WWBA January 2023 Newsletter

Westchester Women’s Bar Association
JANUARY 2023
WWBA
news
www.wwbany.org
WWBA CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS
Together Once Again!
Jill Oziemblewski
O
n December 8, 2022, members and guests of
the WWBA gathered another year in the ballroom
of the C.V. Rich Mansion, of The Woman’s
Club of White Plains, to celebrate the holidays, this time
showing all of our faces. As ever, the energy of connecting
in person with colleagues and friends, law students
and new lawyers, was widely appreciated and truly a joy.
Holiday festivities around the County also provided
an opportunity for the WWBA to celebrate our alliances
with leaders from numerous other bar associations. Pictured
in photographs on this page are WWBA President
Elizabeth Marcus with the Hon. Tim Lewis, President of
Westchester Black Bar Association (top); President Marcus
with Michelle Tarson, member of the WWBA and the Justice
Brandeis Law Society, and Lisa Zeiderman, President of the
Justice Brandeis Law Society, at the Justice Brandeis Law
Society Chanukah Celebration (middle); and President
Marcus with the Hon. Walter Rivera, President of the Latino
Judges’ Association, Dolores Gebhardt, President of the
Westchester County Bar Association, and the Hon. Tim Lewis,
President of Westchester Black Bar Association (bottom), at
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
JANUARY 2023
WWBA Launches
Discussion Group
(page 4)
WBASNY Legislative
Priorities Announced
(page 6)
An Interview with
Christine Paska
(page 7)
Upcoming Events
(Page 10)
continued on page 4 ➥
SAVE THE DATE
FREE SPIN CLASS
January 28, 2023
WOMEN IN
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT FIRST
FRIDAY MEETING
February 3, 2023
EMERGING LEGAL
CANNABIS INDUSTRY
IN NEW YORK CLE
February 7, 2023
ETHICAL ISSUES WHEN
ATTORNEYS ARE
FIDUCIARIES CLE
February 8, 2023
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
The New Year
is upon us, and
now is an opportunity
to make
resolutions and set
goals. I hope you
will join us in
reaching the
WWBA’s goal of
Elizabeth Z.
Marcus
increasing our
membership numbers by January
31st. We are counting on everyone’s
contribution to help us reach our
goal! Here’s why:
The WWBA is a chapter of the
Women’s Bar Association of the
State of New York, which we call,
“WBASNY,” the largest statewide
women’s bar association in the
country. For more than 40 years,
WBASNY has been an important resource
for women lawyers, with professional
networking, continuing legal
education programming, leadership
training, and advocacy for the
rights of women, children, and families.
WBASNY is comprised of 20
chapters throughout New York State,
and Westchester is the second largest
chapter.
As a chapter of WBASNY,
throughout the year, we certify to
WBASNY all members who have
joined or renewed their membership
with the WWBA. This is done over
the course of three reporting periods,
what’s commonly referred to as
“Certification I, II, and III.” The certification
periods run as follows: June
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

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WWBA Member Newsletter
JANUARY 2023
Published Monthly by the
Westchester Women’s
Bar Association, a Chapter of
the Women’s Bar Association
of the State of New York
~ 2022/2023 Officers and Directors ~
President ELIZABETH Z. MARCUS
President-Elect AMANDA K. RIEBEN
Vice Presidents
SHERRY A. BISHKO NATANYA L. BRIENDEL JULIE P. PASSMAN
Treasurer
DEBORAH FARBER-KAISER Recording Secretary CHRISTINE PASKA
Corresponding Secretary JILL OZIEMBLEWSKI
Immediate Past ast President
AMANDA C. FRIED
Elected Directors Westchester Board
ELIZABETH BARNHARD KIM BERG ROBIN D. CARTON
SHARI R. GORDON SUSAN MILLS RICHMOND
State Directors Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York
ELIZABETH CUMMING ANDREA B. FRIEDMAN ANGELA MORCONE GIANNINI
JENNIFER L. GRAY JACQUELINE HATTAR ANN M. McNULTY
HON. LISA MARGARET SMITH WENDY MARIE WEATHERS
Executive Director ELISABETH CAMPOS
© Copyright 2023 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: Jill Oziemblewski • Designed and Printed by IPM Media Group, Inc. (516) 809-0501
2022-2023 WWBA Committee Chairs
S T A N D I N G C O M M I T T E E S
By-Laws ........................................................................................ Kim Berg
Corporate & Commercial ........................... Lisa M. Bluestein, Virginia Trunkes
Criminal Law ............................................... Stephanie Baehr, Elizabeth Gazay,
Amy Puerto
Families, Children & the Courts ....................... Joy S. Joseph, Alyson Kuritzky,
Amanda Rieben, Wanda Steinmann
Grievance/Ethics ....................................... Norma Lopez, Deborah A. Scalise
