breast Cancer; two wellness programs, including a fun, family 

friendly afternoon of apple picking; two book club meetings; a theatre trip to see “Gloria: 

A Life”; and monthly meetings for women in professional transition. In setting goals and 

objections for 2019, I know that our committee co-chairs are already planning more 

amazing events to take place in the New Year. We will start off 2019 strong on January 

9th with our first Board meeting of 2019 and our third General Membership Meeting – 

this time for our annual Ethics Update 2019 – will be on February 6, 2019. Other 

programs and events are planned and many still in planning stages so please make sure 

to open and read the weekly Update emailed to each of our members every Tuesday. 

Core to our mission statement, and perhaps the most fundamental and critical 

role the WWBA has always had of advancing the social, economic and legal status for 

women, is through state wide legislative initiatives. This year I could not be more proud 

of the valuable input and instrumental role that the Westchester Chapter had in influencing 

state wide legislative priorities for 2019. Our Legislation Committee members, 

Angela Giannini, Kitley Covill, Natanya Briendel and Annette Hasapidis brought to 

WBASNY and spoke out in support of WBASNY including in its legislative priorities Pay 

Equity Legislation, including legislation prohibiting employers from inquiring about the 

salary history of job candidates for it is known that offers based on prior salary history 

can perpetuate a systemic gender pay gap. Other legislative initiatives for 2019 are 

the Equal Rights Amendment to the New York State Constitution, Comprehensive Contraception 

Coverage Act, Reproductive Health Act, and Improved Regulation of Sex 

Trafficking. The WWBA’s role in supporting these critical initiatives will certainly be a 

priority for 2019. 

So as we close the chapter of 2018, let us not forget from where we have come and 

how far we still have to go to eradicate gender disparities that continue to affect us. I 

have no doubt that 2019 brings with it opportunities for the WWBA to not only sustain 

but to grow. Those opportunities must be seized so that we can further promote its 

mission by diversifying our membership, creating openings for our members through 

mentorship and networking, publicly recognizing our members’ accomplishments 

through awards, honors and other recognitions, and lobby for important changes that 

will positively impact the legal landscape. 

My objectives for the remainder of my term as President in 2019 will be to look 

more closely at the long term plan for the WWBA. In an organization where our 

volunteer members typically serve in a position on the Executive Board for a one-year 

term, having a long term plan is essential to our future. For 2019 my priorities will be 

to: continue to grow and diversify our membership; develop a solid sponsorship platform 

that will carry the WWBA into the future; and implement more centralized record 

keeping for the benefit of our future board and officers. I know that you will all join me 

in our efforts to accomplish these goals. If 2018 is any indicator of what 2019 will 

bring, we will certainly succeed. ◗ 

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. 

An Interview with Carol Swidler, Esq. 

from previous page 

I love the theatre and have 

a weekly Mahjong Game (or 

perhaps it should be called 

weekly wine tasting parties) with 

a group of longtime close 

friends. I am doing the reverse 

commute and my husband 

can now walk to work (and work 

even later!). 

Q: What are your professional 

and personal goals in the future? 

I now have almost 30 years in 

the court system. I love my job 


but ever-changing policies now 

make it quite different from the 

early days. I am certified as a 

mediator and hope shortly to be 

certified as an arbitrator. When 

my days on the 10th Floor are 

over, who knows? I may be 

doing the same thing, only in a 

different forum. But for now, 

I take a lot of pride in helping 

(or trying to help) a divorcing 

couple to resolve 

their differences and hopefully 

eliminating or at least 

minimizing the conflict in their 

lives. ◗ 

Page 11

WWBA Schedule of Upcoming Events 

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

WWBA Women in 

Professional Transition 

Project 

1/4/19 

1:00 p.m. 

Board of Directors Meeting 1/9/19 

5:30-7:30 p.m. 

WWBA Book Club 1/16/19 

6:00 p.m. 

WWBA 

Bankruptcy Committee 

WWBA Women in 


Project 

Board of Directors and 

General Membership 

Meeting 

1/17/19 

5:30 p.m. 

Networking and 

Registration 

6:00-7:00 p.m. 

Program 

Light 

refreshments will 

be served 

2/1/19 

1:00 p.m. 

2/6/19 

5:30-6:00 p.m. 

Board Meeting 

6:00-8:00 p.m. 

General 

Membership 

Meeting 

445 Café 

445 Hamilton Ave. 

White Plains, NY 

(Parking is available in 

the garage next door; 

follow signs for “office 

parking”) 

BNY Mellon 

701 Westchester Avenue 


Hon. Sondra Miller’s 

Home 

Larchmont, NY 

120 Bloomingdale Road, 

Suite 400 


445 Café 

445 Hamilton Ave. 


(Parking is available in 

the garage next door; 

follow signs for “office 

parking”) 

BNY Mellon 

701 Westchester Ave. 


“First Fridays” with the 

WWBA’s Women in 


Project 

Seventh Meeting of the 

WWBA Book Club 

Book: 

“Mrs. Sherlock 

Holmes” by Brad Ricca 

Roundtable Discussion 

of the Newly Enacted 

2018 Amendments to 

the Federal Rules of 

Bankruptcy Procedure, 

effective December 1, 

2018 

“First Fridays” with the 

WWBA’s Women in 


Project 

WWBA, White Plains 

Bar Association, and 

the WWBA Grievance 

& Ethics and Corporate 

& Commercial 

Committees 

Jointly Present: 

Ethics Update 2019: 

BEWARE – YOU 

CAN’T BE 

EVERYTHING TO 

EVERY CLIENT 

One (1) CLE credit in 

Ethics and 

Professionalism and 

One (1) CLE credit in – 

Skills (Pending) 

No RSVP necessary 

For more information go to 


For questions or if you are not able 

to attend contact WWBA President 

Kim Berg at 

president@wwbany.org 

Register online at 


Register online by January 10, 

2019 at www.wwbany.org 

Questions: Contact Susan Mills 

Richmond at smillsrich@aol.com 

No RSVP necessary 

For more information go to 


Register online by January 4, 2019 

at www.wwbany.org 

Seating is limited 

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 

2018-2019 BEGINS ON JUNE 1, 2018. 

PLEASE RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP TOD 

ODAY AT 

WWW.WWBANY 

.WWBANY.ORG 

.ORG

WWBA December 2018/January 2019 Newsletter

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