Courts and Law Bay Ridge

Bay Ridge Lawyers send off President Becker at annual dinner

June 25, 2015 By Rob Abruzzese Brooklyn Daily Eagle

The Bay Ridge Lawyers Association (BRLA) hosted its 61st annual dinner dance on Wednesday, where it honored outgoing President Lisa Becker. BRLA officers pictured from left: Stephen Spinelli, Joann Monaco, Grace M. Borrino, Lisa Becker, Joseph R. Vasile and Margaret M. Stanton. Eagle photos by Rob Abruzzese

The Bay Ridge Lawyers Association (BRLA) hosted its 61st annual dinner dance on Wednesday, where it honored outgoing President Lisa Becker. BRLA officers pictured from left: Stephen Spinelli, Joann Monaco, Grace M. Borrino, Lisa Becker, Joseph R. Vasile and Margaret M. Stanton. Eagle photos by Rob Abruzzese

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The Bay Ridge Lawyers Association hosted its 61st annual dinner dance to mark the end of its year and to honor its outgoing President Lisa Becker at the Vanderbilt South Beach in Staten Island on Wednesday night.

“It’s tradition for the Bay Ridge Lawyers to honor its outgoing president at the annual dinner dance,” said past President Rose Ann C. Branda. “Tonight we gather to honor our president, Lisa Becker. Tonight is not only a celebration of all you’ve done and all of your legal accomplishments which led to your presidency, it’s a complete celebration of your life and a testament to your inner strength, determination and fortitude.”

Becker served as president of the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association (BRLA) for less than a year after she survived a battle with lymphoma. Branda noted that it is amazing Becker was able to serve in her role as president with such grace even as she was still in recovery. Branda added that it was a love of the association and desire to serve as its president that drove Becker.

“She wanted to run this organization as president for the longest time and in the worst way,” recalled Branda, who served as Becker’s mentor early in her legal career. “She waited, she worked on several committees, she paid her dues and, once elected, she successfully forged ahead despite tremendous physical challenges in what I have to presume was the worst year of her life.”

Past President Pat Russo also spoke highly of Becker’s work as president and introduced Andrew Gounardes, general counsel to Borough President Eric Adams, who then presented Becker with a citation from Adams’ office. Russo also presented Becker with more certificates and citations from the offices of Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis, state Sen. Marty Golden and Congressman Daniel Donovan.

“I want to share my own congratulations to my friend, colleague and President Lisa Becker for a well-deserved honor,” Russo said. “The Bay Ridge Lawyers Association has a long history of being recognized as a great bar association by its elected officials, and this year is no different.”

Finally, Becker addressed the crowd. She presented flowers to Branda, whom she credited with telling her to join the BRLA, and to her mother, Barbara Becker. She also made sure to thank those who helped her in her recovery from lymphoma, including her family and her colleagues at the BRLA who helped her get through her year.

“So many people have asked me, ‘are you happy it’s over?’ And, no, I am not,” Becker said. “I really and truly enjoyed this year. I loved attending all of the events as president of this wonderful association and as a representative of this association.

“I was one of the lucky ones who made it through the rain and survived and I could not have done it without so many of you who are here tonight,” Becker continued. “It’s amazing what a difference two years makes. Two years ago tonight was very different for me. I am truly blessed to be here celebrating an amazing year with all of you.”

For more photos from this event, see BrooklynArchive.com.

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