Feburary 2025 Newsletter

Message from President Sherry Bishko
By: Sherry Bishko
The WWBA’s Anniversary Year has started off with a Bang! Our WWBA
Committees have been hard at work planning and presenting numerous
programs and CLEs throughout the month of January including a fabulous
Mentorship Program with nearly 70 registrants, a CLE on joint custody
and parenting coordinators and a CLE on the implications of the Loper
decision and the overturning of Chevron Deference. Our accomplished
WWBA members prepared program materials, agendas and put together
the panels that resulted in amazing programs each providing a superb
experience for our members. Thank you to all for your hard work and time!
Members of the judiciary graciously gave their time and perspectives as
panelists and contributed to making our January programs successful.
The WWBA is privileged to have incredible members of the judiciary who
regularly give their time and expertise to our organization. I relayed this
message to the 9 th JD on January 30 th where I was invited to provide
remarks on behalf of the WWBA at the Judicial Induction Ceremony
where seven new Judges took the oath of office. I thanked our Judges
WWBA President
Sherry A. Bishko
who regularly give their time to the WWBA and asked that our newest Judges continue to support
the WWBA and that we need them! I circled back to the major theme of my Presidency “increasing
membership”, and relayed that having timely programs that include members of the Judiciary as
participants and panelists, makes the WWBA dynamic and worth joining!
The WWBA’s 50 th Anniversary Year continues with fantastic programs, CLEs and networking
events throughout February, March and into the spring. Save the Date for our WWBA Afternoon
Tea Celebrating Past Presidents on April 9th and our 50 th Anniversary Annual Dinner on June 4 th !
Lots to do and Lots to Celebrate!
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WWBA Celebrates the Holidays!
Annual Holiday Party December 2024
By: Jill Oziemblewski
On December 12, 2024, frigid and clear, the Westchester Women’s
Bar Association brought the celebration to the ballroom of the C.V.
Rich Mansion, of the Woman’s Club of White Plains, for our Annual
Holiday Party. As ever, the energy of connecting in person with
longtime colleagues and friends, as well as law students, new
lawyers, and new members, was widely appreciated and truly a joy.
Among our 180 attendees this year, we were honored that WBASNY
President Marea L. Wachsman and President-Elect Lisa Noroian
joined us for the occasion, and Westchester County Bar Association
President James K. Landau and President-Elect Brian S. Cohen. The
WWBA is grateful to celebrate our alliances with leaders from our
parent organization and bar associations throughout the county and
beyond, as we are assuredly stronger when working together.
Thank you to extraordinary WWBA Holiday Party cochairs
Natanya Briendel and Michelle Calvi, whose
creativity and detailed planning led to spirited and
bright décor, and plentiful and festive food stations.
A highlight every year, Tanya and Michelle
collaborated with artisan vendors and resellers, who
offered for sale their colorful and unique designs,
jewelry, clothing, scarves, wines, and more. The
WWBA partnered with eight local businesses in
2024’s holiday shopping extravaganza, including
Alice Sturzinger LLC, featuring handmade Murano
glass jewelry, glassware, and music boxes; Gioia by
Gianna, featuring permanent jewelry and women’s
clothing; Kristen AR Larkin of 22KATKRAFTS, featuring hand-painted glassware, paint kits, and gifts;
Naturally Nurtured, featuring artisanal soaps, scrubs, scented candles, and fashion jewelry;
Rosina’s Winery, of Middletown, NY, featuring exquisite wine rooted in the heritage of the Hudson
River Valley; Sotto il Sole, featuring fine imported Italian foods; Origami Owl, featuring unique and
customizable jewelry; and Unique Beaded Jewelry by Nancy, featuring beautiful beaded creations.
[continued…]
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[…continued] The WWBA Holiday Party Committee, along with President Bishko and the entire
organization, extends sincere thanks to each and every vendor who attended to benefit our
community, to each and every sponsor who made the event possible, to Silverio Mazzella, of the
White Plains Piano Company, for his masterful piano accompaniment that perfectly completed the
ambiance, and to our many members and volunteers who supported the effort.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and purposeful New Year.
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The Power of Mentorship
By: Eliza M. Scheibel
On January 23 rd , the Law Firm of Wilson Elser
Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker, LLP (Wilson Elser),
generously hosted the WWBA and over sixty (60)
attendees for a panel discussion entitled, “The
Power of Effective Mentorship and Sponsorship for
Personal and Professional Growth.” The WWBA’s
DE&I, Mentorship, Employment Law and Litigation
Committees in collaboration with Wilson Elser’s
WAVE (Women Attorneys Valued and Empowered)
Committee presented the program.