Judicial Screening ............................. Theresa Girolamo, Kimberly C. Sheehan
Judiciary .......................................................................... Hon. Jodi Kimmel
Lawyering & Parenting ............................................................... Jennifer Gray
Legislation ...................................... Angela Morcone Giannini, Rebecka Levitt
Annual Dinner ..................................... Natanya L. Briendel, Amanda C. Fried,
Jennifer L. Gray, Elizabeth Z. Marcus, Amanda R. Rieben
Annual Dinner Souvenir Journal ....................................... Andrea B. Friedman
Appellate Practice .... Heather Gushue, Hon. Sondra M. Miller, Jill Oziemblewski
Archive & Historian ................................................................. Susan L. Pollet
Awards ......................................... Elizabeth Barnhard, Deborah Farber-Kaiser
Bankruptcy ............................... Susan Mills Richmond, Wendy Marie Weathers
Book Club ............................................................................. Lisa M. Denig
Breast Cancer Awareness ............. Hon. Sandra A. Forster, Adrienne J. Orbach
Collaborative Law ......... Kathleen Donelli, Lynn J. Maier, Hon. Sondra M. Miller
Community Outreach ....... Hon. Judith C. McCarthy, Hon. Lisa Margaret Smith,
Deborah A. Scalise
Construction Law ...................................................................... Diona Piazza
Continuing Legal Education .................................................. Ann M. McNulty
Cyber Law .......................................................................... Judith Bachman
Diversity and Inclusion .......................... Jacqueline Hattar, Stephanie Melowsky
Domestic Violence ........................ Marian Genio, Beth Levy, Stacey Neumann
Education ..................... Alison Morris, 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, Jennifer L. Gray
Gender Dynamics ........................................................... Natanya L. Briendel
Holiday Party and Boutique .................... Natanya L. Briendel, Michelle A. Calvi
Immigration ............................... Elizabeth Mastropolo, Karin Anderson Ponzer
Insurance ..................................................................... Nicoleta Pennacchia
Intellectual Property ................................. Elizabeth M. Barnhard, Annmary Ittan
Judgment Enforcement & Collections ..................................... Michelle Tarson
Litigation ...... Angela Morcone Giannini, Jacqueline Hattar, Rebecca McCloskey
Long Range Planning ...................................... Lisa M. Denig, Linda Markowitz
Mediation ..................... Lisa M. Denig, Hon. Sondra M. Miller, Abby Rosmarin
Mentorship ...................................... Kim Berg, Sherry Bishko, Christine Paska
Past Presidents ...... Angela Giannini, Deborah Scalise, Hon. Lisa Margaret Smith
A D H O C C O M M I T T E E S
Matrimonial ................... Robin D. Carton, Andrea Friedman, Jennifer Jackman
Membership .................................................... Sherry Bishko, Joanna Tulman
Networking .................................... Jennifer Netrosio Johnson, Jessica Piperis
New Lawyers .................................................... Rebecka Levitt, Elisa Mahover
Professional Development .................................. Juliet Gobler, Sakeena Naqvi
Programs .................................................... Natanya L. Briendel, Amy Puerto
Public Relations ....................................................................... Lisa M. Denig
Real Property ......................................... JoAnne Romano, Robbin E. Sweeney
Sponsorship ......................................................................................... TBD
Taxation ...................................................................... Patricia Rusch Bellucci
Trusts & Estates ............................................. Lonya A. Gilbert, Karen J. Walsh
Practice Management ................................................. Wendy Marie Weathers
Pro Bono ..................................................... Marian Genio, Natalie Sobchak
Social Media ........................................................................................ TBD
Technology/Website ............................................................................. TBD
Wellness ... Jennifer Netrosio Johnson, Jill Oziemblewski, Susan Mills Richmond
Women in Leadership ........................................................................... TBD
WWBA
Representatives
Network of Bar Leaders ....................... Robin D. Carton, Angela Morcone Giannini, Elizabeth Z. Marcus
Pace Board of Visitors ................................................................................................ Lisa M. Denig
