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Kings Inn of Court to explain how oral advocacy can be ‘Good, Bad & Ugly’

Chuck Otey's Pro Bono Barrister

October 27, 2014 By Charles F. Otey, Esq. Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Inns of Court President Dave Chidekel. Eagle file photo
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The Kings County Nathan R. Sobel Inn of Court will hold a highly relevant and illustrative CLE session Oct. 28, starting at 6 p.m., at Brooklyn Bar Headquarters, 123 Remsen St., we’ve been advised by Inn Administrator Lucy DiSalvo.

Leading the highly regarded legal organization, which is fashioned in the style of the ancient Inns of Court in London, is President Dave Chidekel.

The presentation panel — offering a provocative topic, described as “Oral Advocacy: The Good, Bad & Ugly” — will be chaired by Acting Supreme Court Justice Miriam Cyrulnik and Joseph Rosato. They and their team, which includes Judge Pamela Fisher, Kerry Ward, Perry Silver, Domenick Napoletano, Bonnie Kurtz, Ned Kurtz, Evan Goldberg and Melissa Bonaldes, will do their utmost to demonstrate the best— and the worst — of oral advocacy, which is regarded by many as the most challenging aspect of the practice of law.

Other Inn officers include President-elect Justice Arthur Schack, Counselor Justice Miriam Cyrulnik, Treasurer Jon Besunder and Secretary Appellate Division Justice Sylvia Hinds-Radix.

Following the tradition of the ancient Inns, the Kings chapter is governed by a board of masters that includes: Hon. Ellen M. Spodek, immediate past president; Hon. Ronald J. Aiello; Hon. Gloria Cohen Aronin; Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix; Andrea Bonina, Esq.; Jon Besunder, Esq.; Hon. Cheryl E. Chambers; Hon. Miriam Cyrulnik; Lawrence DiGiovanna, Esq.; Steven Goolnick, Esq.; Steven J. Harkavy, Esq.; Hon. Barry Kamins; Hon. William Kuntz, II; Hon. Carl J. Landicino; Victoria Lombardi, Esq.; Mark A. Longo, Esq.; Hon. John Lonuzzi, Esq.; Hon. Joanne Quinones; Joseph S. Rosato, Esq.; Paul Weitz, Esq.; and Hon. Edward M. Rappaport, president emeritus.

The Inn was founded almost 15 years ago by Justice Marsha Steinhardt, now retired Justices Gerard Rosenberg and Abraham Gerges and former Justice Edward Rappaport. Inn executive director is Jeffrey Feldman. Inn administrator is Lucy DiSalvo, who promises that all members who show up by 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 28 will be served a “delicious buffet dinner.”


Spend a Day at the Spa, Get CLE Credit, a Pedicure, or a “Blow Out.” 

The Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association (BWBA) — led this year by President Justice Marsha Steinhardt— will take part in one of its most cutting-edge endeavors on Nov. 5, when BWBA members journey over to the Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa at the West Side Chelsea Piers to receive an “Ethics Update 2014,” as well as some fringe benefits.

It’s a joint venture, actually, being held in conjunction with the New York State Trial Lawyers Institute and the New York State Trial Lawyers Women’s Caucus.

“This course will provide an overview of hot topics and trends in the area of ethics and professionalism,” according to a spokesperson. “Using the rules of professional conduct, precedent and bar association advisory opinions, the presenters will provide proactive advice about the best practices to avoid grievances.”

While the lunch will be sponsored by Diamond Reporting & Legal Video, the admission fee will also include a “30-minute massage or facial” and a “30-minute pedicure or blow out.” This special treatment will be available before, or after, the 2 p.m. CLE program — from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or 3 to 7 p.m.

Other officers include President-Elect Helene Blank, Vice President Joanne Minsky Cohen, Vice President Justice Ellen Spodek, Treasurer Sue Novick Wasko, Recording Secretary B.B. Liu, Secretary Sara Gozo and Corresponding Secretary Natoya L. McGhie.

Cervantes Society to Honor Avery Okin and Others at Oct. 30 Ceremony

The hardworking, well-organized Avery Okin — executive director of the Brooklyn Bar Association — will be among the honorees Oct. 30 when the Cervantes Society holds its 19th Annual Award Ceremony in the Rotunda of New York County Supreme Court at 60 Centre St. in Manhattan.

Master of ceremonies for the event, which gets underway at 6 p.m., will be Hon. Ariel E. Belen, Ret., a JAM mediator and arbitrator. Sharing the spotlight with barrister Okin will be: Judge Jenny Rivera, associate judge, New York State Court of Appeals; Sgt. David Salazar, instructor, New York State Court Officers Academy; and Denise Ramos-Salazar, New York City Church of Christ.

The very popular Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Nueva York will perform and a reception will follow.

Further information can be had by phoning Luz Ryan at 347-225-7498, or Evelyn Stewart at 917-923- 6716. Also visit www.cervantessociety.org.

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