More than 100 guests showed up for the fourth annual 2010 Above the Bar Awards on Thursday, April 29th, at The Judicial Institute at Pace Law School in White Plains. Presented by Citrin Cooperman & Co. L.L.P., Mahopac National Bank, Pace Law School, Tompkins Investment Services, Westchester County Bar Association, the Westchester County Business Journal and the Westchester Women”™s Bar Association, honorees included: Sam Eisenberg, Pace Setter Award; Alayne Katz, Most Socially Conscious Attorney; Robert L. Rattet, Leading Bankruptcy Attorney; Kathleen Donelli, Leading Matrimonial Attorney; Christopher Bloch, Most Promising Law Student. All were honored for notable achievements in the legal profession.
The judging panel included: Daniel D. Angiolilo, an associate justice in the state Appellate Division; Linda Jamieson, a state supreme court justice; Jeffrey Miller, a professor at Pace University School of Law; Gerald Stern, special counsel to the New York Judicial Institute; and Carol Van Scoyoc, chief deputy corporation counsel for the city of White Plains.
Here”™s a look at the winners:
Pace Setter Award — Sam Eisenberg
Eisenberg is a partner with the law firm Kurzman Eisenberg Corbin & Lever L.L.P. He was admitted to bar in 1941 and is an effective legal generalist, being able to respond to problems in a variety of legal disciplines. As a judge, he has written numerous published opinions. He has served frequently on committees concerned with local municipal and educational issues.
Most Socially Conscious Attorney — Alayne Katz
Katz”™s contributions to families and children span an almost two?decade career. She continued her commitment to children, becoming counsel to a New York City foster care agency, St. Joseph’s Services for Children and Families. She is also the founder of Gail’s Fund, which was established in memory of her sister, a victim of domestic violence. Katz also supports the Pace Women’s Justice Center.
Leading Bankruptcy Attorney — Robert L. Rattet
Rattet is a leading bankruptcy attorney with the law firm of Rattet, Pasternak & Gordon?Oliver L.L.P. Since establishing his practice in 1975, Rattet has become an influential member of numerous bankruptcy associations. Among his acknowledgements in the industry, he was named the 32nd leading bankruptcy attorney in the United States by The Deal and was also named to 2007 New York Super Lawyers.
Leading Matrimonial Attorney — Kathleen Donelli
Donelli is a prominent matrimonial attorney at the law firm McCarthy Fingar L.L.P. She is a founding member of the Association of Collaborative Lawyers of Rockland/ Westchester, dedicated to resolving matrimonial and custody disputes without court intervention. She is also co?chair of the Westchester Women’s Bar Association’s Matrimonial Committee and Westchester County Bar Association’s Grievance Committee.
Most Promising Pace Law Student — Christopher H. Bloch
Bloch is the president of the Student Bar Association at Pace Law School as well as the executive symposium and promotions editor of the Pace Law Review. During his time at Pace, he worked as a student intern at the Pace Investor Rights Clinic, acted as a dean scholar and worked abroad in both Sydney, Australia and Cologne, Germany. He intends to continue working in international law and is interviewing for several jobs in New York, Europe and Australia.
Photos by Bob Rozycki
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