Kings County Criminal Bar Association honors retiring judges during holiday party

December 19, 2016 By Rob Abruzzese, Legal Editor Brooklyn Daily Eagle

The Kings County Criminal Bar Association hosted its annual holiday party in Brooklyn Heights on Thursday where it honored a pair of retiring judges. Pictured from left: Darren Fields, Michael V. Cibella, Michael C. Farkas and Christopher Wright. Eagle photos by Rob Abruzzese

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With more than 100 people in attendance, the Kings County Criminal Bar Association (KCCBA) held one of the biggest holiday parties in the organization’s history in Brooklyn Heights on Thursday where it also honored retiring judges Hon. Alan Marrus and Hon. Patricia Henry.

“We had an unprecedented turnout tonight,” said Michael Farkas, president of the Kings County Criminal Bar Association. “It’s a testament to how far this organization has come. We’ve never been healthier, never been more vibrant and we’re looking forward to more great things in 2017.”

The KCCBA has honored other retiring judges throughout the year, but took the opportunity at this meeting to recognize Marrus and Henry.

“Judge Marrus is the seminal Supreme Court criminal term judge,” Farkas said. “I doubt that anyone has handled more homicides and serious felonies than he. Whenever you are sent to Judge Marrus, you know you are getting someone who really knows what they’re doing and cares about being fair.”

“Judge Henry is a legend in the domestic violence community,” Farkas continued. “She dedicated her career to the service of victims of domestic violence and — just as much as anyone — served to raise awareness and actually help the community of domestic violence victims in Kings County and NYC.”

No plaques or awards were given out to the judges. Instead, Farkas and the KCCBA donated money to charitable organizations of each judge’s choosing. In Marrus’ name, the group donated to The Bini Fund, an organization that donates to Staten Islanders in need. In Henry’s name, the KCCBA donated to Hour Children, a group that helps formerly incarcerated women rejoin society.

“Here at the KCCBA, we’re not really into plaques, so this has started becoming a tradition for us,” Farkas said. “When we asked each judge who we should donate to, neither of them hesitated for a second, and we are proud to make these donations in their names.”