Panelists included the Honorable Kim Berg, the
Honorable Karen T. Beltran, the Honorable Francesca E. Connolly, the Honorable Janet C. Malone
and our own Jacqueline Hattar, Esq. who, along with Judge Berg, spearheaded and organized the
program. Wilson Elser’s Eliza Scheibel, Esq., Nicole Holland, Esq. and Stephanie Reda, Esq. were
fantastic moderators who generated questions for the panelists that centered around mentorship
and sponsorship.
The panelists provided fascinating insight into what
mentorship means to them including very personal stories of
how mentorship has impacted each of their varied and
successful careers. A common theme was that mentoring
involves a relationship which can take time to build, and, like
all relationships, depends on the investment and
commitment that both the mentee and mentor make.
Panelists suggested seeking out more than one mentor from
different networks or to assist with different transitions during
a lawyer’s career. Panelists unanimously emphasized that a
key skill for an effective mentor is active listening, so that a
mentor can give advice tailored to the needs of their mentee.
The panelists advised and challenged all attendees to put
themselves out there, go beyond your comfort zone to find common ground with a potential mentor
or mentee.
The panelists also provided their views on sponsorship – including how it differs from mentorship,
i.e., that while a mentor provides advice directly to the mentee, a sponsor is someone who talks to
others about the lawyer to praise their skills or recommend them for professional opportunities.
The foundation of building sponsors is excellent work, as the sponsor is spending some of their own
capital in making the recommendation. [continued…]
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[…continued] The panelists and experienced attorneys in attendance all extolled the rewards of
seeing the accomplishments of their mentees and attorneys they’d sponsored.
The program was attended by WWBA members, Wilson Elser attorneys and a large number of Pace
University Law Students, many of whom are part of the WWBA Mentorship Program. The WWBA’s
Mentorship Program was started nearly seven (7) years ago by our own Judge Berg and boasts over
100 mentees today. The room was electric and the attendees left buzzing with energy and renewal
– a great way to kick off the new year. If you haven’t yet finalized your new year’s resolutions for
2025, checking in with a mentor or mentee, or beginning a new mentor relationship is a great one
to add to your list.
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WWBA Member Jacqueline Hattar, Esq awarded the
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Vanguard Award
By: Sakeena B. Naqvi
Exciting news! On October 9, 2024, WWBA's very own
Jacqueline Hattar, Esq., received the prestigious Justice
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Vanguard Award!
Presented by the Trial Lawyers Section during their 5th
Annual Awards Ceremony, this award celebrates trial
attorneys who and exceptional and go above and beyond in
championing equity, diversity, and inclusion. Jacqueline, a
standout member of Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman &
Dicker LLP, was honored for her incredible dedication to
these vital causes.
The WWBA proudly nominated Jacqueline for her
exceptional efforts in raising awareness and driving progress
in these critical areas. Congratulations Jackie!
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Remembering the Honorable Lisa Margaret Smith
By Sherry Bishko
The WWBA’s beloved Past President, devoted member, tireless
advocate and friend, the Honorable Lisa Margaret Smith,
passed away on October 9, 2024. The WWBA has a gaping hole
in its fabric. Judge Smith was a pillar of the WWBA and
supported, encouraged, guided, and lifted up our membership.
She was a constant for so many of us and we miss her every
day.
Judge Smith had an extraordinary legal career. Prior to her
appointment to the bench, Judge Smith served as Assistant
District Attorney (ADA) in Kings County from 1980-1985 where
she rose to a Supervising Senior ADA. She served as Assistant
Attorney General for the State of New York in the Appeals and
Opinions Division from 1985-1986. Thereafter, Judge Smith
served as Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal
Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern
District of New York from 1987-1995.
Judge Smith was appointed as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of New
York in 1995, a position she held for twenty-five years through her retirement in 2020. She was the
SDNY’s Chief Magistrate Judge from 2006-2008. Her reputation “on the bench” was one of
professionalism, preparedness and fairness.
Judge Smith’s legal career and accomplishments are long and distinguished. It is important to
know, however, that Judge Smith also had a “concurrent career” teaching, mentoring and giving
back to the legal community. She spent a great deal of time teaching law students and mentoring
new attorneys. Judge Smith was Adjunct Professor at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace
University from 2006 to 2020 where she taught Evidence and Federal Courts, and co-taught Civil
Procedure. Judge Smith was a mentor to law students and young attorneys. She was actively
involved in the WWBA’s Mentorship Program, mentoring, guiding and offering advice.
Judge Smith opened her Court Room to students and new attorneys, spearheaded the annual “Take
your Children to Work Day”, hosted school and scout visits, and advised Rye Neck High School’s
Mock Trial Team for many years. She positively impacted the lives of so many.
