A Chapter of the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY)

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Member NEWS

❑ Leason Ellis congratulates Elizabeth Barnhard on her inclusion in the 2025 IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists, where she is ranked in IP management consultancy. The IAM Strategy 300 highlights professionals worldwide who help organizations protect innovation and realize the business value of their intellectual property. Selected through peer nominations and rigorous research, those named to the list are recognized for their insight and impact in shaping effective IP strategies. Elizabeth’s inclusion reflects her broad experience guiding clients across industries to develop strong IP portfolios that support growth and innovation. We congratulate her on this well-deserved honor and celebrate her continued leadership in shaping the value of intellectual property on a global scale. Congratulations Elizabeth!

❑ Orange Bank appoints WWBA member  Stephanie Melowsky to Lead Legal Services Division, Overseen by Industry Veteran Joseph Ruhl. See full press release HERE. Congratulations Stephanie!

❑ WWBA Past President, Elizabeth Z. Marcus, Esq., has been appointed as the Principal Law Clerk to the Honorable Anne B. Bianchi, Westchester County Court Judge.    

❑ In January, WWBA member Norma Lopez began a new position as Court Attorney-Referee with the Westchester Supreme Court, Law Department- 9th Judicial District. Congratulations Norma! 

❑Susan L. Pollet, Past President of the WWBA and Archive and Historian Chair, published an ebook poetry collection entitled “Menagerie of Musings", which can be found on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Menagerie-Musings-Susan-Pollet-ebook/dp/B0DRYZJPM9/ Each poem appears in the theme where its primary message or imagery is most strongly represented. The sections progress from personal and familial relationships through broader social issues, natural observations, and finally to spiritual contemplation, creating a journey from the concrete to the abstract, from the personal to the universal. Congratulations to Susan!

❑ WWBA member and Co-Chair to the WWBA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, Melissa G. Andrieux, Esq. was promoted to Partner at Dorf Nelson & Zauderer LLP! As shared by Dorf Nelson & Zauderer LLP on LinkedIn: "Melissa began her career at Dorf Nelson & Zauderer LLP in 2018 as an Associate in the Commercial Litigation Department. Since that time, she has been an invaluable member of our team, consistently going above and beyond with her hard work and dedication. Melissa’s role at DNZ evolved and she transitioned from litigation associate to a valued member of the management team. This promotion is a reflection of her incredible contributions to the growth and reputation of the firm and we are thrilled to see Melissa take on this new role.[...]" The WWBA congratulates Melissa on this accomplishment!


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Interview of the Month

An Interview with 
Melissa G. Andrieux, Esq.

Susan L. Pollet

Chair of the Archive and Historian Committee 

Q: Why did you become involved in the WWBA?
A: I became involved with the Westchester Women’s Bar Association because I wanted to be part of a community that supports and advances women in the legal profession. I was drawn to the organization’s commitment to professional development, mentorship, and in particular, its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging in the legal profession. The WWBA’s mission aligns with my own values, especially its work to support women lawyers and promote equal opportunities for all. Being part of the WWBA has not only allowed me to build strong relationships, but it’s also given me meaningful opportunities to collaborate with others who share a passion for inclusion and belonging, and to contribute to meaningful change both within the profession and in the broader community.

Q: In what capacity are you currently serving?
A: I am currently a Board Member and a co-chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Q: Tell us about your legal career and what inspired you.

A: What first inspired me to become a lawyer, and specifically a prosecutor, was actually the TV show The Practice, starring Lara Flynn Boyle. As a young woman watching her on TV, I thought she was so cool, confident, and badass, standing up in court and fighting for justice. That image stuck with me, and from that point on, I had tunnel vision: I decided I wanted to be like her.

That initial spark grew into a genuine passion for the law as I got older. I was fascinated by the idea of using legal skills to help people and make a tangible difference in my community. After law school, I was fortunate enough to land my dream job as an Assistant District Attorney in Queens County, where I had grown up. Being able to serve the community that shaped me felt incredibly meaningful.

During my time as a prosecutor, I tried many cases and found purpose in seeking justice for victims and ensuring that the legal process was fair and transparent. It was both challenging and rewarding work, and it gave me invaluable courtroom experience and the ability to think on my feet under pressure.

Over time, like many attorneys, I decided to transition into civil litigation. Although the subject matter had changed, I was still helping people, but in a different context. I was fortunate enough to land at a wonderful firm, Dorf Nelson & Zauderer LLP, which presented so many new career opportunities that I was quick to grab. continue »

President's Message

by Jill Oziemblewski


It has been an extraordinary honor to serve as President of the Westchester Women’s Bar Association during this landmark year, which marked our 50th Anniversary and Jubilee. This milestone offered us the opportunity not only to reflect on our rich history, but also to reaffirm our mission of advancing and supporting women in the legal profession. Our programs brought together past leaders, current members, and future generations, highlighting the enduring strength and impact of our organization over five decades. We look forward to celebrating with everyone and setting the path forward at the Annual Dinner and Installation of Officers on June 3, 2026.

The last month of my Presidency began with joining the Saturday hiking group for a walk in Katonah on May 2, 2026. The day was cool with sun through the clouds; the Muscoot Reservoir looked glassy and still, and, importantly, full. We thank Marie A. Corliss, Esq., Principal Attorney and founding member of Corliss Law Group, P.C., along with her team, for conceiving these easy Saturday hikes around Westchester. It gives us a wonderful way to begin the weekend with some air and conversation.

Health and wellness initiatives have been a consistent part of my platform, but the WWBA has long recognized the benefits of promoting health and wellness to offset the demands of legal practice. Many past Presidents have offered golf outings, apple picking, step challenges, or other walking opportunities, and of course we all appreciate outdoor networking events, especially when the weather works in our favor!

In a field that is tightly linked to high stress, long hours, adversarial work, and constant deadlines, initiatives that support wellness aren’t just “nice to have,” but directly affect whether attorneys can function effectively over time. As attorneys we are obligated to provide competent and ethical representation. Chronic stress, poor mental health, or substance misuse can impair judgment, diligence, and communication—core duties of the profession. Promoting wellness helps protect those standards. There’s also a clear community-building benefit. While legal work can be isolating or overly competitive, wellness events create lower-pressure environments where members can connect as people, not just as counsel.[...]

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