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Thomas J. Hall
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Christopher J. Fitzpatrick
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Toni Ann Barone
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Jay S. Duskin
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Alan S. Katkin
Denise Marangos
William F. Mastro
Sheila T. McGinn
Serena M. Stonick
Edward Wagner
Peter J. Weinman
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President's Msg.

Since 1909,  the Richmond County Bar Association has been dedicated to advancing its members' professional development, promoting the highest standards of excellence in the practice of law and facilitating access to legal services for the Richmond County community.  

The RCBA encourages quality and ethics in the practice of law through the professional development of our members. We strive to provide a more effective delivery of legal services for the Staten Island community, while upholding the integrity of the judiciary and the dignity of the profession of law.  

Recent Messages From our President.

  • Spring 2013, President Sipp.
    The Richmond County Bar Association (RCBA) sponsored a Welcoming reception for New York. State Bar Association (NYSBA) President Seymour .lames on February 27, 2013.  President James detailed the efforts of the RCBA and the NYSBA in assisting "the victims of Superstorm Sandy. " I further advised that a great deal of work will be required in the not. to distant future as insurance claims and foreclosures were likely to increase as a result of the storm. 

    At the reception, the NYSBA Delegates from the Thirteenth Judicial District and the NYSBA Delegates from the RCBA advised the RCBA Board of Directors that since the formation of the Thirteenth Judicial District Richmond County has received a greater number of "NYSBA Delegates. As a direct result, Richmond County has an increased profile at the NYSBA meetings and has played a larger role in expressing the concerns of attorneys and litigants from Richmond County. 

    On January 17, 2013, The Honorable Judith McMahon, the RCBA, the Staten Island Trial Lawyers and the Staten Island Women’s Bar Association, held a forum for local high schools. At the forum, the students were able to View an arraignment calendar, listen to a victim's impact statement, and be advised of the legal ramifications of drunken driving and cyber-bullying. 

    As we look forward, the next few months will be busy as We are in the process of planning Law Day on Wednesday, May I, 2013 with the program lo be held in Judge McMahon’s Courtroom. Anthony Bisignano, Esq. will serve as Chairman of the event as he has for many years. Members of the RCBA are welcomed to attend! The RCBA will be holding the Annual Banquet at the Staten Island Hilton on Thursday, May 9, 2013. This year we will Honor Justice William F. Mastro, Justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department, as the Honoree of the Year and We also will acknowledge James L. Kelley, Esq. with the Richard D. Lasher Meritorious Service Award. 

    As this is the last President’s message of the RCBA calendar year, much appreciation is extended to the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee for their efforts in meeting our goals of increasing our membership and in Continuing to strengthen the RCBAÜS financial Standing.

    Respectfully submitted, 
    Thomas A. Sipp, Esq.
    Posted Mar 21, 2013, 5:39 AM by Pete Weinman
  • Winter 2013, President Sipp.
    The last month has been a difficult time for Staten Island and other areas affected by Super Storm Sandy. 1 hope this correspondence finds the members of the RCBA and their families healthy and safe.

     The RCBA acted immediately to assist members and the local community. The RCBA established a service for members whose offices had been displaced or whose business had been disrupted. Through the New York State Bar Association, the RCBA offered members the opportunity to provide pro bono services. The RCBA assisted in representing and advising families and business owners in need by working with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York at a forum held at the Staten Island Hilton. NYSBA President Seymour James has hosted numerous telephone conferences with the Bar Association Presidents from all five boroughs and Long Island. I can report that Staten Island has been a focus of these conferences. The RCBA and the Staten Island Trial Lawyers’ are working on hosting a free CLE to provide the necessary education for post disaster relief representation

    In addition to the work regarding Super Storm Sandy, the Association will continue to provide monthly CLE programs. In January, Judge McMahon and Judge Rienzi with the RCBA, the Staten Island Trial Lawyers, and the Staten Island Women’s Bar Association will host representatives from all of Staten Island’s High Schools to advise them of the long term personal and legal affects of drunken driving and bullying.

    The RCBA also held the Holiday Party to gather for holiday cheer and to thank all court personnel. The party was well attended with over 200 attendees. I would like to thank Carol Wojtowicz, Matthew Santomauro and John P. Connors, Jr. for Chairing the Holiday Party Committee.

    In closing, The Honorable Anthony I. Giacobbe will be retiring (mandatorily) as of December 31, 2012. Judge Giacobbe has been a member of the RCBA for over 50 years. We wish Judge Giacobbe many future successes and much happiness.

    Respectfully.
    Thomas Sipp, Esq., President

    Posted Feb 13, 2013, 8:37 AM by Pete Weinman
  • Fall 2012, President Sipp.
    The Richmond County Bar Association's Executive Board and Board of Directors held meetings during the months of July and August to ensure that the 2012-2013 term was enjoyable and successful.

