ATLANTIC AVENUE — The Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association recently held its annual membership party at an Atlantic Avenue eatery that takes thin-crust pizza to a new level.
Comprising women lawyers and judges, the BWBA endeavors to promote equality, professional development and community service within the legal field.
The purpose of the event, which took place the evening of Oct. 16, was to recruit new members, serve as a conduit for networking and simply have a good time, according to BWBA Vice President Hon. Connie Mallafre-Melendez.
Strength in numbers
“Every year we try to increase our membership numbers, as there is strength in numbers,” Mallafre-Melendez underscored, noting that social media, word of mouth and various events that the BWBA spearheads, including many in coordination with other bar associations, help significantly in that regard.
Looking forward, Mallafre-Melendez sees the organization significantly growing.
“The more members we have, the more we can do on a state level,” she said. “And that becomes very important because so much is about legislation and lobbying.”
When asked what first attracted her to the BWBA, without missing a beat, she said, “camaraderie,” noting the association’s ability to connect lawyers and judges, “And Brado on Atlantic Avenue is a great place to do it.”
Mallafre-Melendez noted that the BWBA also has a good number of male members.
“We are all about equal opportunity and are very accepting,” she said. “There are some men who wish to support women’s issues, such as domestic violence and the like, and feel strongly and passionately about those things.”