WWBA March 2026 Newsletter

Message from the President
By Jill Oziemblewski
March greetings to WWBA members and friends, we’ve just about made it
to the other side of a relentless winter. With Westchester County having
experienced record-setting snowfall this season, particularly during the
blizzard on February 22-23, I hope that you have all maintained your footing
in your practices and communities. We know that what has been deeply
frozen in the ground these months will emerge and thrive in spring.
The WWBA has been consistent in its strides in 2026. On January 22, the
third annual mentorship program, “The Value of Mentorship and
Sponsorship for Personal and Professional Development, and to Foster
Engagement,” was presented by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,
Mentorship, Employment Law, and Litigation Committees, together with
the Westchester Black Bar Association and the law firm of Wilson Elser
Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker, which graciously hosted. Energetic law
students and attorneys absorbed insights about the mentor/mentee
relationship from panelists including state and federal judges as well as
practitioners, and discussed the potential for mentors and sponsors to
significantly shape our careers. The evening drew empowering conversation
and offered all a chance to expand their legal network.
WWBA President
Jill Oziemblewski
On February 4, the Grievance and Ethics Committee presented an ethics and law practice update 2026,
“The Ups and Downs of Being Your Own Boss: Practical and Ethical Considerations in Running Your
Law Office.” Past WWBA Presidents Deborah A. Scalise, Esq., of Scalise & Hamilton PC, and Lisa M.
Bluestein, Esq., of the Law Offices of Lisa M. Bluestein, LLC, guided attendees through rules and case
studies as we examined the obligations for running your own practice. Among important takeaways were
tips on how a solo practitioner might identify an appropriate office space, negotiate an appropriate lease
for their office space, follow appropriate supervisory protocol for employees and other professional
collaborators, and comply with ethical obligations in client relationships.
The WWBA also continued its presence in the broader community this winter, having participated in the
Wellbeing Fair at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, and in Read Across America at
the Eugenio María de Hostos MicroSociety School and the Justice Sonia Sotomayor Community School
in Yonkers, which are always special days with students. On March 11 we completed the Winter Coat
Drive with the Westchester County Bar Association (WCBA) by donating around ten large bags to the
Thomas H. Slater Center in White Plains.
Thank you to all who were involved in planning or participating in these and other programs and outreach
endeavors.
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Notably, in March, we celebrate Women’s History Month, which honors the vital contributions of women
to American history, culture, and society, and coincides with International Women’s Day (March 8),
reinforcing the global movement for women’s rights. The month originated in 1978 as a local “Women’s
History Week” celebration in Sonoma County, California, to address the underrepresentation of women
in traditional history education. The idea spread quickly, leading to national recognition, and President
Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8, 1980, as National
Women’s History Week. Following lobbying by the National Women’s History Project (now National
Women’s History Alliance), Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating March 1987 as the first
Women’s History Month.
We know that there have been many brilliant and formidable trailblazers in the very special roster of the
WWBA, and we continue to learn more about their achievements and contributions during this 50th
Anniversary year. Over a year ago, when I was preparing to enter the presidency, and spending time with
the archives of the WWBA and of Westchester in general, I landed on “The Women of the American
Revolution,” written by Elizabeth F. Ellet. Volume I was published in 1848. Ellet was a civic-minded
author who called out the problem of underrepresentation even then—to the detriment of the role of
women in securing American independence being “lost or obscured by time”—and she sought a remedy,
“by persevering effort, to recover something worthy of an enduring record” (Preface). 1 She attributed a
chapter to each woman profiled, beginning with Mary Washington, mother of George (Volume II,
published in 1849, began with Martha Washington).
But Ellet also acknowledged what could not be captured and conveyed on the page, stating in her Preface,
“There is, also, inherent difficulty in delineating female character, which impresses itself on the memory
of those who have known the individual by delicate traits, that may be felt but not described.” If I might
extrapolate from that, very simply, there is no substitute for presence, and experiences. Something to
register in our time with family members, friends, and community.
