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WWBA Dec-Jan 2024 Newsletter

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<strong>WWBA</strong><br />

news<br />

DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY <strong>2024</strong><br />

www.wwbany.org<br />

Westchester Women’s Bar Association<br />

<strong>WWBA</strong> SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER<br />

Jennifer L. Gray<br />

T<br />

he <strong>WWBA</strong> celebrated the holidays with its members and guests on <strong>Dec</strong>ember<br />

14, 2023 in the beautiful ballroom of the C.V. Rich Mansion of The Woman’s<br />

Club of White Plains. Those in attendance had the pleasure of browsing the<br />

unique items offered for sale by the artisan vendors at the <strong>WWBA</strong> Holiday Party’s<br />

shopping boutique. In keeping with <strong>WWBA</strong> tradition, the spirit of giving was abundant<br />

as unwrapped holiday gifts for teens were collected for donation to Cardinal McCloskey<br />

Community Services and the Jewish Child Care Association. In addition, monetary<br />

donations were collected for the Westchester Women’s Bar Association Foundation<br />

and Feeding Westchester. Thank you to co-chairs Natanya Briendel and Michelle<br />

Calvi for organizing another successful <strong>WWBA</strong> Holiday Party and thank you to our<br />

generous sponsors. ◗<br />

More Holiday Parrty Photos on Page 4 ➥<br />

Lisa Norioan, Julie Kattan, Sherry Bishko,<br />

Hon. Kim Berg<br />

INSIDE THIS ISSUE<br />

DECEMBER 2023/<br />

JANUARY <strong>2024</strong><br />

A Tribute to Elisabeth<br />

Campos<br />

(page 5)<br />

An Interview with<br />

Tracy Forrest<br />

(page 6)<br />

Winter Coat Drive<br />

(page 9)<br />

Upcoming Events<br />

(Page 10)<br />

Amanda K. Rieben, Libby Rrahimi, Kaila<br />

Pugliese-Tobin, Christine Krager<br />

SAVE THE DATE<br />

PAYING IT FORWARD:<br />

EFFECTIVE MENTORSHIP<br />

<strong>Jan</strong>uary 25, <strong>2024</strong><br />

EMPOWERING<br />

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN<br />

February 1, <strong>2024</strong><br />

<strong>WWBA</strong> BOOK CLUB:<br />

Heaven and Earth<br />

Grocery Store<br />

February 5, <strong>2024</strong><br />

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP<br />

MEETING: ETHICS<br />

UPDATE <strong>2024</strong><br />

February 7, <strong>2024</strong><br />

Westchester Women’s Bar Association News<br />

PRESIDENT’S<br />

MESSAGE<br />

Amanda K.<br />

Rieben<br />

Happy New<br />

Year! With a new<br />

year upon us, we often<br />

reflect on the past<br />

year and what we are<br />

thankful for, and as<br />

we so often do, we<br />

make new year’s<br />

resolutions for the<br />

year to come. This<br />

year, I want to express<br />

my gratitude to the <strong>WWBA</strong>, its<br />

membership, board, and officers and<br />

directors for your continued support. I<br />

also want to encourage our readership,<br />

as one of your new year’s resolutions to<br />

help the <strong>WWBA</strong> increase our membership.<br />

Why? Because the <strong>WWBA</strong> is one<br />

of your local bar associations, comprised<br />

of lawyers and judges, who live and/or<br />

work in Westchester County that can help<br />

connect you with various resources and<br />

with other members in the legal community.<br />

The <strong>WWBA</strong> is also currently the<br />

second largest chapter of our parent organization,<br />

the Women’s Bar Association<br />

of the State of New York<br />

(“WBASNY”), which is the largest statewide<br />

women’s bar association in the<br />

country. Through WBASNY, the <strong>WWBA</strong><br />

provides its membership with the opportunity<br />

to have an influential voice regarding<br />

various legislative, judicial and public<br />

policy matters at the state level. The<br />

<strong>WWBA</strong> also offers several networking<br />

opportunities, legal seminars, Continuing<br />

Legal Education programs, social<br />

events, including but not limited to the<br />

<strong>WWBA</strong> Holiday Party and Annual Dincontinued<br />

on page 3 ➥<br />

Page 1<br />

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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○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />

<strong>WWBA</strong> Member <strong>Newsletter</strong><br />

DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY <strong>2024</strong><br />

Published Monthly by the<br />

Westchester Women’s<br />

Bar Association, a Chapter of<br />

the Women’s Bar Association<br />

of the State of New York<br />

~ 2023/<strong>2024</strong> Officers and Directors ~<br />

President AMANDA K. RIEBEN<br />

President-Elect SHERRY A. BISHKO<br />

Vice Presidents<br />

DEBORAH FARBER-KAISER JILL OZIEMBLEWSKI JULIE P. PASSMAN<br />

Treasurer<br />

CHRISTINE PASKA Recording Secretary MEGAN LUNDIN<br />

Corresponding Secretary JENNIFER L. GRAY<br />

Immediate Past ast President<br />

ELIZABETH Z. MARCUS<br />

Elected Directors Westchester Board<br />

ELIZABETH M. BARNHARD ROBIN D. CARTON SHARI R. GORDON<br />

ANN M. McNULTY SAKEENA NAQVI<br />

State Directors Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York<br />

ELIZABETH CUMMING TRACY FORREST ANDREA B. FRIEDMAN<br />

JACQUELINE HATTAR ELIZABETH Z. MARCUS SUSAN MILLS RICHMOND<br />

HON. LISA MARGARET SMITH WENDY MARIE WEATHERS<br />

Executive Director ELISABETH CAMPOS<br />

© Copyright <strong>2024</strong> Westchester Women’s Bar Association. All rights reserved.<br />

The opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) only and do not reflect the official position of the Association.<br />

Editor-in-Chief: Jennifer L. Gray • Designed and Printed by IPM Media Group, Inc. (516) 809-0501<br />

2023-<strong>2024</strong> <strong>WWBA</strong> Committee Chairs<br />

S T A N D I N G C O M M I T T E E S<br />

By-Laws ...................................................................... Hon. Kim Berg<br />

Corporate & Commercial ................ Lisa M. Bluestein, Virginia Trunkes<br />

Criminal Law ................................. Hon. Amy Puerto, Elizabeth Gazay<br />

Families, Children & Courts .................... Daniela Israelov, Joy S. Joseph,<br />

Wanda Steinmann<br />

Grievance/Ethics ............................ Norma Lopez, Deborah A. Scalise<br />

Judicial Screening .................. Theresa Girolamo, Kimberly C. Sheehan<br />

Judiciary ...................................... Hon. Jodi Kimmel, Dorothy Fingar,<br />

Lisa Florio<br />

Lawyering & Parenting ............................ Leah Cobean, Soumya Evans<br />

Jennifer L. Gray, Michelle Greenberg<br />

Legislation ........................................ Natanya Briendel, Amy Wochos<br />

Annual Dinner ........................ Natanya L. Briendel, Amanda C. Fried,<br />

Sherry A. Bishko, Jennifer L. Gray, Elizabeth Z. Marcus,<br />

Amanda K. Rieben<br />

Annual Dinner Journal ................... Andrea B. Friedman, Diona Piazza<br />

Appellate Practice ................ Hon. Sondra M. Miller, Jill Oziemblewski<br />

Heather Gushue, Lisa Florio<br />

Archive & Historian ..................................................... Susan L. Pollet<br />

Awards .............................................. Tanya Briendel, Ilene Hartzband<br />

Bankruptcy ................... Susan Mills Richmond, Wendy Marie Weathers<br />

Breast Cancer Awareness ...................................... Adrienne J. Orbach<br />

Collaborative Law ................ Kathleen Donelli, Hon. Sondra M. Miller<br />

Community Outreach ........... Lisa M. Denig, Hon. Judith C. McCarthy,<br />

Deborah A. Scalise, Hon. Lisa Margaret Smith<br />

Continuing Legal Education ..................................... Ann M. McNulty<br />

Cyber Law ................................................................ Judith Bachman<br />

Diversity and Inclusion ............ Melissa G. Andrieux, Jacqueline Hattar<br />

Stephanie Melowsky<br />

Domestic Violence ............................ Marian Genio, Stacey Neumann<br />

Education ......... Alison Morris, Julie P. Passman, Susan Mills Richmond<br />

Elder Law ................................ Elizabeth A. Cumming, Moira Laidlaw<br />

Employment Law ........................................ Hon. Kim Berg, Sara Kula<br />

Environmental & Land Use ............... Lucia Chiocchio, Jennifer L. Gray<br />

A D H O C C O M M I T T E E S<br />

Matrimonial .............................. Robin D. Carton, Andrea B. Friedman<br />

Delores Gebhardt, Georgia G. Kramer<br />

Membership ............. Sherry A. Bishko, Christine Paska, Joanna Tulman<br />

Networking ................. Ilene Hartzband, Jennifer N. Netrosio Johnson,<br />

Jessica Piperis<br />

New Lawyers ................................... Elisa Mahovr, Miranda Zumbado<br />

Professional Development/Placement ...... Juliet Gobler, Sakeena Naqvi<br />

Programs ................................. Natanya L. Briendel, Hon. Amy Puerto<br />

Public Relations .......................................................... Lisa M. Denig<br />

Real Property ........................................ Tracy Forrest, Joanne Romano<br />

Sponsorship ............................................................................... TBD<br />

Taxation .......................................................... Patricia Rusch Bellucci<br />

Trusts & Estates .................................. Lonya A. Gilbert, Karen J. Walsh<br />

Gender Dynamics ..................... Angela DiBiasi, Hon. Elena Goldberg<br />

Holiday Party and Boutique ...... Natanya L. Briendel, Michelle A. Calvi<br />

Jennifer N. Netrosio Johnson<br />

Immigration ............................ Karin Anderson, Elizabeth Mastropolo,<br />

Martine Cuomo<br />

Insurance .................................................................................. TBD<br />

Intellectual Property .................. Elizabeth M. Barnhard, Annmary Ittan<br />

Judgment Enforcement & Collections .......................... Michelle Tarson<br />

Litigation ................................................. Angela Morcone Giannini,<br />