WWBA Foundation President ............................................................................... Susan M. Corcoran
WWBA Representative Director to the WCBA Board ....................................................... Jennifer L. Gray
WBASNY Vice President ........................................................................................... Shari R. Gordon
WBASNY Judiciary/Courts Committee ............................................................... Gail M. Boggio (Rep)
WBASNY Nominations Committee .................................. Gail M. Boggio (Rep), Lisa M. Bluestein (Alt)
WBASNY Awards Committee ................................................................................. Deborah A. Scalise
WBASNY Chapters-Membership Committee .................................................................... Sherry Bishko
WBASNY Family/Matrimonial Law Committee ......................................................... Jennifer Jackman
WBASNY Fundraising Committee ........................................................................ Andrea B. Friedman
WBASNY ERA/Women’s Civil Rights ................................................................ Susan Mills Richmond
WBASNY Labor and Employment Law Committee ................................................ Kim Berg (Co-Chair)
WBASNY Legislation Committee .................................................................................. Rebecka Levitt
WBASNY LGBTQ+ Committee .................................................................................................. TBD
WBASNY Domestic Violence Committee ......................... Susan Pollet (Co-Chair), Alayne Katz (Member)
WBASNY Press and Public Relations Committee .......................... Angela Morcone Giannini (Co-Chair)
WBASNY Long-Range Planning Committee ............................................................... Linda Markowitz
WBASNY Diversity Committee ................................................................................ Jacqueline Hattar
WBASNY CLE Liason Committee .............................................................................. Ann M. McNulty
WBASNY JALBCA Committee .......................................................................... Hon. Sandra A. Forster
WBASNY Convention Committee .......................................................................... Amanda R. Rieben
WBASNY Equal Opportunity in the Profession Committee ..................................................... Kim Berg
WBASNY Sex Trafficking Committee ........................................................................... Stephanie Baehr
WBASNY Access to Justice Committee ........................................................................................ TBD
WBASNY Collaborative Law Committee .................................................................. Kathleen Donnelli
WBASNY Education/Title IX Committee ....................................................................... Julie Passman
WBASNY Health Issues & Reproductive Rights Committee ....................... Mary Beth Morrissey (Co-Chair)
WBASNY Intellectual Property Committee .............................................................. Elizabeth Barnhard
WBASNY Women’s Judges Committee ......................................................... Hon. Lisa Margaret Smith
WBASNY Criminal Law Committee ...................................................................... Elizabeth Z. Marcus
9th Judicial District Representative ............................................. Amanda C. Fried, Elizabeth Z. Marcus
WBASNY Social Action Committee .................................................. Lisa M. Bluestein, Bethany A. Solek
WBASNY Business Development Committee ............................................................... Judith Bachman
WBASNY Torts Committee .......................................................................... Angela Morcone Giannini
Page 2
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News

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President’s Message
from page 1
“It is imperative that
we reach our goal of
400 members by
January 31, 2023,
as our membership
numbers directly
affect the number of
votes we have as a
chapter at WBASNY
as well as our
number of delegates”
1 - September 30 (Cert I), October 1-
January 31 (Cert II), and February 1-
May 31 (Cert III). Our goal is to reach
400 members who have joined or renewed
their membership for Certification
II, the period of October 1, 2022
through January 31, 2023. We currently
have 374 members that count
towards certification. Thus, we are 26
members shy of reaching our goal and
are counting on everyone’s assistance
to help us get there!