Later this month there will be more opportunities to celebrate, collaborate, and learn. On March 25, the
WWBA will join the Puerto Rican Bar Association and the Hudson Valley Hispanic Bar Association
(HVHBA) in a “Wine & Shine Paint Night” in honor of Women’s History Month. And, on March 30, the
WWBA will join a host of bar associations including the WCBA, the HVHBA, the Westchester Black
Bar Association, the Justice Brandeis Law Society, and Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester
County, for a “A Multi-Bar Summit for Equity and Allyship” at the Judicial Institute in White Plains. The
daylong summit was conceived by WCBA President Brian Cohen and WWBA Vice President Angela
DiBiasi, who is also a member of the WCBA Board of Directors, and is aimed to bring together our
organizations for discussions that will confront antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hate, celebrate our
communities’ shared histories of advocacy and resilience, build stronger relationships among our
memberships, and equip attorneys with practical tools to be more effective allies. The summit may be
attended in full or in part, and promises to be a meaningful day. I hope to see you there.
1
Ellet began her Preface as follows: “In offering this work to the public, it is due to the reader no less than the
writer, to say something of the extreme difficulty which has been found in obtaining materials sufficiently reliable
for a record designed to be strictly authentic. Three quarters of a century have necessarily effaced all recollection
of many imposing domestic scenes of the Revolution, and cast over many a veil of obscurity through which it is
hard to distinguish their features. Whatever has not been preserved by contemporaneous written testimony, or
derived at an early period from immediate actors in the scenes, is liable to the suspicion of being distorted or
discolored by the imperfect knowledge, the prejudices, or the fancy of its narrators. It is necessary always to distrust,
and very often to reject traditionary information.”
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WWBA Celebrates the Holidays!
Annual Holiday Party December 2025
By Sakeena B. Naqvi, Esq.
On December 11, 2025, the Westchester Women’s Bar
Association hosted its Annual Holiday Party in the elegant
ballroom of the C.V. Rich Mansion at the Woman’s Club of White
Plains. The evening was filled with the joy of reconnecting in
person with longtime colleagues and friends, while also
welcoming law students, new attorneys, and new members into
our vibrant community.
We were honored to welcome among our approximately 180
attendees WBASNY President Lisa Noroian and Westchester
County Bar Association President Brian S. Cohen. The WWBA
values these important relationships and proudly celebrates our
partnerships with leaders from our parent organization and bar
associations throughout the county and beyond—recognizing
that we are stronger when we work together.
Heartfelt thanks go to WWBA Holiday Party Co-Chairs Natanya
Briendel and Michelle Calvi, whose creativity and meticulous
planning brought the evening to life with spirited décor and
abundant, festive food stations. A perennial favorite, Tanya and
Michelle also collaborated with talented artisan vendors and
resellers who showcased and sold colorful, one-of-a-kind jewelry, clothing, scarves, wines, and
other unique items. The WWBA was delighted to partner with multiple local businesses as part of
this year’s holiday shopping experience.
The WWBA Holiday Party Committee, together with President Oziemblewski and the entire
organization, extends sincere gratitude to every vendor who participated, every sponsor who made
the event possible, Silverio Mazzella of the White Plains Piano Company for his beautiful piano
accompaniment, and our many members and volunteers whose support ensured the evening’s
success.
With 2026 already in full swing, we wish our community health, happiness, and purpose
throughout the year!
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Rights Transcend Status
Lessons from a 2024 Bronx Scaffold Collapse Recovery
By Lyaman Khashmati, LFK Law Practice, P.C.
Note: Client names and identifying details have been modified to protect confidentiality. Legal strategies and the
outcome described are substantively accurate.
The Case
Juan, a 38-year-old undocumented laborer from Mexico, erected a makeshift scaffold from scrap materials
at a Bronx jobsite operated by his brother, Carlos. No harnesses, guardrails, or OSHA-compliant
engineering were provided. The scaffold collapsed, sending Juan into a 20-foot fall that caused T12–L2
burst fractures, nerve compression, and partial paralysis. His medical team projected lifelong wheelchair
dependency.