Hon. Elena Goldberg, Jacqueline Hattar<br />

Long Range Planning ........................ Lisa M. Denig, Linda Markowitz<br />

Mediation ...........Hon. Sondra M. Miller, Abby Rosmarin, Lisa Dorman<br />

Past Presidents ............ Angela Morcone Giannini, Deborah A. Scalise,<br />

Hon. Lisa Margaret Smith<br />

Practice Management ...................................... Wendy Marie Weathers<br />

Pro Bono .................. Marian Genio, Andrea Putnam, Natalie Sobchak<br />

Reproductive Rights ........................... Natanya Briendel, Juliet Gobler<br />

Social Media ............................................................................. TBD<br />

Technology/Website ................................................................... TBD<br />

Wellness ..................... Jennifer N. Netrosio Johnson, Jill Oziemblewski<br />

Susan Mills Richmond<br />

Women in Leadership ................................................................ TBD<br />

Page 2<br />

Westchester Women’s Bar Association News


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President’s Message<br />

from page 1<br />

“The <strong>WWBA</strong> is critical<br />

to the development and<br />

success of the next<br />

generation of lawyers,<br />

and is one of the<br />

pinnacles of our legal<br />

community.”<br />

ner, as well as a robust mentorship program.<br />

We also partner with many community<br />

providers, to help support the public in<br />

both a legal and non-legal capacity.<br />

For me, the <strong>WWBA</strong> represents much<br />

more than this. The <strong>WWBA</strong> is critical to the<br />

development and success of the next generation<br />

of lawyers, and is one of the pinnacles<br />

of our legal community. It is hard to<br />

believe, but when I first joined the <strong>WWBA</strong><br />

over nine years ago after the birth of my first<br />

daughter, I did not know anyone who lived<br />

and/or worked in Westchester County. This<br />

rapidly changed thanks to our members,<br />

many of whom instinctively devoted their<br />

time to supporting, mentoring, and encouraging<br />

my professional and personal growth.<br />

I can confidently say that the <strong>WWBA</strong> has<br />

had a positive life-long lasting impact on<br />

my career and professional development,<br />

and I am certain that many other members<br />

share my sentiment.<br />

I want to help ensure that current and<br />

future law students and lawyers are afforded<br />

the same opportunities I have had through<br />

the <strong>WWBA</strong>. This is why I am now calling<br />

upon you, our readership, to help the<br />

<strong>WWBA</strong> increase our membership numbers.<br />

The size of our membership directly correlates<br />

to the far-reaching impact that we can<br />

have on our legal community. Our membership<br />

numbers also affect the number of<br />

delegates who can attend the WBASNY<br />

State-Wide Board meetings, which in turn<br />

impacts the number of our votes on policies<br />

and other state-wide matters. On or<br />

before <strong>Jan</strong>uary 31, <strong>2024</strong>, our goal is to<br />

reach 400 members who have joined or<br />

renewed their <strong>WWBA</strong> membership during<br />

our Second Certification period (October<br />

1, 2023, through <strong>Jan</strong>uary 31, <strong>2024</strong>). We<br />

continued on page 7 ➥<br />

Editor’s Note<br />

“For time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life. And those<br />

who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.”<br />

~ John F. Kennedy<br />

Making Dates and Getting Published<br />

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS<br />

❑ Deadline for newsletter submissions is the 10th of the month prior to publication<br />

(submissions received after the deadline are subject to the discretion of the editor).<br />

❑ Send submissions as email attachments to Jennifer L. Gray at jgray@kblaw.com.<br />

❑ Articles should be 1,000 words or fewer. Remove all pagination, headers, footers or<br />

other formatting, other than bold, underline or italics. Authors are encouraged to submit<br />

photographs for publication with their submissions and include a short biographical<br />

statement with their submissions.<br />

❑ Materials submitted allow the <strong>WWBA</strong> a limited copyright and full permission to reprint<br />

the material in any <strong>WWBA</strong> publication or on its website without additional consent.<br />

❑ Photographs must be high-resolution (150 dpi or more) and the subject and all persons<br />

in each photograph must be fully identified.<br />

PROGRAM SCHEDULING<br />

❑ First visit the <strong>WWBA</strong> website: www.wwbany.org and click on the calendar at the home<br />

page to view scheduled programs. Conflicts in scheduling will be assessed on a case by<br />

case basis, with priority for early submissions.<br />

❑ Contact Natanya Briendel at tanyabriendel@gmail.com or Hon. Amy Puerto at<br />

amy.puerto@yahoo.com to schedule a <strong>WWBA</strong> sponsored or co-sponsored program,<br />

including committee meetings, CLE programs, etc.<br />

❑ Once you have reserved the date with Executive Director, Elisabeth Campos, proceed<br />

with planning your program and creating your flyer.<br />

❑ Flyers must be approved by the Programs Committee. In advance of the 10th of the<br />

month, please send your flyer to the Program Committee Co-chairs for review and copy<br />

the Executive Director. Once approved, please send your final flyer to the Executive<br />

Director, Elisabeth Campos and the President for publication on the website calendar and<br />

the newsletter calendar. The final flyer will also be emailed to the membership.<br />