It is imperative that we reach our
goal of 400 members by January 31,
2023, as our membership numbers directly
affect the number of votes we
have as a chapter at WBASNY as well
as our number of delegates (we presently
have eight – Elizabeth A.
Cumming, Andrea B. Friedman, Angela
Morcone Giannini, Jennifer L. Gray,
Jacqueline Hattar, Ann M. McNulty,
Hon. Lisa Margaret Smith, and Wendy
Marie Weathers). In order to keep our
voting status and number of delegates,
we need to hit that magic number of
400 members by January 31, 2023.
So please pick up the phone, send
an email, reach out to lapsed members
and do you part in supporting the
WWBA. Join online today at https://
www.wwbany.org/Join-WWBA.
Every effort counts and every member
counts! ◗
Editor’s Note
“It really boils down to this: that all life is interrelated. We are all caught in an
inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever
affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Making Dates and Getting Published
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
❑ Deadline for newsletter submissions is the 10th 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 Jill Oziemblewski at jill_oziemblewski@yahoo.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 Natanya Briendel at tanyabriendel@gmail.com or Amy Puerto at
amy.puerto@yahoo.com to schedule a WWBA sponsored or co-sponsored program, including
committee meetings, CLE programs, etc.
❑ Once you have reserved the date with Executive Director, Elisabeth Campos, proceed with
planning your program and creating your flyer.
❑ Flyers must be approved by the Programs Committee. In advance of the 10th 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 Natanya Briendel or Amy Puerto, following the guidelines above.
Contacts
Jill Oziemblewski, Corresponding Secretary and Newsletter Editor-in-Chief: jill_oziemblewski@yahoo.com
Natanya L. Briendel, Programs Committee Co-Chair: tanyabriendel@gmail.com
Amy Puerto, Programs Committee Co-Chair: amy.puerto@yahoo.com
Elizabeth Z. Marcus, President: president@wwbany.org
Ann M. McNulty, CLE Chair: ann.m.mcnulty@morganstanley.com
Elisabeth Campos, Executive Director: executivedirector@wwbany.org
A d v e r t i s i n g R a t e s
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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
Back Cover (3/4 page)
5-10 Issues - $650.00 per issue; 1-4 Issues - $700.00 per issue
Deadline for all ads is the 10th of the month prior to publication. Ads are subject to space limitations.
Contact Jill Oziemblewski at secretary@wwbany.org for any questions regarding advertising.
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
Page 3

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WWBA Launches New Discussion Group
Lisa M. Denig
One of the biggest “complaints” about
the WWBA Book Club is that we generally
don’t have enough time to really discuss
some of the social and political issues that
are raised in our book selections. While
we thoroughly enjoy discussing the themes,
characters and plots of the many interesting
books we read, the group has often felt
frustrated at not being able to dig deep into
the sometimes controversial issues of the day
addressed in these tomes.
And so, the WWBA Discussion Club
was born! On the suggestion of longtime
WWBA member and book club stalwart,
Carla Glassman, a small but opinionated
and verbose group met at Lisa Denig’s
house for the inaugural meeting of a new
group aimed at talking out controversial
issues of the day. As a launching pad for
the first meeting, the group read George
Packer’s article “The Four Americas,” which
was published in The Atlantic in the summer
of 2021. The article describes Packer’s
theory that America is not just divided into
Democrats and Republicans but, instead,
into four distinct political subdivisions. He
detailed the history of each “America” and
how they came to exist and also objectively
described the characteristics (both
good and bad) associated with each.