In addition to the WWBA, Judge Smith was active in many associations including the Federal
Magistrate Judges Association, the Federal Bar Council, the Federal Bar Association, for which she
has served as a Circuit Vice President, and JALBCA. In 2014 Judge Smith was honored to receive
the Judith S. Kaye Access to Justice Award from the Women's Bar Association of the State of New
York (WBASNY). Most recently, WBASNY has selected Judge Smith posthumously for the 2025 Joan
L. Ellenbogen Founder’s Award. Westchester could not be prouder! [continued…]
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[…continued]
This award is given to a member whose acts exemplify the “essence of justice, thereby
demonstrating a harmony with the founding principles of WBASNY, for a singular outstanding
achievement, longstanding significant involvements or a lifetime of constancy of purpose in
advancing the status of women in society and the law.”
Judge Smith was a devoted member of the WWBA having served as a Vice President, Chair of the
Community Outreach Committee, member of the Executive Committee, and our President from
2020-2021. Judge Smith was always there to help the WWBA, offer support and advice, provide
“roll-up-your-sleeves” hard work and providing unwavering friendship to us all. She was ever
present and we will truly miss her.
Judge Smith was a loving and devoted wife to her husband Bill and to her two children JT and Kinsey.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate Judge Smith’s life and the WWBA will provide details as
soon as they become available. Judge Smith’s family respectfully requests that contributions in
memory of Judge Smith be made to The American Breast Cancer Foundation
https://www.abcf.org/beat-breast-cancer/ or to the South Salem Presbyterian Church
https://www.southsalempc.org/contribute-to-the-church/
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Q: When and why did you become involved with the WWBA?
A: I joined years ago because I first worked in White Plains so I
wanted connections and opportunities for growth, such as CLEs and
speakers. Initially, my participation was minimal. I attended the
holiday party and the cocktail hour for the annual dinner. I was timid
around the well-established attorneys who seemed to all know each
other, and my networking skills were limited. Then I received an
email from Elizabeth Marcus at the beginning of her term as WWBA
President asking if I would consider becoming chair of the Judgment
Enforcement & Collections Committee. I already knew Lisa Denig
and Pat Angley so I discussed the opportunity with them before I
agreed to the position. Since becoming a committee chair, my
participation has drastically increased.
Q: In which ways have you been active in the WWBA?
A: While it sounds cliché, I did not understand what I was missing until I became involved and
experienced a lot of what WWBA has to offer. I attend board meetings, general membership
meetings, happy hours and CLEs in addition to the holiday party and annual dinner. About a year
ago, the Hon. Kim Berg asked that I consider mentoring a 1L student at Pace, and I agreed to that
as well. I enjoy being a mentor and gave my mentee some pointers before her first moot court
argument. Before taking office, our current president Sherry Bishko asked that I consider
becoming one of the state directors to WBASNY. I was installed as a WWBA State Director at the
2024 annual dinner and am looking forward to all that entails.
Q: Why do you think there is still a need for a women’s bar association?
A: Things have changed and improved in many respects, such as the increase in the number of
female judges, but there is certainly more to be done. Inside and outside of the profession there is
still the stigma that a strong, outspoken man is a good leader while a woman with the same
qualities is bossy or disruptive. At the same time, women who are not outwardly strong are often
perceived as weak or emotional and unable to handle the legal profession. And then, of course,
there is the work/life balance issue that impacts women more than men. These are complicated
issues that women attorneys continue to face and we must continue to address. Also, women’s
bar associations such as WWBA give women attorneys a place to speak to someone outside their
organization who can guide them, support them, and share experiences. [continued…]
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[…continued]
Female law students need that support and guidance too. Even after many years of practice, it is
still comforting and beneficial to have camaraderie with other female attorneys and to use them
as sounding boards.
Q: Please tell us about your legal career.
A: After earning my undergraduate degree from Binghamton University, I went to Boston University
School of Law. Originally, I wanted to work for the government and practice environmental law,
but life took me toward private practice and commercial litigation. My first job was at a large firm
in White Plains handling primarily collection, vehicle forfeiture and vehicle repossession matters.
After 4 years, I left for a firm on Long Island where I began handling banking litigation and other
commercial litigation. The firm became Stagg Wabnik Law Group LLP and I was promoted to
Senior Counsel. They threw a 20th-anniversary party for me in October 2023, which was
wonderful.
My cases run the gamut in value, from hundreds of dollars to hundreds of thousands. I practice in
various federal courts, New York, New Jersey, JAMS and the AAA. Many people are shocked to
hear that I live in Westchester and commute to Long Island, but I have no intention of leaving
Westchester or my firm. Some people I work with insist that I live “upstate,” and I cannot
convince them otherwise.
In addition to my supervisory role as Senior Counsel, I mentor the associates I work with. My role
is not just to hand out assignments but to teach and help them advance.
Q: Which community activities are you involved in?
A: Before COVID, I volunteered for a therapeutic horseback riding program for special needs
children at a barn in the Bronx. I spent many Saturdays there working with the kids. Sadly, the
program did not restart.
