The WWBA, Our Chosen Family

The Westchester Women’s Bar Association is not simply an organization of members; it is our chosen family. We come together for more than meetings, professional development, and opportunities to learn new areas of law or revisit familiar ones. We come together because we genuinely want to spend time with one another, be it in furtherance of our common legal interests but also socially. We are a community built on mutual support, deep connection and shared success.

A Community That Shows Up                                                                                             

On June 3rd, I had the tremendous honor of being sworn in as the 34th President of the WWBA by the Honorable Rowan D. Wilson, Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, at our Annual Dinner of the Installation of Officers held at the Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club. The event was attended by more than 300 people, a powerful reflection of our members' dedication to this organization, and to one another. It was an evening I will never forget, surrounded by love, encouragement and unwavering support from our WWBA family.

When I reflect on that evening, I am reminded of what makes the WWBA so extraordinary. At the WWBA, every milestone is shared, every achievement is celebrated together, and every member's success strengthens us all. It is that collective spirit that makes the WWBA not just an organization, but a family.

And just as importantly, when one of us is facing a challenge, or is in need, we show up for one another with compassion. I remember when my father passed away in 2005 and I sat shiva, I recall seeing WWBA members arrive to pay their respects. Some were people I did not know well, but I knew they were WWBA members who were there because they wanted to support me. In that moment, my chosen family showed up. Likewise, the same happened when I lost my mother in 2012.

That is the essence of the WWBA: a community that supports one another in times of joy and in times of sorrow.

Celebrating Joy and Service

●  Celebrating a new arrival: On June 21st, WWBA Past President Elizabeth Marcus gave birth to Serafina Ruby, a beautiful girl. Congratulations to Elizabeth and her family.

●   Honoring Deborah Scalise: At the Legal Services of the Hudson Valley Gala on September 16th, the WWBA’s own Deborah Scalise, my dear friend of more than 20 years, will receive the Partner in Justice Award at Greentree Country Club in New Rochelle. Deb has given so much to all of us and to the community at large. We thank her from the bottom of our hearts. More information can be found here: 2026 Equal Access to Justice Gala | Legal Services of the Hudson Valley

Walking Together for Causes Close to Our Hearts

●  American Heart Association Walk: On September 26th, we will walk in support of WWBA family members who have suffered from heart disease, as well as those whose loved ones have been affected. Last year, Past WWBA President Sherry Bishko’s husband served as the keynote speaker and shared the story of his battle with heart disease, which nearly took his life. More information can be found here: Donate or Join Team WWBA

●  Making Strides Against Breast Cancer: On October 18th, we will walk with Team Orbach at Manhattanville University for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. So many friends, family members, and WWBA members have endured or been lost to this disease. I am proud to serve as a sponsor in support of a dear friend. More information can be found here: Donate or Join Team Orbach

Gathering, Reading, and Celebrating

● Hon. Lisa Margaret Smith Book Club: The WWBA Hon. Lisa Margaret Smith Book Club welcomes all members to gather on September 14th at Past WWBA President Kathleen Donelli’s home to discuss The Women Who Raised Our Nation by Cokie Roberts, facilitated by Jane Gould. The Book Club will gather again on November 9th at Dorothy Finger’s home to discuss Good People by Patmeena Sabit, facilitated by WWBA Vice President Tanya Briendel.

● Fall Social: On September 23rd, the WWBA Membership Committee will host its annual Fall Social on the Water at The Sailhouse in Tarrytown. The event is a wonderful networking opportunity and free for Judges and students. This year’s event will feature live jazz music by Carlos Jimenez Mambo Dulcet. Thank you to our generous sponsors: Barnum Financial, BankUnited, the Ferrante Realty Team, M&T Bank and OurFamilyWizard. Register for the Fall Social

●  Annual Holiday Party: On December 9, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., we will celebrate the annual WWBA Holiday Party at the Woman's Club of White Plains, 305 Ridgeway, White Plains, NY 10605. We will wear red to celebrate the season and one another.

Together in the Law: Upcoming CLEs & Programs

● September 9, 2026, at 6 p.m. - General Membership Meeting - WWBA Health Law Committee Presents "Understanding Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) within the End-of-Life Continuum of Care” with Speakers Dr. Mary Beth Quaranta Morrissey, Esq., PhD, MPH, Cheryl A. Kraus, Esq., and Dr. Mary Breda Morrissey, MD, MBA, MS at the Legal Aid Society, 150 Grand St #100, White Plains, NY 10601. Sponsored by Farrell Fritz, P.C.   REGISTER TODAY

●  September 14, 2026, at 6 p.m. - The Judge Lisa M. Smith Book Club

●  September 15, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. - The WWBA is pleased to sponsor a FREE CLE Training from the New York State Unified Court System’s Office for Justice Initiatives for the Westchester County Supreme Court Uncontested Divorce Clinic. Reception sponsored by the Westchester Women’s Bar Association at 1:30 p.m. prior to the CLE program. Registration Information

● September 24, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. - The WWBA Judicial Committee Presents a Brown Bag Lunch Panel: A Civil Pathway to the Bench with Panelists Hon. Anne E. Minihan, Hon. Maritza Fugaro and Hon. Mary Lynn Nicolas-Brewster. REGISTER TODAY

● October 1, 2026, at 5 p.m. - The WWBA Litigation Committee Presents a Free Virtual CLE “NY CPLR UPDATE – Important New Stuff!" with speaker Hon. Mark C. Dillon, Appellate Division, Second Department.  REGISTER TODAY

●  October 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. - The WWBA Wellness Committee presents a free virtual program “Take Charge of Your Health: The Power in Screening for Breast and Lung Cancer” with Columbia University Medical Faculty members Nancy E. Mills, MD, Medical Oncology and Charles L. Fishman, MD Pulmonology. REGISTER TODAY

● October 7, 2026, at 1 p.m. - The Pace Women’s Justice Center, Hope’s Door and the WWBA Domestic Violence Committee are pleased to host a free virtual program: "Recognizing the Signs of Coercive Control" with speakers Tanya Briendel, Esq., Supervising Attorney, Uncontested Divorce and Family Preparedness Programs at Pace Women’s Justice Center, Mia Pergolizzi, Esq., Chief of Legal Services, Hope’s Door and Amanda Rieben, Esq., Partner, Abrams, Fensterman LLP.  REGISTER TODAY

● October 13, 2026 - Counsel Fees CLE - Presented by the WWBA Matrimonial and Families, Children & The Courts Committees at the Legal Aid Society, 150 Grand St #100, White Plains, NY 10601. Details to follow.

● November 4, 2026, at 6 p.m. - General Membership Meeting - The WWBA Matrimonial Committee CLE Presents “The Hidden Assets in Matrimonial Proceedings” – Sponsored by KLG+EisnerAmper at the Legal Aid Society, 150 Grand St #100, White Plains, NY 10601. Details to follow.

● November 19, 2026, at 6 p.m. - The WWBA Environmental & Land Use Committee Presents a CLE Program: “What’s Next After the “Let Them Build” and DEC Amendments to SEQRA” with speakers Lucia Chiocchio, Esq., Cuddy & Feder LLP, Drew Gamils, Esq., Riverkeeper, Inc., and Jennifer L. Gray, Esq., Keane & Beane P.C. at the Legal Aid Society, 150 Grand Street #100, White Plains, NY. REGISTER TODAY

Why We Choose to Join the WWBA?

There is truly no better reason to join the WWBA. Become a member today and let us welcome you into our family. Always remember, the WWBA welcomes members of all genders.

Shari R. Gordon

President