The attendees provided interesting insights,
gleaned from their own personal
histories as well as from their education,
upbringing, geography, generational association
and more. The discussion was
both enlightening and engaging, with vari-
ous viewpoints and opinions being expressed
in a non-judgmental, accepting atmosphere
that promoted honesty and understanding.
The meeting lasted a whopping 2½ hours
and could have gone for 2½ more!
The WWBA Discussion Club (we are
working on a jazzier name…) will meet
again in the New Year to discuss another
fascinating topic. Watch for that announcement
in the weeks to come. ◗
ATTORNEY WITNESS CLOSERS NEEDED
Professional Notary Services, Inc. is looking for 1099
Attorney Witness Closers throughout New York State to handle
various mortgage loan signings. The position requires printing,
scanning, and traveling to closing locations. Closings occur during
the day, nights, and weekends for optimal flexibility.
You must be a licensed New York State Attorney with a valid
notary commission, have a minimum of $25,000 in E&O insurance,
and obtain a yearly background check from the National Notary
Association. Pay varies based on the circumstances of signing.
If interested, please submit your resume in confidence to
Marcy@professionalnotaryservices.biz.
We look forward to speaking to you!
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 4
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News

Together Again at the 2022 WWBA Holiday Party
from page 1
the Westchester County Bar Association
Multi-Bar Party. The
Westchester Women’s Bar Association
is grateful to connect
with these leaders and communities,
as we are assuredly
stronger when working together.
Thank you to extraordinary
WWBA Holiday Party co-chairs
Natanya Briendel and Michelle
Calvi, who worked creatively
and devotedly to arrange both
practical and celebratory details
for our party, including spirited
raffles, the brightest décor, and
plentiful food stations. Most especially,
Tanya and Michelle
collaborated with artisan vendors
and resellers, who offered
for sale their colorful and unique
designs, jewelry, clothing,
scarves, wines, and more. This
year the WWBA supported
seven local businesses in this
endeavor and truly benefitted
from their presence at the party
and the opportunity to buy creative
gifts.
The WWBA Holiday Party
Committee, along with Presicontinued
on page 9 ➥
Lisa Margaret Smith, US
Magistrate Judge (retired) and
Miranda Zumbado, Haub Law
School 3L
A Special Thank you to our Vendors
Joan & Jan New To You
Rosinas Winery
Meena Creations
Alice Sturzinger
Unique Beaded Jewelry
Northern Westchester
Community Center
Origami Owl
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
Diona Piazza and President
Marcus
Page 5

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Legislation Update from the Women’s Bar
Association of the State of New York
WBASNY Has Announced the Following
Legislative Priorities for the 2022-2023 Year:
Increasing the Hourly Rate of As-
signed Counsel: WBASNY’s commitment
to the fair and equal administration
of justice includes increasing the
long overdue wage increase to assigned
counsel, who frequently represent
indigent women, children, and
families. Assigned counsel attorneys are
on the front lines representing children
and adults in multi-faceted cases where
families are in turmoil. Individuals involved
in these cases are often facing
the loss of liberty or involuntary separation
and require competent counsel
to represent them. These attorneys also
represent a large population of women
who are survivors of abuse. WBASNY
believes the State has a responsibility
to ensure the right to effective assistance
of qualified counsel, who possess
the requisite skill, training, knowledge,
experience and expertise in their
field of law. Currently, there is a crisis
in our court system as there has been a
mass exodus of qualified attorneys willing
to take on assigned counsel work
because assigned counsel rates have
not been increased in nearly twenty
years. As a consequence of the State’s
failure to provide proper compensation
to skilled attorneys who serve as
assigned counsel, children and indigent
adults, particularly women and families,
are being deprived of adequate
legal representation. WBASNY strongly
encourages funding to increase assigned
counsel rates in the 2023 New
York budget.
Passage of the Equal Rights
Amendment to the New York ork State
Constitution: The passage of an ERA
continues to be a legislative priority for
WBASNY. Gender bias is pervasive in
our social structure. Advancing constitutional
protections against discrimination
and ensuring equity in the administration
of justice has WBASNY’s full
“The passage of an ERA continues to be
a legislative priority for WBASNY.