Ever involved in the law profession, I am still a mentor to a law student and I volunteer as a Moot
Court judge at Pace a couple of times a year. Besides the WWBA, I am on the board of the Justice
Brandeis Law Society 9 th JD. Within the past year or two, I became active with the Westchester
County Bar Association as a member of a task force on attorney well-being. That task force
became the Attorney Well-Being Committee, and I am now its secretary.
Q: How have you balanced your legal career with your personal life?
A: Like most women, the answer is probably poorly, but I am getting better. It is one reason I was
drawn to the task force on attorney well-being. Many people say that COVID helped them focus
on work-life balance and spending more time with family. I understand that perspective, but I also
think that COVID made us more accessible and tethered to clients, the courts and adversaries.
Office calls go to our cell phones so we are reachable at all hours. [continued…]
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[…continued]
We can log in at home at any hour to read a document, answer an email or revise a brief. I try to
know when I need to turn off work and focus on me – whether it is taking photographs at the New
York Botanical Gardens, seeing a Broadway show, or just having lunch with a friend.
Q: What do you wish to accomplish in the future?
A: Definitely a better work-life balance. I do not have a specific goal and am not chasing a brass
ring. Perhaps that is a good thing because it means I am content. There is such an emphasis on
advancement and needing to shoot for the moon that we sometimes overlook the need to stop
and smell the roses. Right now, I am happy with the roses.
WWBA SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING EVENTS
Committee Date/ Time Place Topic RSVP
WWBA 02/28/2025
9:00 am
Eugenio Maria
de Hostos
MicroSociety
School
“Read Across
America Day”
jacqueline.hattar@wilsonelser.c
om
The Judge Lisa
M. Smith Book
Club
03/18/2025
5:30 p.m.
Sakeena’s house:
7 Sylvan Ln,
Scarsdale, NY
James by Percival
Everett
RSVP: Lisa Denig
lisadenig@yahoo.com
WWBA Board
Meeting and
GMM
03/05/2025
6:00 p.m.
TBD WWBA Online at www.wwbany.org or via
email at
executivedirector@wwbany.org
WWBA 50 th
Anniversary
Committee
04/09/2025 Mulinos at Lake
Isle, 600 White
Plains Rd, East
Chester, NY
An Afternoon Tea
Celebrating 50 Years
of the WWBA and
Our Past Presidents
executivedirector@wwbany.org
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Q: When and why did you become involved with the
WWBA?
A: In 2022, I joined the WWBA. I was new to Westchester
seeking sisterhood and connection with local professionals.
Q: In which ways have you been active in the WWBA?
A: I am a co-Chair of the Women In Professional
Development Committee and the Reproductive Health
Committee.
Q: Why do you think there is still a need for a women’s bar association?
A: Two generations before me women were a very small percentage of lawyers. My grandmother
was the only women in her law school class and she faced blatant gender discrimination
throughout her 40-year career. We still live in a society that does not have gender equality.
Q: Please tell us about your legal career.
A: For ten years I was in private practice. Simultaneously, I dedicated much of my time to
community organizing and social activism. I recently merged my legal and volunteer experience to
become a public interest attorney.
Q: Which community activities are you involved in?
A: For 17 years, I have been a social activist focused on women’s rights, reproductive rights and
gender equality. I am an active member of a local advocacy group, Westchester Women’s
Agenda.
Q: How have you balanced your legal career with your personal life?
A: As a new mom, I am in the midst of navigating that balance. Two components I currently have in
place are a work culture that supports family life and having a true life partner.
Q: What do you wish to accomplish in the future?
A: I wish to help as many people as possible navigate our legal system and take on roles that
positively impact my community.
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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 Sakeena Naqvi at sakeena@pwscottlaw.com.
❑ Articles should be 1,000 words or fewer. 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.
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 Hon. 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, Megan Starstrom, proceed
with planning your program and completing the Program Questionnaire, which can be found online. Megan
will use this to draft a flyer and graphic for the program, then circulate it to the Programs Committee.
❑ Flyers must be approved by the Programs Committee. Once approved, the program will be publicized
on the website calendar and the newsletter calendar, and added to the Weekly Update email circulated to
membership every week.
❑ 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
Sakeena Naqvi, Corresponding Secretary and Newsletter Editor-in-Chief: sakeena@pwscottlaw.com
Natanya L. Briendel, Programs Committee Co-Chair: tanyabriendel@gmail.com
Hon. Amy Puerto, Programs Committee Co-Chair: amy.puerto@yahoo.com
Sherry Bishko, President: sherry@rosemarklaw.com
Ann M. McNulty, CLE Chair: annmmcnulty@aol.com
Megan Starstrom, Executive Director: executivedirector@wwbany.org
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