❑ We will also consider publicizing programs from outside organizations that may be of<br />

interest to our members.<br />

❑ Post-event: You may report on the success of your program and provide photographs<br />

of the speakers and participants that can be included in an upcoming newsletter. Send<br />

your submission to Natanya Briendel or Amy Puerto, following the guidelines above.<br />

Contacts<br />

Jennifer L. Gray, Corresponding Secretary and <strong>Newsletter</strong> Editor-in-Chief: jgray@kblaw.com<br />

Natanya L. Briendel, Programs Committee Co-Chair: tanyabriendel@gmail.com<br />

Hon. Amy Puerto, Programs Committee Co-Chair: amy.puerto@yahoo.com<br />

Amanda K. Rieben, President: president@wwbany.org<br />

Ann M. McNulty, CLE Chair: ann.m.mcnulty@morganstanley.com<br />

Elisabeth Campos, Executive Director: executivedirector@wwbany.org<br />

A d v e r t i s i n g R a t e s<br />

Full Page Display Ad: 5-10 Issues - $525.00 per issue; 1-4 Issues - $575.00 per issue<br />

Half Page Display Ad: 5-10 Issues - $275.00 per issue; 1-4 Issues - $300.00 per issue<br />

Quarter Page Display Ad: 5-10 Issues - $165.00 per issue; 1-4 Issues - $180.00 per issue<br />

Business Card Ad: 5-10 Issues - $60.00 per issue; 1-4 Issues - $75.00 per issue<br />

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

Members - $50.00 first issue; $25.00 each succeeding issue; Non-Members - $75.00 per issue<br />

Back Cover (3/4 page)<br />

5-10 Issues - $650.00 per issue; 1-4 Issues - $700.00 per issue<br />

Deadline for all ads is the 10th of the month prior to publication. Ads are subject to space limitations.<br />

Contact Jennifer L. Gray at jgray@kblaw.com for any questions regarding advertising.<br />

Westchester Women’s Bar Association News<br />

Page 3


THE WESTCHESTER WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION<br />

SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER<br />

Nikolette Nrekaj, Hon. Mary Anne<br />

Scattaretico-Naber, Jacqueline Hattar<br />

Amanda K. Rieben, Jacqueline Hattar,<br />

Nikolette Nrekaj<br />

The calm before the festivities<br />

Shopping at the holiday boutique<br />

Page 4<br />

Westchester Women’s Bar Association News


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Thank you to Elisabeth Campos<br />

A Farewell and Tribute<br />

Angela Morcone Giannini<br />

“She is ’The One’” was the consensus of the interview committee<br />

upon interviewing Elisabeth Campos for the position<br />

of <strong>WWBA</strong> Executive Director some 8 years ago. She has<br />

remained “The One” for our Association ever since.<br />

“Elisabeth with the S”, as she is<br />

fondly referred to, has been an outstanding<br />

Executive Director. Her attributes are<br />

many. To name a few, she is dedicated<br />

beyond compare, hardworking, detail<br />

oriented, organized and has always<br />

been willing to take on tasks beyond<br />

her job description. To her credit, she is<br />

very unassuming and humble, and I<br />

know as she reads this her face is turning<br />

red because to her credit, she seeks<br />

no limelight or accolades for her work,<br />

although she so deserves them.<br />

She has been a sounding board<br />

and a calm and reassuring force to<br />

many presidents as they assume the role<br />

of leading our Association. Having an<br />

Executive Director like Elisabeth is invalu-<br />

able to our President and her Executive<br />

Board as the new term transition takes<br />

place, as well as throughout the entire<br />

year.<br />

I can never capture in one article<br />

all the work Elisabeth has accomplished<br />

for the <strong>WWBA</strong> over the years, but I<br />

would be remiss if I did not highlight a<br />

few very important ones.<br />

Elisabeth has been instrumental in<br />

streamlining our Programs and CLE process.<br />

This has helped our organization<br />

promote our members and the vast educational<br />

opportunities offered by our<br />

Association.<br />

She has worked tirelessly on our<br />

Website, updating it, making it user<br />

friendly and keeping us current. The<br />

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Website is vital to our Association and<br />