Gender bias is pervasive in our social
structure. Advancing constitutional
protections against discrimination and
ensuring equity in the administration of
justice has WBASNY’s full support.”
support. The adoption of an ERA in
the State of New York is long overdue.
Constitutional guarantees are needed
at both the State and Federal levels to
prevent sex/gender discrimination from
impeding the full participation of
women in the law and society.
WBASNY is looking forward to working
with the State Legislature to ensure
final passage of this crucial amendment.
Increasing Judicial Security:
WBASNY supports action taken to ensure
the increased safety and security
of judges, court officials and their families
in the State of New York. Criminal
threats of violence, intimidation, harassment
and inappropriate communications
against judges and court officials
have increased in recent years,
which requires critical legislation to
strengthen policies and protocols.
Judges must be able to make decisions
without fear of retaliation or retribution.
The safety of the judiciary, court personnel
and their families, is vital to not
just an independent judiciary, but also
to the rule of law and the protection of
our democracy. WBASNY supports
any enhanced measures to ensure the
protection of our judges, court personnel,
and their families.
Support for Increased Protections
and Access to Reproductive
Health: As an organization whose mission
is to promote the advancement of
women in society, WBASNY adamantly
supports a woman’s fundamental right
to make her own reproductive health
decisions and supports all legislation
at both the State and Federal levels
that helps to advance this goal.
Passage of the Grieving Families
Act: WBASNY strongly supports
amending the Estates, Powers and
Trusts Law (EPTL) § 5-4.3 with the passage
of the Grieving Families Act.
Currently, and for the past 110 years,
the law recognizes mostly pecuniary
injuries, which are primarily based
upon a working male’s age, health,
earning capacity and life expectancy
as a measure of damages for wrongful
deaths in our State. Excluded from
the calculations is the actual value of
someone who works in the home
(home-makers), infants, women who
often earn less than their male counterparts,
minorities who often earn less
than their white counterparts, the infirm,
mentally ill, disabled and elderly.
Adoption of the Grieving Families Act
in New York would right the wrong of
historical discrimination. WBASNY
strongly encourages Governor Hochul
to sign the Grieving Families Act into
law this year. ◗
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Westchester Women’s Bar Association News

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An Interview with Christine Paska
Susan L. Pollet
Chair of the Archive and
Historian Committee
Q: When and why did
you become involved in
the Westchester Women’s
Bar Association?
A: I initially became involved
with the
Westchester Women’s Bar
Association as a 1L at
Pace Law School in 2006.
Upon graduation I
moved to New York City
to begin my legal career
so I could not continue
my membership. After
moving back to
Westchester County and
starting a job at the
Westchester County District
Attorney’s Office in
2021, I rejoined the
Westchester Women’s Bar
Association to network
and develop a sense of
community after spending
much of the Covid-
19 pandemic working
from home.
Q: Which activities and
positions of the
Westchester Women’s Bar
Association have you participated
in?
A: Since rejoining the
Westchester Women’s Bar
Association in 2021 I
have been one of the cochairs
of the mentorship
committee and I am currently
the recording secretary
for the 2022-2023
year.
Q: What would you like
to see the Westchester
Women’s Bar Association
accomplish in the future?
A: I would love to see the
Westchester Women’s Bar
“Always say ‘yes.’ Jump on
every opportunity that is
presented to you. Even if the
task seems daunting or it
makes you nervous. The best
way to learn is by doing . . .
And network!”
Association continue to increase
its membership of both
admitted attorneys and law
students and for the
mentorship program to expand
and provide a valuable
resource for all those who are
interested. I also hope that in
the upcoming year there is a
resumption of in person events
to allow members to network
and celebrate each other’s
successes.
Q: Please tell us about your
legal career.
