BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — The Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association (BWBA) held its annual Judiciary Night on Wednesday evening at 45 Monroe Place, the Appellate Division, Second Department.
In addition to recognizing all newly elected, re-elected, appointed and reappointed judges, the organization also paid tribute to Presiding Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department, Hon. Hector LeSalle.
Hon. Consuelo Mallafré Meléndez, who co-chairs the event along with Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix, told the Brooklyn Eagle that the night is all about the bar and the bench interacting.
“I remember being a law clerk, and my mentor, Judge Marsha Steinhardt, was one of the first people to put this together,” Mallafré Meléndez said. “As a non-judicial professional, it was really thrilling for me to mingle and talk to the judges, see who they are and what they’re about.”
Hinds-Radix added that the event gives attorneys not just the ability to come and see judges from the lower courts, but also those from the Appellate Division.
BWBA President Lisa Michael told the Eagle that she is honored to be the evening’s host. “This is one of our biggest, most attended events. It’s incredibly special,” she said.
Advancements in the practice of law
LeSalle, upon receiving his award, commended the BWBA for its work on behalf of the Kings County legal community, crediting it for many of the advancements made by women in Brooklyn.
“Women belong in every room and at every table where decisions are made — and we are the people who have a responsibility to make sure that happens,” LeSalle stated. “I’m so humbled to receive this recognition.”
Hinds-Radix explained that LaSalle has always been supportive of the BWBA, female jurists and members of the bar. “Because of that, and the kindness that he has shown for so many years, we decided it would only be right to honor him this year.”