Elisabeth has made us so proud of its<br />

extensive content and beautiful presentation.<br />

This vital tool has also assisted<br />

in new and renewal memberships and<br />

program participation.<br />

Most importantly, during the Covid<br />

continued on page 7 ➥<br />

Westchester Women’s Bar Association News<br />

Page 5


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○<br />

An Interview with Tracy Forrest<br />

Susan L. Pollet<br />

Chair of the Archive and<br />

Historian Committee<br />

Q: When and why did you<br />

become involved with the<br />

<strong>WWBA</strong>?<br />

A: I have practiced real estate<br />

law for over 30 years,<br />

but until recently it was exclusively<br />

in New York City.<br />

I recently changed careers<br />

and am now the Deputy<br />

General Counsel in<br />

charge of business development<br />

and sales for a<br />

title insurance agency in<br />

White Plains. I joined the<br />

<strong>WWBA</strong> so that I could network,<br />

meet new people,<br />

socialize and share career<br />

experiences. I first became<br />

involved in the<br />

<strong>WWBA</strong> in May, 2022. My<br />

first in-person experience<br />

with the bar association<br />

was attending the annual<br />

dinner. I was curious, but<br />

at the same time, not sure<br />

what to expect. I was not<br />

even sure whether I could<br />

attend since I am male.<br />

Despite my reservations, I<br />

was presently surprised. I<br />

had a great time, met a<br />

lot of new people and got<br />

re-acquainted with some<br />

friends I had not seen in<br />

years.<br />

Q: In what ways have you<br />

been active in the<br />

Westchester Women’s Bar<br />

Association?<br />

A: Since my experience at<br />

the annual dinner was so<br />

positive, I applied to become<br />

one of the chairs of<br />

the Real Property Committee<br />

and I was selected. As<br />

one of the chairs, I have<br />

been very active in organizing<br />

Continuing Legal<br />

“I believe bar associations,<br />

especially the <strong>WWBA</strong>, can play a<br />

vital role in the professional and<br />

personal lives of lawyers. My<br />

goal is to remain an active<br />

member and to recruit others<br />

who may need a little convincing.”<br />

Education courses in conjunction<br />

with the Westchester<br />

County Bar Association<br />

(WCBA). In my first year as<br />

co-chair, I organized and<br />

moderated a CLE entitled<br />

“The Emerging Legal Cannabis<br />

Industry in New York:<br />

What Real Estate Practitioners<br />

Need to Know” and organized,<br />

moderated and<br />

sponsored a CLE entitled<br />

“20 Commercial Leasing<br />

Practice Pointers in 60 Minutes<br />

or Less.” In addition, I<br />

helped organize a “Pop<br />

Up” social which allows<br />

practitioners to attend a networking<br />

event without any<br />

cost and without committing<br />

to the event in advance. It<br />

allows practitioners to just<br />

“pop up” at the very last<br />

minute if their schedule allows.<br />

I also regularly attend<br />

the monthly board meetings<br />

and attend networking events<br />

like the holiday party. Lastly,<br />

at this year’s annual dinner,<br />

I was installed as a State Director.<br />

Q: Please tell us about your<br />

legal career.<br />

A: I am a real estate lawyer<br />

with over 30 years of experience<br />

in the field. I have specialized<br />

in real estate clos-<br />

ings, residential and commercial<br />

landlord/tenant<br />

matters including trials and<br />

commercial litigation. I spent<br />

the first 13 years of his career<br />

in private practice including<br />

a large landlord/<br />

tenant firm in New York City.<br />

After being in private<br />

practice, I then joined the<br />

New York City Housing Authority<br />

(NYCHA) where I<br />

moved up the ranks over 20<br />

years. For the better part of<br />

last 6 years, I was Division<br />

Chief of the Landlord/Tenant<br />

Division responsible for<br />

supervising a team of lawyers,<br />

paralegals and support<br />

staff. At NYCHA, I was also<br />

responsible for creating and<br />

presenting seminars where I<br />

lectured on housing court<br />

procedures to New York City<br />

judges and approximately<br />

750 property managers and<br />

their staff. As Division Chief,<br />

I was also the point person<br />

to property managers regarding<br />

their legal needs. I<br />

was also hand selected to be<br />

the Holdover Coordinator<br />

for the mayoral “Operation<br />

Safe Housing” program,<br />

which expedited cases involving<br />

highly non-desirable<br />

tenants who committed serious<br />

crimes.<br />

In May, 2022, I<br />

Tracy Forrest<br />

changed careers and became<br />

the Deputy General<br />

Counsel for Statewide Abstract<br />

Corp., the largest<br />

family-owned title insurance<br />

agency in<br />

Westchester which has<br />

been in business for over<br />

40 years. I am responsible<br />

for business development/<br />

sales and handle commercial<br />

matters nationwide<br />

and residential matters in<br />

New York and Connecticut.<br />

In this role, it has been an<br />

asset to have over 30 years<br />

of experience being a real<br />

estate lawyer especially<br />

since I have experience<br />

handling closings and can<br />

provide legal advice. I<br />

oversee/supervise transactions<br />

from contract to closing.<br />

My goal is to provide<br />

practical solutions to problem<br />

transactions that are<br />

not routine. When I am not<br />

working on transactions, I<br />

teach CLE/CE programs.<br />

In my first year in this field,<br />

I personally gave a CLE<br />

entitled “10 Ways to Optimize<br />

Rent Collection” and<br />

another entitled “Surveys:<br />

The Title Basics.”<br />

continued on page 7 ➥<br />

Page 6<br />

Westchester Women’s Bar Association News


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A Farewell Tribute to<br />

Elisabeth Campos<br />

from page 5<br />

“I can never capture in one article all<br />

the work Elisabeth has accomplished<br />

for the <strong>WWBA</strong> over the years . . .”<br />

epidemic, Elisabeth helped us pivot quickly to a virtual platform.<br />

Westchester was one of the first Chapters to have virtual<br />

meetings and programs. This allowed our members to<br />

“see each other” which was so very important during a very<br />

unsettled and trying time. The virtual platform also allowed<br />

us to continue our work and offer our members resources<br />

and educational opportunities. She even managed to assist<br />

us in having our Annual Dinner presentation that year virtually!<br />

Our Holiday Party and Annual Dinner are two events<br />

our members and community enjoy. Behind the scenes, it is<br />

Elisabeth who organized the events from the invitations, RSVPs,<br />

guests lists, table seating, the program and awards. Her hard<br />

work has been responsible for our very successful and enjoyable<br />

events.<br />

Elisabeth, we thank you for all you have done for the<br />

<strong>WWBA</strong>! We will so miss you! We wish you well in your new<br />

endeavor. We know you will excel, just how you have excelled<br />

at the <strong>WWBA</strong>. Farewell, our friend, and know that the<br />

friendships you have established at the <strong>WWBA</strong> are cherished<br />