Carlos, who employed Juan under an informal cash-pay arrangement, fronted approximately $15,000 in
early medical bills and lost wages—keeping Juan from seeking outside counsel or filing a workers’
compensation claim. Once damages escalated past $500,000, Carlos disappeared. By the time Juan
reached our office through a community referral, he faced eviction, zero income as a sole provider, no
filed claims, and deepening deportation anxiety. This exploitation-then-abandonment cycle is
distressingly common in these cases, and practitioners entering this space should expect it.
Legal Strategy
Nothing had been filed when we were retained—no workers’ comp claim, no incident report, no
communication with the general contractor. We pursued dual theories: Labor Law §240(1) scaffold
liability (absolute, non-delegable duty) and §200 negligence, framed as third-party premises claims
against the general contractor and property owner to bypass the workers’ comp exclusivity bar.
Evidence. With no payroll, W-2s, or written agreement, we reconstructed the record circumstantially:
site photographs, sworn coworker affidavits from H-2A visa holders confirming no safety equipment, an
OSHA 1926.451 expert report deeming the scaffold “grossly deficient,” and bank deposit stubs
establishing the wage history. Carlos’s deposition—in which he tried to characterize the arrangement as
informal family help—ultimately confirmed the regularity of employment.
Immigration neutralization. We moved in limine to exclude immigration-status evidence under the
established New York case law holding such evidence unduly prejudicial in personal injury actions (see
Majlinger v. Cassino Contracting Corp., 25 A.D.3d 14 (2d Dep’t 2005), and progeny). Rule 408
settlement discussions provided additional preemption, and the Protect Our Courts Act precluded ICE
courthouse presence.
Damages. A vocational expert valued lost earning capacity at $1.2 million (30-year horizon, $40,000
baseline). A life-care plan totaled $1.5 million for ongoing treatment, assistive devices, and home
modifications.
Resolution
The defense initially contested employment, challenged causation, and signaled intent to explore
immigration status at trial. As our record solidified, their sub-seven-figure opening moved substantially
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upward. We chose confidential mediation to avoid public trial exposure for a client with well-founded
deportation anxiety and to structure the settlement for Medicaid preservation. The case resolved for $3.2
million pre-tax, structured to fund Juan’s lifetime care.
Quick Reference
Challenge Response Result
Immigration status
Motion in limine; Frye prejudice
analysis; Rule 408 preemption
Fully excluded
Cash employment
Bank stubs; employer deposition;
coworker affidavits
Employment nexus
established
Client fear
Confidential mediation; NYC Care
linkage; structured settlement
$3.2M without public
filing
Practice Takeaways for Westchester Colleagues
Federal enforcement pressures have increased client hesitancy, but New York’s civil court access and
worker-protection statutes remain intact. Workers’ comp coverage extends to undocumented workers
under established WCB guidance without requiring a Social Security number. Four lessons from this case:
Invest in intake. These clients have been exploited by trusted people. Juan did not disclose his brother’s
full involvement until our third meeting. Bilingual capacity, clear privilege explanations, and patience
with nonlinear disclosure are essential.
Build community referral networks. Undocumented workers find attorneys through churches, worker
centers, and mutual aid organizations—not traditional channels. These relationships require sustained,
reciprocal engagement.
Secure evidence early. Cash-pay arrangements leave minimal documentation by design. Bank records,
phone records, coworker testimony, and expert reconstruction must be assembled before the defense
creates gaps.
Educate clients on protections. The Protect Our Courts Act’s value is limited if clients don’t know it
exists. Perceived enforcement risk often outweighs actual risk; proactive education at every stage affects
willingness to participate.
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CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
By Christina T. Hall, Esq.
The Westchester Black Bar Association celebrated Black History Month on March 3, 2026, with a
panel discussion, “A Century of Black History Month, African Americans and the Development of
America – Architects, Engineers, Contractors and Developers – Groundbreaking Genius from Day
One,” at the New York State Judicial Institute located in White Plains. The evening explored the
integral contributions of African Americans to the foundation of our American institutions as
architectural designers and builders. The discussion was preceded with the national and black
anthems sung with the beautiful voice of Sheimyrah Mighty.
