By: Susan L. Pollet, Chair of the Archive and Historian Committee
Q: Why did you become involved in the WWBA?
A: Friend and fellow member Shari Gordon recommended that I join the WWBA. We met in court, where she was one of the most impressive adversaries I’ve ever met. We later became good friends. Shari always spoke very highly of the Westchester Chapter and urged me to join since I was a new resident to Westchester and worked here.
For probably well over a year, she’d manage to work in our discussions a pitch or mention why the WWBA would be a great fit for me. Anyone who knows her knows that ‘persistence’ is her middle name (or it should be). I am thankful she was persistent because I honestly feel that joining was one of the best decisions I have made.
I officially joined the WWBA in December 2023 after attending the annual holiday party. One of my most notable memories was attending my first Board meeting. I walked into a room where I probably knew only 3 people. The members were having a “watch party” and were in the middle of watching a fellow member’s induction ceremony. I walked in on the tail end of the ceremony.
Upon my arrival, the members were immediately warm and welcoming to me and it was nice to see them cheering and supporting their fellow members. Quickly after the ceremony ended, the meeting began, and I got to see the Board at work. One of the topics on the agenda that day were nominations for WBASNY awards and members gave synopses of the bios for their respective nominees. It was inspiring to hear about the accomplishments of the attorneys in our chapter. What was more impressive was how much was accomplished in that 1.5 hr. long meeting!! Then, just like that…the meeting was over, and everyone started heading out. I remember being one of the last people in the room because I wanted to meet everyone. I truly felt a warm connection with the women in the room and wanted to become a part of this space. I met a group of very motivating women who were all bad a**es in their respective fields.
Since joining, I have attended a few non-legal events that have reinforced Shari’s sentiment that this chapter is more like a sisterhood than a typical Bar Association. That’s when I knew that I wanted to be a part of the WWBA and she was right, it’s been a great fit.
Q: In what capacity are you currently serving?
A: Currently I am a State Director and Co-Chair on the Criminal Law Committee.
Q: Tell us about your legal career and what inspired you.
A: I have been a practitioner for a little over 10 years, and I have represented clients in family, matrimonial and criminal matters.
I started my legal career working in New York State government, learning firsthand about the NYS Senate legislative processes. I was also a former Assistant District Attorney and later practiced as a Criminal Defense Attorney. My transition to private practice allowed me to expand my scope and sharpen my skills at becoming a better trial attorney. I've also handled cases involving divorce, custody and visitation, support and other family matters.
While my career path certainly did not take on a ‘traditional’ trajectory, I’ve been very fortunate to have experience in both the government and private sectors. The inspiration in my career path was not a singular event, but a culmination of experiences leading to the realization of where I could make the greatest positive impact without overstretching my boundaries. My strongest motivator as an attorney has always been working directly within my community.
Q: What would be your advice to new attorneys?
A: Take advantage of every and any new opportunity that comes your way. Law school only scratches the surface – after the Bar, the world is a completely different place. Sometimes you know what you are meant to practice but most people don’t know….and that is ok. That’s why it’s important to try new things, if you can.
Q: How do you balance your legal career with other aspects of life?
A: For me, balancing work and life have been a continuing work in progress. With experience comes many different levels and stages in life and it is important to be able to transition or adjust accordingly. I am a perpetual student in that regard.
Q: What are your interests outside of the law and community activities?
A: Most people don’t know this about me, but I love dance- all genres. I used to perform at local events/venues in the Latin dance community in New York. Dance has always been an awesome stress reliever and form of expression for me. I have recently started dancing at my studio again after taking a long hiatus in 2020 after the COVID related shutdowns. I’m hoping to be able to keep up and incorporate this new routine into my schedule.
Q: What do you hope to achieve in coming years?
A: I look forward to becoming more involved in the local Westchester County based community and continuing my work with the Westchester Woman’s Bar Association.