and will continue. ◗<br />

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President’s Message<br />

from page 3<br />

currently have 357 members who count toward our certification.<br />

While one can easily access numerous legal seminars and<br />

CLE programs online, there is no substitute for the personal connections<br />

and individual guidance that an individual can receive<br />

through a bar organization and its supportive members. Additionally,<br />

the <strong>WWBA</strong> also has an amazing mentorship program, currently<br />

comprised of 54 lawyers, who mentor 63 law students.<br />

Through the mentorship program, the <strong>WWBA</strong> also hosts several<br />

events, including three upcoming evening events on February 6th,<br />

March 13th, and April 2nd, at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law<br />

at Pace University in the Tudor Room. The February event will<br />

include a panel on Family Law moderated by students. In March<br />

the mentorship committee is hosting a speed networking event which<br />

will enable students to move from table to table to ask questions of<br />

each “mentor.” In April a career panel featuring diverse practitioners<br />

will offer students the opportunity to inquire about the practice<br />

of law in various substantive fields and settings such as government,<br />

private practice, and education. These types of events also<br />

afford law students invaluable guidance and support, particularly<br />

at the beginning of that individual’s legal career. In fact, our<br />

mentorship program has been so successful that other chapters of<br />

WBASNY have sought guidance from our Co-Chairs (Christine<br />

Paska, Sherry Bishko, and the Honorable Kim Berg) on how to<br />

implement their own successful mentorship programs.<br />

My challenge to you this <strong>Jan</strong>uary is to reach out to your coworkers,<br />

your friends, and at least one law student that you may<br />

know, and encourage them to join the <strong>WWBA</strong>. This challenge will<br />

not only impact the <strong>WWBA</strong>’s involvement at the state level, but it<br />

will also benefit the next generation of lawyers. ◗<br />

An Interview with Tracy Forrest<br />

from previous page<br />

Q: Which community activities<br />

are you involved in?<br />

A: I am also the co-chair<br />

the Real Property Committee<br />

of the Westchester<br />

County Bar Association<br />

(WCBA) and an active<br />

member of the Real Property<br />

Committee of the New<br />

York City Bar Association.<br />

I was just recently appointed<br />

to serve on the<br />

Cooperative & Condominium<br />

Law Committee of<br />

the New York City Bar Association.<br />

I am also an<br />

active member of the<br />

Building & Realty Institute<br />

of Westchester (BRI) and the<br />

Westchester Owners’ Association<br />

(WOA). I also regular<br />

attend my village’s affordable<br />

housing meetings.<br />

Lastly, one of my sons is still<br />

in high school and I hope to<br />

be selected to be the boys’<br />

varsity tennis coach.<br />

Q: How have you balanced<br />

your legal career with your<br />

personal life?<br />

A: No sleep! LOL. I usually<br />

start my day at 4 am, on the<br />

tennis court with my son at 6<br />

am and regularly home for<br />

dinner so I can spend time<br />

with my family and<br />

Maltipoo, “Rambo.”<br />

Q: What do you wish to accomplish<br />

in the future?<br />

A: I changed career paths<br />

shortly after the pandemic<br />

ended. I have spoken to<br />

many lawyers in the community<br />

and asked them about<br />

their experiences with bar<br />

associations before Covid<br />

and I was very surprised to<br />

learn that bar associations<br />

played a much larger role<br />

with its members before the<br />

pandemic. I have been told<br />

that the number of lawyers<br />

attending general bar association<br />

meetings, committee<br />

meetings and networking<br />

events has substantially diminished<br />

in the last couple<br />

of years. It has come to<br />

my attention that many<br />

lawyers are no longer taking<br />

advantage of the benefits<br />

that bar associations<br />

and committee membership<br />

have to offer. I believe<br />

bar associations, especially<br />

the <strong>WWBA</strong>, can<br />

play a vital role in the professional<br />

and personal<br />

lives of lawyers. My goal<br />

is to remain an active<br />

member and to recruit others<br />

who may need a little<br />

convincing. ◗<br />

Westchester Women’s Bar Association News<br />

Page 7


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Chapter News and Announcements<br />

Announcements and Notes on Members<br />

❑ Congratulations to <strong>WWBA</strong> President Amanda K. Rieben on being elevated to<br />

Partner at Abrams Fensterman LLP! Amanda practices in the Family and Matrimonial<br />