The Honorable Kathie E. Davidson, Dean of the Judicial Institute, encouraged collaboration with bar
associations at the Judicial Institute. The Honorable Karl Scully moderated the panel, which
included Sakai Brown, Victor Body Lawson, Nia Baptiste, Marvin Church, and James Bason. The
Honorable Tamika Coverdale organized the event. Christina T. Hall, Esq., President of the WBBA,
gave remarks at the conclusion of the program. The Westchester Women’s Bar Association proudly
co-sponsored the program.
WWBA MENTOR COMMITTEE COLLABORATES WITH STUDENTS FOR AN INFORMATIVE
FAMILY AND MATRIMONIAL PANEL ON NOVEMBER 17, 2025
By Hon. Kim P. Berg
Since the formation of the WWBA Mentor Committee in 2018, Hon. Kim Berg has worked closely
with many of the law student associations at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law to co-sponsor
events and provide access to judges and attorneys for student led programs such as informative
substantive law panels, speed mentoring, mock interviews, and networking. On November 17,
2025, in collaboration with the Family Law Society, First Generation Law Students, and Women’s
Association of Law Students, a truly exceptional program was presented on the subject of family
and matrimonial law.
Professor Jessica Miles posed questions to the panelists about their careers in this field of practice
as well as practical questions pertaining to managing work life balance and avenues students can
pursue now to obtain more knowledge and experience in these areas of practice. Panelists
included: Hon. Rachel E. Tanguay, Ashley Kersting, Esq., Hon. Amy Puerto, Hon. Keri Fiore,
Elizabeth Wazny, Esq., Amanda Rieben, Esq. and Diep Nguyen, Esq. These panelists are all
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seasoned family and matrimonial law practitioners from public and private sectors who provided
their unique perspectives for the students.
After brief introductions of their respective
career path and experiences, the program was
guided by student developed questions posed
by Professor Jessica Miles followed by
audience questions. Through the lens of
“mentorship,” these esteemed panelists
imparted candid and practical advice for the
students to use during their legal education
and when they embark upon a career in family
and matrimonial law. The WWBA Mentor
Committee is grateful for the time and effort
our panelists devoted to preparing for and
presenting their viewpoints and experiences in
this area of law which was followed by
networking where the conversations
continued.
Professor Jessica Miles, Hon. Rachel E. Tanguay, Ashley Kersting, Esq., Hon. Amy Puerto,
Hon. Keri Fiore, Elizabeth Wazny, Esq., Amanda Rieben, Esq. and Diep Nguyen, Esq.
The critical importance of providing such programs was demonstrated by honest and frank
comments each panelist provided about the “things they do not teach you in law school.” Learning
about the “real life” practice of law and navigating sometimes difficult circumstances are not
lessons gleaned from a treatise, book, or law school class.
One great piece of advice echoed by several panelists included joining bar associations while in
law school, staying connected to the legal community, building professional relationships and
“leaning into” your mentors. Some of the other “untaught” pieces of advice included: (1) use the
time now to explore and aim to discover where your passions lie which can then guide you into
potential career paths; (2) focus on honing oral presentation and active listening skills; (3) your
reputation is critical and establishing yourself as a legal professional starts now; (4) while you must
advocate for your client you must also be keenly aware of how you treat others to ensure that all
adversaries, parties, and court participants are treated in a professional and respectful manner;
and (5) establish boundaries to help manage the sometimes emotional nature of this area of
practice, including prioritizing wellness.
To add to the list of “things they do not teach you in law school”: Mentoring is not only incredibly
valuable to the mentee but it is equally valuable and rewarding for the mentor. Just ask any of our
WWBA mentors. The WWBA is always looking to add to our growing group of mentors so please
email kberg@gouldberlaw.com if you are interested.
