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Attorneys fête local judges at annual bash

Attorneys fête local judges at annual bash
Photo by Steve Solomonson

Legal eagles with the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn packed Gargiulo’s eatery in Coney Island on Dec. 6 for the group’s annual Judges Night, an event that celebrates local jurists’ contributions to civic life in the borough, according to the association’s president.

“We seek to recognize the accomplishments of the judges in our judicial system,” said Joseph Rosato. “We break bread together.”

Kings County judges Justice Teresa Cicotto, Justice Dena Douglas, Justice Vincent Martorana, Justice Lorna McAlister, Justice Rosemarie Montalbano, Justice Richard Montelione, Justice Kim Petersen, and Justice Carolyn Wade hobnobbed with attendees including Brooklyn Democratic Party boss Frank Seddio and other local movers and shakers over drinks and a spread of Italian delicacies served up by the Italian restaurant.

The decades-old Association initially started as a group for Italian lawyers, according to Rosato, who said that members gladly expanded their ranks to include legal professionals of all backgrounds over the years.

“The purpose of it initially was to bring the legal community together, in particular those of Italian descent, to establish ourselves as leaders in the community and foster camaraderie amongst the different attorneys of Italian descent,” Rosato said. “Some years back we happily opened it up to those of all heritage, all backgrounds, not just those of Italian descent, and we’ve enjoyed the membership increase.”

Reach reporter Julianne McShane at (718) 260–2523 or by e-mail at jmcshane@cnglocal.com. Follow her on Twitter @juliannemcshane.