Law department of the firm’s White Plains office. ◗<br />

Part-Time Position Announcement<br />

<strong>WWBA</strong> Executive Director<br />

APPLICATIONS DUE BY MONDAY, , JANUAR<br />

ARY 22, <strong>2024</strong><br />

The Westchester Women’s Bar Association (<strong>WWBA</strong>) is a professional organization<br />

of lawyers and judges who live or work in Westchester County, with over 500 members<br />

is one of the largest chapters of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York<br />

(WBASNY).<br />

Reporting to the <strong>WWBA</strong> President and Executive Board, the Executive Director will<br />

have several operational responsibilities, including but not limited to oversight of the<br />

<strong>WWBA</strong>’s programs, membership, e-newsletters, and social media/website administration.<br />

The Executive Director will help ensure ongoing program excellence, furtherance<br />

of the <strong>WWBA</strong>’s strategic goals, management of systems and finance, and quality communication<br />

with board, membership and the public.<br />

Qualifications and Skills<br />

❑ Proven leadership and relationship management<br />

experience;<br />

❑ Self-directed and mission-driven with integrity<br />

and a positive attitude;<br />

❑ Strong written and verbal communications skills<br />

and commitment to quality work;<br />

❑ Action-oriented, adaptable and innovative<br />

approach;<br />

❑ Ability to work effectively in collaboration with<br />

Key Duties and Responsibilities<br />

❑ Maintain <strong>WWBA</strong> website, calendar and membership<br />

database;<br />

❑ Membership: Including processing all new and<br />

renewal membership applications, on-line payments,<br />

reports, distribution lists, directories, membership<br />

reports, and membership certification;<br />

❑ Website: Overall management and ongoing<br />

posting and updates to <strong>WWBA</strong> website. Ensure<br />

website and payment systems are always secure,<br />

up to date, and functional;<br />

❑ Calendar and Programs: Posting and notification<br />

of <strong>WWBA</strong> programs and events, reminders,<br />

on-line payments, and reporting to program sponsors;<br />

❑ Adhere to WBASNY requirements and certifications;<br />

❑ Regular communications via email and written<br />

correspondence with <strong>WWBA</strong> membership, Board<br />

Members, Officers, Executive Committee and<br />

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diverse groups of people;<br />

❑ Marketing, public relations and fundraising<br />

experience;<br />

❑ Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Access,<br />

Outlook, Adobe and familiarity with Wild<br />

Apricot Program useful;<br />

❑ Website maintenance: including social media<br />

graphics and posting, and ability to format, crop<br />

and resize photos, etc.<br />

Committee Co-chairs throughout the year, including<br />

several mass mailings;<br />

❑ Assist the <strong>WWBA</strong> Treasurer with financial transactions,<br />

including recording and management of<br />

the same, familiarity of QuickBooks helpful; membership,<br />

program, event and sponsorship payments;<br />

reconciliation of monthly bank statements;<br />

asset reconciliation reports tri-annually; and regularly<br />

prepare back-up reports of incoming checks<br />

and transfers;<br />

❑ Proofread the monthly newsletter and provide<br />

membership information for content;<br />

❑ Assist with coordination of events including<br />

Annual Dinner, Holiday Party, and Programs.<br />

❑ Attend major events: Annual Dinner, Holiday<br />

Party and assist with registration;<br />

❑ Regularly retrieve and return telephone calls<br />

and pick-up mail from the <strong>WWBA</strong> Post Office<br />

Box;<br />

Additional<br />

Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required.<br />

This is a part-time, work-at-home position, 12-15 hours per week, with periodic attendance<br />

at events in Westchester County area and weekly mail retrieval in Westchester.<br />

Hourly salary range $30-$35 commensurate with experience.<br />

Please send current resume and hourly salary requirement to <strong>WWBA</strong> President, Amanda<br />

Rieben: arieben@abramslaw.com. ◗<br />

Become a New<br />

Member Today<br />

RENEW YOUR<br />

<strong>WWBA</strong> MEMBERSHIP TODAY<br />

FOR THE PERIOD<br />

JUNE 1, 2023 TO MAY 31, <strong>2024</strong>.<br />

RENEW NOW! DON’T WAIT!<br />

<strong>WWBA</strong> Membership includes<br />

membership to the Women’s Bar<br />

Association of the State of New York<br />

(WBASNY).<br />

<strong>Jan</strong>uary 31, <strong>2024</strong> is the closing date in<br />

order to count the <strong>WWBA</strong> members<br />

towards our certification to WBASNY and<br />

assure our number of delegates.<br />

Renewing before this date will allow our<br />

Westchester Chapter (<strong>WWBA</strong>) to continue<br />

to be a strong presence in our statewide<br />

organization (WBASNY) while you will<br />

enjoy its many benefits, events,<br />

newsletter and CLE programming.<br />

Hélène Côté, Sherry A. Bishko,<br />

Elisabeth Campos<br />

It is easy to renew by going to the<br />

<strong>WWBA</strong> Website at www.<strong>WWBA</strong>NY.org.<br />

You can use a credit card or<br />

PayPal to make payment.<br />

Page 8<br />

Westchester Women’s Bar Association News


Westchester Women’s Bar Association New Members<br />

The Westchester Women’s Bar Association proudly welcomes our newest members:<br />

TO PROTECT THE PRIVACY OF OUR MEMBERS,<br />

THIS INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE <strong>WWBA</strong> ONLY.<br />