A: I began my legal career
as an Assistant Corporation
Counsel in the Family Court
Division of the New York City
Law Department in 2009. In
that role I prosecuted juvenile
delinquency cases in Bronx
County Family Court. I was
a member of both the Major
Case Unit and the Special
Victims Unit. I was promoted
to Assistant Borough Chief in
2014, and served in that role
in both the Brooklyn and
Bronx office. In 2018, I was
promoted to the citywide position
of Deputy Chief of
Training, Special Victims Unit,
and I served in that role until I
left the Law Department in
2021. I became an Assistant
District Attorney in the Special
Prosecutions Division of the
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
Westchester County District
Attorney’s Office in 2021.
In July of 2022 I joined Most
& Schneid, P.C., as an associate.
I am now handling
matrimonial and family law
cases.
Q: What advice do you have
for new lawyers entering the
profession?
A: Always say “yes.” Jump
on every opportunity that is
presented to you. Even if the
task seems daunting or it
makes you nervous. The best
way to learn is by doing. No
one expects you to be perfect
and you may make a
mistake, but each mistake or
misstep is a learning opportunity.
And network! Attend
bar association events, even
if you are exhausted after a
long day of work. Develop
relationships, find a mentor
(even if it is not through a
formal program) and do
things that may be out of
your comfort zone because
often times it is those connections
that become crucial
later in your career.
Q: How have you balanced
family responsibilities and
your legal career?
A: That’s a tough one! I am
still working on finding that
Christine Paska
balance. It’s really hard
to give 100% to your job
and your family at the
same time. I have a fourand-a-half-year-old
daughter so I really try to
be present in the evenings
or on the weekends when
we are doing things as a
family and carve out a
separate time to do work.
But it doesn’t always work.
I am lucky to have supportive
a husband and I also
know that I am modeling
a good work ethic for my
daughter so that makes
the long days or weekends
filled with work bearable.
Q: When you are not lawyering,
which community
activities and other interests
do you pursue?
A: When I am not lawyering
or doing all the mom
things, I enjoy traveling,
reading, being outside,
running and riding my
Peloton. I also really enjoy
giving back to the community
and I am looking
forward to having my
daughter join me in some
upcoming community service
projects this fall. ◗
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Chapter News and Announcements
Announcements & Notes on Members
❑ We are happy to share that Immediate Past President Amanda
Fried
ried’s daughter, Indie Frances Fried, was born on December
28, 2022. Congratulations to Amanda, and we welcome Indie
to the WWBA family!
❑ On December 2, 2022, longtime WWBA member, Gladys
G. . Ullmann, Esq., was inducted into the Westchester County
Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. The awards ceremony, now in its
40th year, was conducted as a multi-platform virtual event and
led by Westchester County Executive George Latimer.
The Senior Hall of Fame is a tribute to older adults who
have generously given their time and energy to improve the
quality of life in their communities or Westchester County at large.
This distinction is awarded to those whose contributions have
made a positive difference through their professional lives, volunteer
work, or both.
Gladys, who is currently 91 years old and practicing law,
began her career as a high school teacher in Mount Vernon
and Ardsley schools, where she taught French. After retiring for
20 years, she returned to school herself and obtained a law
WWBA President
Elizabeth Z. Marcus
with Gladys G.
Ullmann
degree at Pace University. Gladys excelled in both careers and raised a family. Gladys
continues to be a vibrant participant of the WWBA – she is a valuable contributor to
book club discussions and attends many social events. Gladys is also an active
member of the Scarsdale Women’s Club and the New Rochelle Bar Association. The
WWBA extends congratulations to Gladys for this recognition of her outstanding professional
life, and gratitude for her contributions to our community!
❑ Collaboration between the WWBA and the Westchester County Bar Association
continued this year with overwhelming support from our members, amounting to a
successful second Winter Coat Drive. More than 300 coats, plus scarves, hats, and
gloves, were delivered on January 10, 2023 to Lifting Up Westchester, Grasslands
Homeless Shelter, and Midnight Run. Thank you, donors!
Become a New
Member Today
RENEW YOUR
WWBA MEMBERSHIP TODAY
FOR THE PERIOD
JUNE 1, 2022 TO MAY 31, 2023.