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WWBA CELEBRATES WOMEN WHO LEAD AND SERVE: CHAMPIONS OF JUSTICE AND EQUITY
Hon. Kim P. Berg announced as WBASNY’s
Betty Weinberg Ellerin Mentor Award Recipient
By Amanda Rieben, Esq.
This distinguished award was established in honor of one of WBASNY’s
founding members, the Honorable Betty Weinberg Ellerin, former
Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department. Justice
Ellerin’s extraordinary legacy as a mentor, teacher, guide, and trusted
counselor has shaped generations of attorneys and judges, including
countless WBASNY officers and members. The inaugural award was
presented to Justice Ellerin herself, recognizing her generous spirit,
creative leadership, and unwavering commitment to mentorship.
Hon. Kim P. Berg embodies the very spirit of this award. A past
President of the WWBA and a long-standing leader within both the
WWBA and WBASNY, Judge Berg is the founder and driving force
behind the WWBA Mentorship Program. Guided by a belief that the
future of the legal profession depends on meaningful mentorship and
the highest standards of professionalism, she has dedicated countless
hours to building a program designed not for recognition, but to
positively impact law students navigating the challenges of legal
education.
Hon. Kim P. Berg
Judge Berg’s commitment to mentorship extends well beyond the WWBA's mentor programs that
she has developed and presented. She has served as a mentor to numerous students and
attorneys and has presented programs for the White Plains Youth Court, the Southern District of
New York as part of the Court's civil education initiatives and Law Day celebrations. She has also
organized and presented substantive and skills-based programs for law students, collaborated
with student associations, and actively recruited judges, attorneys, educators, and WBASNY
members to support and guide future members of the profession.
Through this award, Hon. Kim P. Berg will be recognized for her selfless compassion, generosity of
time, and enduring commitment to mentoring future generations of lawyers—an effort that has left
a profound and lasting impact on our community. Congratulations Judge Berg!
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Rachel Chazin Halperin announced as NYSBA’s Haywood Burns Memorial Award Recipient
By Sakeena B. Naqvi and Jill Oziemblewski
Rachel Chazin Halperin, J.D., L.M.S.W., has been selected as
the 2026 recipient of the New York State Bar Association’s
Haywood Burns Memorial Award, one of the Association’s
highest honors. This esteemed award recognizes an individual
who has contributed to New York State in a manner that
reflects the commitment of W. Haywood Burns to the struggle
for justice and the qualities that made him an outstanding
advocate for civil rights and the empowerment of the
powerless. Haywood Burns was formerly a dean of the City
University of New York School of Law and a crucial figure in the
fight for racial justice and legal equality in
the United States, combining legal expertise with a fierce
commitment to activism and social change.
Rachel Chazin Halperin, Esq.
As an attorney deeply committed to justice and equity, Rachel embodies the values and legacy of
Haywood Burns through exceptional service, advocacy for underserved and vulnerable
populations, and unwavering dedication to the law. Rachel is currently the Chief Executive Officer
of Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV), a nonprofit organization that provides high-quality
civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families across the Hudson Valley region. The
mission of LSHV ensures that vulnerable communities have access to legal representation,
particularly in areas where justice might otherwise be out of reach due to financial constraints.
Rachel’s current leadership role follows decades of prior service in positions where she has
advanced access to legal services for low-income individuals and survivors of domestic violence,
and demonstrated her commitment to anti-racist institutional leadership. After graduating from
New York University School of Law, Rachel worked at the Legal Aid Society of the District of
Columbia. In 2004, she became the Legal Director of My Sister’s Place, the largest domestic
violence service provider in Westchester County. From 2008 to 2014, Rachel worked outside the
legal profession at HELP USA as the Executive Director of Domestic Violence Programs. She ran
three domestic violence shelters in New York City, observing firsthand the challenges in the
system, and she charted a way to make resolutions to systemic issues that addressed both legal
and social needs. While at HELP USA, Rachel started several programs including a Transitional
Housing Project, Economic Empowerment Program, and Trauma-Informed Childcare Center.
