By: Susan L. Pollet, Chair of the Archive and Historian Committee

Q: Your WWBA Presidential year was pivotal in many ways, especially with it being the 50th anniversary of the WWBA. What were the highlights, for you, of the 50th anniversary celebrations?

A: Our WWBA 50th Anniversary continues……throughout 2025. For me, the WWBA’s 50th was all about our Past Presidents. Beginning in January 2025, each week we celebrated a Past President via a direct email blast to each of our members – it was fantastic! I could not wait to disseminate each Past President’s photo and message to our membership. Each Past President briefly answered two questions: How has your WWBA Presidency impacted your life and career? And What advice would you give future WWBA leaders? The answers will become part of the WWBA’s history. The answers are rich in knowledge and insight. The WWBA’s history continues to be preserved.

Another highlight of our 50th was our “Afternoon Tea” on April 8, 2025. Members donned hats and gloves for a wonderful afternoon celebrating the WWBA. It was an amazing event with history, laughter, fun and friendship.

Q: Did you learn anything about the organization that you did not know before that you want remembered?

A: I learned that the WWBA has been and continues to be inextricably linked to the growth and development of the legal landscape of Westchester County and New York State through our founders. The 50th spun off a deep dive into our historical archives spearheaded by our own Michelle Tarson who unearthed foundational documents, articles and historical facts at our storage facility and in the Westchester County Archives. Wow! Michelle continues to digitize our history – preserving it for generations to come.

Q: What were the greatest accomplishments of the WWBA under your leadership?

A: Our greatest accomplishment this year was encouraging newer and dare I say – younger – members to assume leadership roles that included committee co-chair positions, CLE presenters and program moderators. It was amazing to see our newer WWBA members take the lead on events and spearhead programs. Providing leadership opportunities to new members is what sets the WWBA apart from other bar associations and makes us unique and special.

Q: Which efforts would you like to see continued in the next Presidency?

A: Growth. Period. Growth of our membership is and always will be the most important issue for the WWBA. We must continue to encourage newly admitted attorneys throughout Westchester County to join the WWBA. To keep our organization desirable, we must continue to shout out our value. The WWBA has so much to offer and affording our new members leadership roles must be advertised and promoted to entice new members.

Q: Now that you are a Past President, what will you focus on professionally and personally?

A: Professionally, I am beginning a new venture with a boutique matrimonial law firm Lazar Schwartz & Jones LLP where I will focus primarily on divorce mediation and collaborative law. Personally, I will be playing a lot more golf! I will also be spending time with my family who have been incredibly supportive and patient.

Q: Do you have any advice for new women lawyers, those in mid-career, and those in “retirement?”

A: My advice for any stage of your legal career is the same – jump in and figure out how to take on a leadership role. New lawyers should join the Westchester Women’s Bar Association and take on the role of organizing a CLE or moderating a program. Mid-career lawyers should think about joining a Board of Directors and working towards leadership positions in a Bar Association (hopefully the WWBA). Retired attorneys are vital contributors to the legal community. My partner, Linda Markowitz and so many WWBA attorneys who have retired continue to volunteer, attend CLEs and forge new ventures. Their actions and continued involvement are directly proportional to how young and vibrant they are!

The bottom line is that if you think taking on a leadership role such as bar president is too much – well it is – but it has been so incredible and transforming. Our profession is challenging. We work hard and have continued pressures. The role of WWBA President has afforded me the ability to step out of the day to day. It has provided a new perspective – new energy – and confidence. Priceless.