RENEW NOW! DON’T WAIT!
WWBA Membership includes
membership to the Women’s Bar
Association of the State of New York
(WBASNY).
January 31, 2023 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
❑ An Invitation for Submissions – Please continue to write about legal topics and
WWBA events and send them to Corresponding Secretary, Jill Oziemblewski, at
jill_oziemblewski@yahoo.com, for publication in our newsletter. Submissions are generally
due no later than the 10th of each month for publication in the following month’s
issue. ◗
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 8
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News

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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.
2022 WWBA Holiday Party
from page 5
dent Marcus and the entire organization,
extends sincere thanks to each and every
vendor who showed up to be part of our
community, to each and every sponsor
who made the event possible, to the White
Plains Piano Company for the perfect piano
accompaniment, and to our many
members and volunteers who supported
the effort.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy,
and purposeful New Year. ◗
Co-Chairs Tanya Briendel and Michelle Calvi
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
Lisa M. Bluestein and President Marcus
Page 9

WWBA Schedule of Upcoming Events
COMMITTEE DATE/TIME PLACE TOPIC RSVP (also online at www.wwbany.org)
WWBA Membership
Committee
WWBA Professional
Development Committee
WWBA Real Property
Committee, in Collaboration
with the Westchester County
Bar Association’s Cannabis
and Real Property Law
Committees
WWBA Grievance/ Ethics
Committee and Corporate
and Commercial Law
Committees
Cosponsored by: The
Westchester County Bar
Association, the White
Plains Bar Association, the
Yonkers Bar Association, the
Hudson Valley Hispanic Bar
Association; the Westchester
Black Bar Association
1/28/23
1:00 p.m.
2/03/23
1:00 p.m.
2/07/23
5:00 p.m.
to 7:00 p.m.
2/08/23
6:00 p.m. to
8:00 p.m.
Equinox Armonk
99 Business Park Drive,
Armonk, NY
445 Café
445 Hamilton Avenue,
White Plains
Zoom
BNY Mellon Wealth
Management
701 Westchester Avenue,
White Plains
Free Spin Class!
First Friday Meeting
“The Emerging Legal
Cannabis Industry in
New York: What Real
Estate Practitioners
Need to Know”
Speakers:
Tremaine Wright, Chair
of New York’s
Cannabis Control
Board;
James Landau,
Cannabis attorney at
Prince Lobel Tye LLP;
Kristen Motel,
Cannabis/Zoning/Land
Use attorney at Cuddy
& Feder LLP
Ethical Issues When
Attorneys Are
Fiduciaries
Speakers:
Hon. Peter Kelly,
Queens County
Surrogate;
Hon. Brandon Sall,
Westchester County
Surrogate;
Lisa M. Bluestein, Esq.,
Law Offices of Lisa M.
Bluestein, LLC;
Deborah A. Scalise,
Esq., Scalise &
Hamilton P.C.
See www.wwbany.org for details
or email
executivedirector@wwbany.org
Email Sakeena Naqvi at
sakeenan26@gmail.com, or Juliet
Gobler, at juliet@goblerlaw.com,
with any questions or to RSVP
Register online with the WCBA:
https://www.wcbany.org/?pg=even
ts&evAction=showDetail&eid=260
747&evSubAction=listAll
2 CLE credits in Professional
Practice
$25.00 for all participants claiming
CLE credit
Register online at
www.wwbany.org or email
executivedirector@wwbany.org
2 CLE credits in Ethics and
Professionalism
$40.00 for Bar Association
Members; $50.00 for non-member
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.
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.
REMEMBER, YOU CAN FIND THE WBASNY WEB PAGE
AT WWW.WBASNY.ORG.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO RECYCLE
Connect
with
us
THE WWBA MEMBERSHIP PERIOD FOR
2022-2023 BEGINS ON JUNE 1, 2022.
PLEASE RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP TOD
ODAY AT
WWW.WWBANY
.WWBANY.ORG
.ORG