Throughout her career, Rachel has worked at the intersection of law and social work, championing
systemic change while ensuring that individuals facing housing instability, family violence, and
economic insecurity are met with dignity, compassion, and effective advocacy. Her work embodies
the values at the heart of the Haywood Burns legacy: a deep belief in the transformative power of
justice, a lifelong dedication to serving those most impacted by inequality, and a commitment to
strengthening communities through inclusive and principled leadership. Rachel will receive the
Haywood Burns Award at a ceremony and reception at CUNY Law School on April 15, 2026, at
5:30 P.M.. Congratulations Rachel!
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Mary F. Kelly announced as WBASNY’s Joan L. Ellenbogen Founder’s Award Recipient
By Sakeena B. Naqvi and Jill Oziemblewski
Mary F. Kelly, Esq., an intrepid WWBA member and Past
President of both the WWBA (1981-1983) and WBASNY (1987-
1988), has been selected as the 2026 recipient of WBASNY’s
Joan L. Ellenbogen Founder’s Award. Mary is the embodiment
of this award based on her immeasurable contributions
toward promoting justice in our legal system and advancing
the status of women in society and the law. She is a
trailblazing attorney whose brilliance, advocacy, and lifetime
of constancy of purpose has benefited us all, including her
involvement during the founding years of WBASNY when she
worked alongside Joan Ellenbogen.
Mary received her Juris Doctor degree from New York
Mary F. Kelly, Esq.
University, and she was admitted to practice in New York on
February 14, 1972. In 1982, Mary was a founding member of
Kelly & Knaplund, in White Plains, New York, where she continues to work in areas including Family
and Matrimonial Law, Adoption, and Estate Planning. Over the course of her distinguished career,
Mary has been a leader in both the courtroom and the broader legal community, shaping the
practice of family law while advancing fairness, professionalism, and access to justice.
In her practice, Mary has been a strong proponent of collaborative law and alternative dispute
resolution. For more than a decade, she has been an active member of the New York Association
of Collaborative Professionals and has undergone extensive training in collaborative divorce and
mediation, integrating these contemporary dispute resolution models with her deep litigation
experience. For more than thirty-five years, she has exemplified the highest standards of legal
ability, professionalism, and client-centered advocacy.
Mary’s service includes her role as a charter member of the New York State Permanent Judicial
Commission on Justice for Children, where she has advocated for meaningful court reform in the
family law arena since 1988. She has also been a member of the Ninth Judicial District Gender
Fairness Committee since 1994, contributing to efforts aimed at addressing systemic inequities
within the justice system. She was appointed by Presiding Justice Mangano to serve as Chair of the
Grievance Committee for the Ninth Judicial District (1998–2000) and has held numerous additional
leadership roles, including Co-Chair of the WBASNY Matrimonial Committee.
The nomination letters collected on Mary’s behalf were written by, among others, sitting and retired
judges, Past Presidents of the WWBA and esteemed members of the legal community who have
known her for decades. Those letters were a testament to Mary’s passion and commitment toward
paving the way for women to achieve equal status in society, her fairness and skill as an attorney,
and her uniqueness and generosity as a person. She will receive the Award at the WBASNY
Convention at the Woodcliff Hotel & Spa, in Rochester, NY, on May 29, 2026. Congratulations Mary!
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Q: Why did you become involved in the WWBA?
A: Friend and fellow member Shari Gordon recommended that I join the
WWBA. We met in court, where she was one of the most impressive
adversaries I’ve ever met. We later became good friends. Shari always
spoke very highly of the Westchester Chapter and urged me to join since I
was a new resident to Westchester and worked here.
For probably well over a year, she’d manage to work in our discussions a
pitch or mention why the WWBA would be a great fit for me. Anyone who
knows her knows that ‘persistence’ is her middle name (or it should be). I
am thankful she was persistent because I honestly feel that joining was one
of the best decisions I have made.
I officially joined the WWBA in December 2023 after attending the annual
holiday party. One of my most notable memories was attending my first
Board meeting. I walked into a room where I probably knew only 3 people. Latoya Matthew, Esq.
