At our Gala this spring, I spoke about how showing up can create unexpected and meaningful opportunities. The more I have seen of this profession, the more I have come to believe that the simple act of being present—at a meeting, a CLE, a social, or a courtroom— can change the course of a career, and sometimes even a life.

This October, our Association has not one but two major opportunities for us to show up—for ourselves, for our colleagues, and for our community.

MEET THE JUDGES October 23, 2025

For years, Meet the Judges has been one of the WCBA’s signature events, a cornerstone of our mission to foster dialogue and connection between the bench and the bar. It is a rare and valuable opportunity to engage directly with our judges of the Ninth Judicial District outside the courtroom, in a setting that encourages openness, collegiality, and mutual respect.

This year, we are introducing something brand new: Counsel Connections: Building Skills for a Successful Legal Career. From 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., before the reception begins, we will host a program designed specifically for law students and new lawyers. It will provide practical tools, guidance, and, most importantly, the chance to begin building meaningful relationships with peers, mentors, and members of the judiciary.

I often talk about the power of showing up. Counsel Connections is exactly the kind of program where that power comes to life. For new lawyers, the opportunity to connect directly with judges and seasoned practitioners is invaluable. For experienced lawyers, it is a chance to give back—to share lessons, to offer encouragement, and to help guide the next generation of our profession.

I am also proud that this year’s program is being co-presented with three of our affinity bar partners: the Hudson Valley Hispanic Bar Association, the Westchester Women’s Bar Association, and the Westchester Black Bar Association. This partnership reflects the same spirit that drives our upcoming Multi-Bar Summit: when we come together across communities, we are stronger, more connected, and better equipped to serve. 

So, I urge you: show up. Whether you are a law student, a new lawyer, a mid-career attorney, or a seasoned practitioner, Meet the Judges offers something for you. Mark your calendars for October 23rd at Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University (“Pace Law School”) – you will not want to miss it.

WCBF ANNUAL BENEFIT October 29, 2025

Just as Meet the Judges is about showing up for each other, the Westchester County Bar Foundation’s Annual Benefit is about showing up for our community.

In September 2007, the Foundation established a two-year Public Interest Law Fellowship. The Fellowship provides vital legal help to Westchester’s underserved residents and, at the same time, offers invaluable training to a new lawyer who otherwise might not have the opportunity to do public interest work. Each year, the Benefit raises the funds that make this Fellowship possible.

That means when you attend, sponsor, or place a journal ad, you are directly supporting access to justice in our County and investing in the development of the next generation of public interest lawyers.

It is also an evening where we honor individuals and institutions whose work embodies those same ideals. This year, we are proud to recognize Hon. William J. Giacomo and Kurzman Eisenberg Corbin & Lever, LLP—two honorees who exemplify the very best of our profession.

Hon. William J. Giacomo

Justice Giacomo has long been admired for his thoughtful, fair, and principled approach to the law. He has earned the respect and admiration of lawyers and litigants alike for the way he balances clarity and decisiveness with patience and compassion. 

This recognition is a testament not only to his personal dedication to the bench and bar, but also to the values we all strive to uphold as lawyers – integrity, professionalism, and a deep commitment to justice. Honoring Judge Giacomo at this year’s Benefit is an opportunity to thank him for his years of service, leadership, and example to all of us in the Ninth Judicial District.

Kurzman Eisenberg Corbin & Lever, LLP

The Foundation is equally proud to honor Kurzman Eisenberg Corbin & Lever, LLP, a firm that has set a gold standard for how law should be practiced in Westchester. Over the years, the firm has built a reputation not only for outstanding legal work, but also for collegiality, professionalism, and enduring commitment to the community.

Kurzman Eisenberg demonstrates that the practice of law is about more than courtroom victories—it is about mentoring the next generation, giving back to the community, and modeling the values of service and excellence. Their recognition at this year’s Benefit is a tribute to a firm that has left an indelible mark on our profession.

TWO OPPORTUNITIES, ONE MESSAGE

These two events—Meet the Judges and the WCBF Benefit—may look different on the calendar, but they share a common theme: the power of showing up. When we show up at Meet the Judges, we invest in our relationships with one another and with the judiciary.

When we show up at the WCBF Benefit, we invest in the future of our profession and our community, while celebrating those who light the way forward. Both are about building bridges—across generations, across communities, and across the many roles we play as lawyers.

A CALL TO ACTION

So this October, I ask you to do two things:

• Show up on October 23rd at Pace Law School for Counsel Connections and Meet the Judges. Come ready to learn, connect, and engage.
• Show up on October 29th at the WCBF Annual Benefit. Celebrate Judge Giacomo and Kurzman Eisenberg, support the Foundation’s Public Interest Fellowship, and be part of the work that sustains us all. 

Together, these events remind us that our profession is not just about cases and clients. It is about community. And when we show up for one another, we create opportunities, strengthen bonds, and live out the very best of what it means to be a lawyer.

I look forward to seeing you at both.