Brooklyn Bar Association inducts new president

June 14, 2013 By Rob Abruzzesse Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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The Brooklyn Bar Association inducted its new president, Andrew Fallek, as well as its newly elected officers and trustees during an event in the Ceremonial Courtroom at Brooklyn Borough Hall on Wednesday.

“I feel so much pride to be the president of the Brooklyn Bar Association at a time when Brooklyn is doing so well,” Fallek said after he was introduced by immediate past president Domenick Napoletano. “Recently Brooklyn has become known for its small boutique shops and restaurants, but it’s always had great boutique law firms that have provided excellent craft legal services.”

The new officers inducted include Rebecca Woodland as president-elect, Arthur L. Aidala as first vice president, Hon. Frank R. Seddio as second vice president, Aimee L. Richter as secretary, and David M. Chidekel as treasurer.

The new trustees in the class of 2016 include Elaine N. Avery, Armena D. Gayle, David J. Hernandez, Richard Klass, Anthony J. Lamberti, Deborah Lashley, and Joseph S. Rosato.

Borough President Marty Markowitz spoke at the event and was quick to point out that just as Brooklyn stole the Nets from New Jersey, it has now stolen New Jersey resident Fallek as well. Markowitz then presented Fallek with a Nets hat and shirt. “People used to run out of Brooklyn to Jersey, but now it’s so cool that they’re coming back,” Markowitz said.

Past president Steven D. Cohn introduced the elected officials and bar leaders before remarks were given. Hon. Ellen Spodek and Past President John Lonuzzi gave remarks before the new trustees and officials were sworn in.

“Fallek possesses all of the qualities, including intelligence and patience, to excel as president of the bar association,” Judge Spodek said. “He’s like Fox News – fair and balanced – except he actually is.”

“Andy was afraid to ask me to speak today because he was afraid I would roast him,” Lonuzzi joked. “I assured him that I would indeed roast him and there is so much potential material, but we’ll have to save that for another day.”

Hon. Barry Kamins introduced the new trustees, but not before he gave some kind words about Fallek as well. “For his entire career, he’s been an attorney of principal, conscience, and skill,” Kamins said. “The Brooklyn Bar is thrilled to have him as president and we could not be in better hands.”

Fallek commended Napoletano for his work as president, pointed out that the CLEs have been much improved under him, and congratulated him for his work on the first golf outing, which is expected to be an annual event. He said that while he doesn’t foresee making big changes as the new president, he will be looking into everything to see where improvements can be made.

“I don’t believe in reinventing the wheel, but I do believe in checking the tires,” Fallek said.