The members were having a “watch party” and were in the middle of
watching a fellow member’s induction ceremony. I walked in on the tail end of the ceremony.
Upon my arrival, the members were immediately warm and welcoming to me and it was nice to
see them cheering and supporting their fellow members. Quickly after the ceremony ended, the
meeting began, and I got to see the Board at work. One of the topics on the agenda that day were
nominations for WBASNY awards and members gave synopses of the bios for their respective
nominees. It was inspiring to hear about the accomplishments of the attorneys in our
chapter. What was more impressive was how much was accomplished in that 1.5 hr. long
meeting!! Then, just like that…the meeting was over, and everyone started heading out. I
remember being one of the last people in the room because I wanted to meet everyone. I truly felt
a warm connection with the women in the room and wanted to become a part of this space. I met
a group of very motivating women who were all bad a**es in their respective fields.
Since joining, I have attended a few non-legal events that have reinforced Shari’s sentiment that
this chapter is more like a sisterhood than a typical Bar Association. That’s when I knew that I
wanted to be a part of the WWBA and she was right, it’s been a great fit.
Q: In what capacity are you currently serving?
A: Currently I am a State Director and Co-Chair on the Criminal Law Committee.
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Q: Tell us about your legal career and what inspired you.
A: I have been a practitioner for a little over 10 years, and I have represented clients in family,
matrimonial and criminal matters.
I started my legal career working in New York State government, learning firsthand about the NYS
Senate legislative processes. I was also a former Assistant District Attorney and later practiced as
a Criminal Defense Attorney. My transition to private practice allowed me to expand my scope
and sharpen my skills at becoming a better trial attorney. I've also handled cases involving
divorce, custody and visitation, support and other family matters.
While my career path certainly did not take on a ‘traditional’ trajectory, I’ve been very fortunate to
have experience in both the government and private sectors. The inspiration in my career path
was not a singular event, but a culmination of experiences leading to the realization of where I
could make the greatest positive impact without overstretching my boundaries. My strongest
motivator as an attorney has always been working directly within my community.
Q: What would be your advice to new attorneys?
A: Take advantage of every and any new opportunity that comes your way. Law school only
scratches the surface – after the Bar, the world is a completely different place. Sometimes you
know what you are meant to practice but most people don’t know….and that is ok. That’s why it’s
important to try new things, if you can.
Q: How do you balance your legal career with other aspects of life?
A: For me, balancing work and life have been a continuing work in progress. With experience
comes many different levels and stages in life and it is important to be able to transition or adjust
accordingly. I am a perpetual student in that regard.
Q: What are your interests outside of the law and community activities?
A: Most people don’t know this about me, but I love dance- all genres. I used to perform at local
events/venues in the Latin dance community in New York. Dance has always been an awesome
stress reliever and form of expression for me. I have recently started dancing at my studio again
after taking a long hiatus in 2020 after the COVID related shutdowns. I’m hoping to be able to keep
up and incorporate this new routine into my schedule.
Q: What do you hope to achieve in coming years?
A: I look forward to becoming more involved in the local Westchester County based community
and continuing my work with the Westchester Woman’s Bar Association.
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Q: Why did you become involved in the WWBA?
A: I joined the WWBA to expand the scope of my practice and
community. My practice is based in Rockland County, and I
have lived and worked in that area for years and had been a
part of the Women's Bar Association for many years. Having
heard about the vibrancy of the WWBA from Judge Kim Berg
and others, I wanted to become involved and contribute to that
growth.
Q: In what capacity are you currently serving?
A: For the WWBA, I am a member of the Board of Directors and
co-chair the Cyber Law Committee. I have been a part of a
number of CLE panels for the Chapter and look forward to
continuing that work. For WBASNY, I am the co-chair of the
Intellectual Property Committee.
Judith Bachman, Esq.
Q: Tell us about your legal career and what inspired you.