Successful Winter Coat Drive<br />

More than 50 pieces of winter apparel were collected in<br />

the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for the<br />

Westchester Women’s Bar Association and Westchester<br />

County Bar Association’s third annual winter coat drive<br />

benefitting local charities including Lifting Up Westchester<br />

and the Grasslands Homeless Shelter.<br />

ADAs Leigh Wellington, Jill Oziemblewski (Westchester<br />

Women’s Bar Association Vice President), Elizabeth Z. Marcus<br />

(<strong>WWBA</strong> Immediate Past President), Catalina Blanco Buitrago<br />

Westchester Women’s Bar Association News<br />

Page 9


<strong>WWBA</strong> Schedule of Upcoming Events<br />

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

<strong>WWBA</strong> and Mid-Hudson<br />

Women’s Bar Association<br />

Diversity, Equity &<br />

Inclusion Committee,<br />

Mentorship Committee &<br />

Employment Law<br />

Committee<br />

WBASNY Board of<br />

Directors Meeting<br />

Reproductive Health<br />

Committee Meeting<br />

Diversity, Equity and<br />

Inclusion Committee<br />

1/17/24<br />

6:00-8:00 p.m.<br />

1/25/24<br />

5:30 p.m. –<br />

Registration/Net<br />

working<br />

6:00-7:00 p.m. –<br />

Program<br />

Light supper will<br />

be provided<br />

Zoom<br />

1/27/24 Zoom<br />

1/31/24<br />

6:00 -7:00 p.m.<br />

2/1/24<br />

11:45 a.m. –<br />

Registration<br />

12:00-1:00 p.m.<br />

Program<br />

<strong>WWBA</strong> Book Club 2/5/24<br />

6:00 p.m.<br />

<strong>WWBA</strong> Board of Directors<br />

& General Membership<br />

Meetings<br />

Reproductive Health<br />

Committee Meeting<br />

2/7/24<br />

5:30 p.m. Board<br />

Meeting<br />

6:00 to 8:00 p.m.<br />

GMM<br />

Light supper will<br />

be provided<br />

2/28/24<br />

6:00 -7:00 p.m.<br />

Wilson Elser Moskowitz<br />

Edelman & Dicker, LLP<br />

1133 Westchester<br />

Avenue, White Plains<br />

Zoom<br />

Dorf Nelson & Zauderer<br />

LLP, 555 Theodore<br />

Fremd Avenue, Rye<br />

Tanya Briendel’s Home<br />

City Square, 50 Main<br />

Street, Lecture Hall,<br />

White Plains<br />

Zoom<br />

CPLR Update CLE by<br />

the Honorable Mark<br />

Dillon<br />

Paying it Forward:<br />

Effective Mentorship<br />

and Sponsorship for<br />

Personal and<br />

Professional Growth<br />

Empowering<br />

Professional Women:<br />

Navigating the “Yes”<br />

Dilemma, Overcoming<br />

Guilt, and Mastering<br />

Work-Life Integration<br />

The Heaven and Earth<br />

Grocery Store<br />

By: James McBride<br />

Ethics Update <strong>2024</strong>:<br />

Dishonored Checks,<br />

Billing and A.I. – Oh<br />

My! Staying Out of<br />

Trouble – Old and New<br />

Issues<br />

2 CLE Credits (Ethics<br />

& Professionalism)<br />

Email:<br />

midhudsonWBA@gmail.com<br />

See www.wwbany.org for details<br />

Online at www.wwbany.org or via<br />

email at<br />

executivedirector@wwbany.org<br />

Online at www.wwbany.org or via<br />

email at<br />

executivedirector@wwbany.org<br />

Online at www.wwbany.org or via<br />

email at<br />

executivedirector@wwbany.org<br />

Lisa Denig<br />

lisadenig@yahoo.com<br />

Online at www.wwbany.org or via<br />

email at<br />

executivedirector@wwbany.org<br />

Online at www.wwbany.org or via<br />

email at<br />

executivedirector@wwbany.org<br />

<strong>WWBA</strong> is a chapter of WBASNY, which is an approved provider of CLE credit. Full and partial scholarships for CLE programs based<br />

on financial need are available. For information on the guidelines and procedures for applying, please contact the person running<br />

the program. All requests are strictly confidential. All programs are for transitional credit unless the program states otherwise.<br />

Unless otherwise indicated, events are for <strong>WWBA</strong> members and invited guests only.<br />

The opinions expressed by any program presenter are the presenter’s own, and do not reflect<br />

the official position of the <strong>WWBA</strong>.<br />

REMEMBER, YOU CAN FIND THE WBASNY WEB PAGE<br />

AT WWW.WBASNY.ORG.<br />

PLEASE REMEMBER TO RECYCLE<br />

Connect<br />

with<br />

us<br />

THE <strong>WWBA</strong> MEMBERSHIP PERIOD FOR<br />

2023-<strong>2024</strong> BEGINS ON JUNE 1, 2023.<br />

PLEASE RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP TOD<br />

ODAY AT<br />

WWW.<strong>WWBA</strong>NY<br />

.<strong>WWBA</strong>NY.ORG<br />

.ORG

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