The Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association (BWBA) honored four outstanding members of the legal community at its annual awards ceremony on May 28, celebrating leadership, service and a shared commitment to advancing women in the profession.
Lisa Michael, president of the BWBA, presented the awards during the gala event at Liberty Warehouse in Red Hook, which also featured remarks from Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas.
Hon. Adam Silvera, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the City of New York, received the President’s Award in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the administration of justice in New York City.
Hon. Wavny Toussaint of the Appellate Term, Supreme Court of the State of New York, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor recognizes a career marked by lasting impact within the Brooklyn community and a steadfast dedication to the advancement of women in the legal field.
Hon. Lara Genovesi of the Appellate Division, Second Department, received the Amy Wren Award, which is bestowed upon a distinguished BWBA member who demonstrates excellence in the practice of law while making meaningful contributions to the Brooklyn community. The award is named for Amy Wren, a suffragette, the organization’s first president, and one of the nation’s earliest female United States Commissioners.
Meryl Schwartz, Esq., of the Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, was honored with the Sybil Hart Kooper Award for her outstanding service and contributions to the BWBA. The award commemorates Justice Sybil Hart Kooper, a former Appellate Division justice and a trailblazer for women in the judiciary.
Founded on April 11, 1918, by nine pioneering women attorneys, the BWBA was established to promote equality, diversity, fairness and opportunity for women lawyers. Now more than a century later, the organization has grown to more than 400 members and continues to play a vital role in advocating for women in the legal profession through its work and its affiliation with the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York.
Hon. Adam Silvera and Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association President Lisa Michael.Photo by Ramy Mahmoud 
Hon. Wavny Toussaint receives an award from Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association President Lisa Michael.Photo by Ramy Mahmoud 
Meryl Schwartz (c.) accepts an award from Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association President Lisa Michael.Photo by Ramy Mahmoud 
Hon. Lara Genovesi with Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association President Lisa MichaelPhoto by Ramy Mahmoud 
Hon. Matthew J. D’Emic and Lawrence KnipelPhoto by Ramy Mahmoud 
Judge Suzanne AdamsPhoto by Ramy Mahmoud 
Adam Diker of the NYS Office of Court Administration, and Ali Najmi, Chair of Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary, with guest.Photo by Ramy Mahmoud 
Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas speaks at the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association Gala.Photo by Ramy Mahmoud 
Schneps Media CEO Josh Schneps and New York Law School Dean Anthony Crowell.Photo by Ramy Mahmoud 
Hon. Jeffrey Sunshine, and his wife, Kings County Clerk Nancy Sunshine.Photo by Ramy Mahmoud 
Deputy Chief Administrative Judge
Office for Justice Initiatives Edwina Richardson, Hon. Jeffrey Sunshine, Kings County Clerk Nancy Sunshine and First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. GeorgePhoto by Ramy Mahmoud 
The mingling crowd at the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association gala on May 28 at Liberty Warehouse in Red Hook.Photo by Ramy Mahmoud 
Hon. Adam Silvera speaks at the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association Gala.Photo by Ramy Mahmoud