A: I have wanted to be a lawyer since I was 4 years old. I was arguing with my mother as to what
clothes I should wear and I won the argument. She said, "You should be a lawyer." I asked her
what a lawyer was and she said that they are people who get paid to argue. That was the last time
I questioned my career choice.
Q: What would be your advice to new attorneys?
A: At my first job out of law school, Bill Shea, founding partner of Shea & Gould, told us "Stay in
touch with everyone, the kid you went to nursery school with, the bully who beat you up in the
lunchroom, your law school roommate. They might become the general counsel of your biggest
client." While I took his advice as cynical and crass, I have come to embrace it, in a kinder way. I
have met people, as we all have, in every circumstance of life. Some of these people have helped
me, whether it's a client referral or a last-minute pick up of my child from the bus stop. Some, I
have helped, whether it's a work collaboration or a shoulder to cry on after a breakup. And even
more have become lifelong friends. Build your community each day.
Q: How do you balance your legal career with other aspects of life?
A: It turned out that the silver lining, for me, of the pandemic, was that it forced me to slow down
and have time at home. I realized that I needed to and could balance things better than I had
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been. Since then, I have been much more mindful of trying to strike the right balance (or at least
better than I had been).
Q: What are your interests outside of the law and community activities?
A: I love to travel. My favorite trip was to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti and Bora Bora. They
are some of the most beautiful places in the world with climates ranging from beaches to snow
covered mountains.
Q: What do you hope to achieve in coming years?
A: I would like to continue to scale my firm and, perhaps, acquire another practice to feed growth
and give a retiring attorney a succession plan. We focus our practice on business law - doing both
transaction work (corporate, M&A, commercial real estate) and commercial litigation. I would
love to fortify that practice with aligned professionals, including management side employment
lawyers and others.
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Date/ Time Event Place RSVP
03/25/2026
6:00 PM
Wine & Shine Paint
Night
Don Rene Restaurant
105 Mamaroneck Ave
White Plains, NY
https://www.wwbany.
org/event-6621496
03/26/2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
03/30/2026
8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
04/08/2026
5:30 PM – BOD MEETING
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM - GMM
04/15/2026
6:00 PM-8:00 PM
WBASNY’s
Presentation of The
Betty Weinberg Ellerin
Mentor Award to Hon
Kim P. Berg
Multi-Bar Summit on
Equity & Allyship
BOD & General
Membership Meeting
(GMM)
“DON’T FALL FOR IT!
Legal Lessons to
Avoid Financial
Fraud”
WWBA Members
Forensic Experts
Private Roundtable
Dinner Sponsored by
Robson Forensic
The Mansion at White Plains
139 N Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
New York State Judicial
Institute
84 North Broadway
White Plains, NY
Hudson United Title Services
222 Bloomingdale Road,
Suite 115
White Plains, NY
Via Garibaldi
1 N. Broadway
White Plains, NY 10601
https://www.wwbany.
org/event-6584262
https://www.wwbany.
org/event-6567486
https://www.wwbany.
org/event-6594694
https://www.wwbany.
org/event-6533370
05/11/2026
6:00 PM
The Judge Lisa M.
Smith Book Club
Meeting, Book:
“Keeping the Faith” by
Brenda Wineapple
Dorothy Finger’s Home
https://www.wwbany.
org/event-6618935
06/03/2026
5:30 PM
2026 WWBA Annual
Dinner and
Installation of Officers
Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht
Club
555 S Barry Ave,
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
https://www.wwbany.
org/event-6505320 -
Registration to open
next month
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THE WWBA MEMBERSHIP PERIOD FOR 2025-2026 BEGINS ON JUNE 1, 2025. PLEASE RENEW
YOUR MEMBERSHIP TODAY AT WWW.WWBANY.ORG.
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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 homepage 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, Amanda Teitel, proceed with planning your
program and completing the Program Questionnaire, which can be found online. Amanda 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
Jill Oziemblewski, President: jill_oziemblewski@yahoo.com
Ann M. McNulty, CLE Chair: annmmcnulty@aol.com
Amanda Teitel, Executive Director: executivedirector@wwbany.org
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