August 2026

Hey, it’s Josh, reporting from the non-oval office.  I’m excited to have survived my first two months as president.  It’s been a whirlwind!

I am proud to have represented QCBA at various functions and affinity bar association events, including those hosted by the Brandeis Association, Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County, Columbian Lawyers Association, Queens County Women’s Bar Association and the Network of Bar Leaders.

I’ve attended celebrations to honor some of our great judges and leading attorneys, including Kenneth Holder, Sandra Munoz, Karina Alomar, Claudia Lanzetta, Ruben Davidoff and Bradley Siegel.  It is so rewarding to participate in recognizing these great contributors to our legal community.

This summer has already seen incredible CLE programs put together by our Ethics Committee, Surrogates Court, Trusts & Estates Committee, Technology and the Law Committee, Criminal Law Committee and more.  QCBA continues to offer informative and topical educational programs throughout the year.  Most are offered virtually, on Zoom, and at no charge to our members thanks to generous sponsors.  Attendance continues to grow, as people recognize the quality of our panelists and presentations.  If you are interested in sponsoring or presenting a CLE program, or if you have an idea for an interesting topic, reach out to me, the QCBA staff or our committee chairpersons.  We’d love to hear from you!

Of course, this year is our 150^th anniversary at QCBA, and we will be celebrating throughout the year.  I am so excited to announce our upcoming 150^th Gala will be held in the Diamond Heineken Lounge at none other than our iconic Citi Field!  Join us for this historic celebration on November 10!  Early bird registration is now open, at a phenomenal discount of only $150 per person!  Sponsorships and ads in the 150^th Anniversary journal are also available.

Our annual Golf, Tennis and Pickleball outing is coming up on September 15, which will be at the beautiful Woodside Club once again.  While the golf is already sold out, there are openings for tennis and pickleball, and we’d love to have you join us for cocktails and dinner.

As we get ready for the back-to-school season, we are mindful that new lawyers are being forged at our local law schools.  QCBA will be participating in new student orientations at the law schools, looking to recruit new, young members.  Help us spread the word about the benefits of joining QCBA.  Remember my challenge to each of you: bring three new members to join the Association this year!

On a somber note, my first two months have seen the passing of giants in our legal community.  In early July we said goodbye to Judge Sidney Strauss, a QCBA past president and long-time chair and host of our annual dinner.  Just a few weeks later, we lost Mark Weliky, the executive director of Queens Volunteer Lawyers Project for the past quarter century.  QVLP was built out of QCBA’s pro bono committee and Mark developed QVLP into a vibrant and enduring organization that has helped thousands of indigent members of our community with their legal needs.  Both men were good friends who will be sorely missed.  And I also extend my condolences to Justice Jodi Orlow and her family on the passing of Jodi’s beloved husband, Stewart Mackoff.

I can’t wait to see you all at our upcoming events.  If you don’t know me, please introduce yourself, and let me know how QCBA has helped you, or what we can do moving forward!