WWBA September 2020 Newsletter

More documents

Recommendations

Info

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ WWBA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee Presents: A Panel Discussion on Police Reform – New York’s Executive Order for Necessary Change Stephanie Melowsky On July 22, 2020 the WWBA Diversity and Inclusion committee hosted a panel discussion via Zoom on Police Reform: New York’s Executive Order for Necessary Change. The program was co-sponsored by the Westchester County Bar Association, White Plains Bar Association, Brooklyn Womens Bar Association, Metropolitan Black Bar Association, Hudson Valley Hispanic Bar Association and PCSB Bank. The program, which was very well attended, is part of the kick off for Judge Lisa Smith’s new term as WWBA President and mission to strongly promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession with the overarching theme of giving back. Sitting on the distinguished panel for this program was Dr. Jim Bostic, TH.DS., Minister, Author and Executive Director of the Nepperhan Community Center in Yonkers, which runs many youth programs and is the largest provider of afterschool programs in Yonkers and the surrounding area; Ja- son Myles Clark Esq., Immediate Past President, Metropolitan Black Bar Association and Deputy, New York State Attorney General’s Harlem Regional Office where he serves a large constituency in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx by prosecuting violators of New York State’s labor, consumer and civil rights laws; the Hon. Kitley S. Covill, Esq, Westchester County Legislator who represents the Town of Bedford, Lewisboro, Mt. Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge and part of Somers and chairs the Legislation committee, and is a member of the Westchester County Board of Ethics, Community Service Board and Police Safety Board; and Prof. Randolph McLaughlin, full-time professor at Pace University Law School and Of Counsel, Newman Ferrara LLP where he maintains a selective civil rights caseload and has many notable victories. Serving as moderator was Maria L. Imperial, CEO of the YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester, whose mission is eliminating racism and empowering women. Ms. Imperial also serves on the Board of Directors of Non-profit Westchester, the Fund for Modern Courts continued on page 11 ➥ WWBA 2020 VIRTUAL INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS June 17, 2020 Hon. Judge Lisa Smith During Installation Speech Hon. Judge Lisa Smith taking the Oath as WWBA President Hon. Judge Lisa Smith with Bouquet Hon. Judge Lisa Smith with her husband, Bill Page 6 Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ An Interview with Angela Morcone Giannini Susan L. Pollet Chair of the Archive and Historian Committee Q: Your Presidency occurred during a difficult, challenging year. What impact did the coronavirus pandemic have upon the usual workings of the WWBA, and how did you deal with it? A: There is no doubt that COVID-19 had an impact upon the WWBA as it did on other bar associations and the entire world. Our Association was built on the strong foundation set in place by our founding mothers and has continued to remain strong and dedicated to our mission because of the fellowship, comradery and friendships of our many members. I am very proud of how quickly we were able to adapt to a virtual platform and serve the needs of our members and community. We were one of the first Chapters in WBASNY to hold virtual board meetings including our GMM meeting and voting for our incoming President and officers. It was clear to me from the attendance at the virtual board meetings that members were eager to continue the business of the association and were so happy to “see each other” and engage in thoughtful discussion and share creative ideas and suggestions about how to best represent our clients and practice law during the pandemic. We learned quickly that we do not have to be in the same room to promote our mission. Q: What has the WWBA done to help our members and the community in the face of the pandemic? “My mission during my Presidency was to have the WWBA collaborate with other associations and groups in an effort to better our community.” A: One of the first accomplishments of the WWBA during the pandemic was the establishment of a COVID-19 Local Hospital Donation Match Campaign after member Adrienne Orbach shared her family members personal experiences working on the frontlines in hospital ERs. The emotional and physical toll placed upon ER physicians, nurses and staff during the pandemic was overwhelming. The WWBA recognized their heroism and with the very generous support of the WWBA Foundation donations totaling over $10,000 were made to 8 local hospitals in our county. While the meals provided needed nourishment for those working taxing hours, it was the recognition and support that meant so much to the frontline workers. I am so glad we were able to be a part of something that provided encouragement and made their day a little brighter in these difficult times. The WWBA and WWBA Foundation also made donations for law students at Pace Elizabeth Haub Law School who became displaced during the pandemic and were in need of housing and other financial support. We also addressed the financial and business hardships placed upon our members by COVID-19. Our past president Kim Berg and Litigation Cochair Rebecca McCloskey gave a timely Zoom CLE program entitled: What Employers and Employees Need to Know about New COVID-19 Employment Laws and Government Resources. This program addressed available resources and loans offered by the government to assist members in running their law practices and helping their clients maintain their businesses. Importantly, we also kept our members current with email notifications of Executive Orders issued by the Governor and Court Orders applicable to the operations of the Courts in the 9th Judicial District and statewide. Prior to the pandemic, myself and our Wellness committee cochairs, Jen Netrosio and Susan Mills Richmond, held a Heart Healthy Program for our members given by the American Heart Association. The Pandemic brought about new health concerns for many beyond the virus including stress, anxiety, isolation and depression. Recognizing the psychological impact caused by the virus, the Wellness Committee offered free Restorative Yoga sessions and I started a Coffeehouse Conversation Zoom program. I realized from the high attendance at the virtual board meetings that our members were looking for the connection they had come to expect from the WWBA. Simply put, there is an energy exchanged between people when Angela Morcone Giannini they come together. Energy given to our members, is energy received from our members. Coffeehouse Conversation has provided that energy exchange where our members engage in meaningful conversations about practicing law in this very novel environment. Q: How do you anticipate that the pandemic will impact upon the practice of law in the future? A: The virtual, I believe, is now a reality in the practice of law. The Pandemic has shown us what can be accomplished virtually. It indeed is a change and change is never easy. But I do believe that “the virtual” in some manner will now be a permanent part of the practice of law. Q: What were the highlights of your Presidency? A: There were many. My mission during my Presidency was to have the WWBA collaborate with other associations and groups in an effort to better our community. It was important to me to have our members share their continued on page 9 ➥ Westchester Women’s Bar Association News Page 7
Page 1 and 2: Westchester Women’s Bar Associati
Page 3 and 4: ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Page 5: ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Page 9 and 10: ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Page 11 and 12: ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Page 13 and 14: ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

WWBA September 2020 Newsletter

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?