    As a brief recap, Carol Wojtovvicz, Esq. and the young lawyer's committee organized and coached the RCBA bowling team which competed every Wednesday night in June and July. On September 6, former President John Z. Marangos, Esq. sponsored a CLE at the McGinn Center on the grounds of Staten Island University Hospital. We look forward to having future CLE's at the McGinn Center and thank Staten Island University Hospital for its generosity. On September 13, Jack Stern, Esq., former President James Birch, Esq., Graig Martin, Esq. and Peter Martin, Esq. co-chaired the golf and tennis outing which not only resulted in a net profit but also provided attorneys, judges, real estate brokers, and members of the banking community with an opportunity to compete and enjoy a beautiful day.

    On the fall schedule, Ray Liebman, Esq. and the Tax Committee will present a CLE on September 2 sponsored by Duane C. Felton, Esq., Judge McMahon will host a Guardianship CLE in the Supreme Court on October 4, Joseph Canepa, Esq. will moderate an Immigration CLE on [Immigration Consequences of Criminal Dispositions in NYS after Padilla v. Kentucky and C.P.L. 440, Post conviction Relief Practice] act on October 18 and as usual the Surrogate's Court Committee and Surrogate Gigante will offer a CLE at the Surrogate's Court in November.

    In addition, to the CLE's Joseph O'Shea, Esq. will provide a great night of laughter and memories at the annual Night of Nostalgia and the holiday party plans are already underway. Your attendance and participation in these events affords you a wonderful opportunity to network, meet with old friends and colleagues and support the RCBA. We look forward to seeing you soon!

    Posted Oct 12, 2012, 5:33 AM by Pete Weinman
  • Summer 2012, President Sipp
    Over the last ten to fifteen years, Staten Island’s legal community has experienced many advancements that impact the way in which we practice law.

    The County Clerk’s office moved from the basement of 18 Richmond Terrace to its present home at 130 Stuyvesant Place. A new Article 81 part was established abolishing the need for attorneys, family members, and disabled persons to travel to Kings County for what is an extremely delicate and at times emotionally draining proceeding. Through the efforts of Senator Andrew J. Lanza and Assemblyman Michael J. Cusick, Staten Island became the Thirteenth Judicial District. The creation of the Thirteenth Judicial District resulted in judicial independence for Staten Island and the creation of an Administrative Judge’s position where Judith N. McMahon, Staten Island first elected Supreme Court Justice, now serves. Finally, in the coming months the new Courthouse will be completed and ready for business.

    These advancements have improved the practice of law on Staten Island and the Richmond County Bar Association has been an integral part in working to make these advancements happen. The RCBA has hosted legislative breakfasts, welcomed Office of Court Administration officials to the RCBA’s membership meetings and met with members of the Judiciary.

    In order for the RCBA to continue to remain active in improving the legal system we must continue to grow our membership and secure our financial stability for the future. The Young Lawyer’s Committee, revived by Denise Marangos, Esq., and now led by Jeffrey Alfano, Esq. and Carol Wojtowicz, Esq. has been successful in recruiting young lawyers. The Volunteer Lawyers Project has also brought new members to the RCBA. In regard to financial stability, the Executive Board has established relationships that have resulted in sponsorships for our CLE Seminars, Annual Meetings, General Membership meetings and other RCBA sponsored events.

    I look forward to a prosperous 2012-2013 year in which the RCBA continues to grow in numbers and secures financial stability for years to come.

    Respectfully Submitted,
    THOMAS A. SIPP
    Posted Aug 14, 2012, 10:06 AM by Pete Weinman
  • Spring 2012, President Mulhall.
    Q.  When is a courthouse not a courthouse?
    A.  When that courthouse is 130 Stuyvesant Place.

    Secure Pass ID cards are supposed to "allow holders to enter New York State courthouses without having to pass through magnetometers".  The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), the agency which provides security for 130 Stuyvesant Place, believes that 130 Stuyvesant Place is not a "court facility" and, therefore, does not allow the holders of Secure Pass ID cards to enter 130 Stuyvesant Place without passing through magnetometers.  Ron Younkins, the Chief of Operations for OCA, has assured us that the City of New York has recognized 130 Stuyvesant Place as a "court facility" since Mayor Guiliani but DCAS apparently did not get the memo.  Andre Brown, the newly appointed Assistant Commissioner of Security for DCAS, sent us a February 8, 2012 letter informing us that he was reviewing the issue.  Upon calling Andre Brown on March 8, 2012,  we were informed that he wanted to come to !30 Stuyvesant Place to observe the use of magnetometers there firsthand.  I invited Andre Brown to lunch when he comes to 130 Stuyvesant Place.  Perhaps the issue of the use Secure Pass ID cards at 130 Stuyvesant Place can be resolved in a restaurant rather than in a courthouse.  If it can't, then the issue will be resolved in a courthouse...perhaps the "court facility" at 130 Stuyvesant Place!
    Posted Jun 6, 2012, 7:09 AM by Pete Weinman
Showing posts 1 - 5 of 8. View more »








Thomas J. Hall, Esq.
60th President

Thomas A. Sipp, Esq.
59th President
Mr. MulhallRobert Mulhall, Esq.
5th President
John Z. Marangos, Esq.
57th President

Subpages (1): President's Message