Mission Statement

The Columbian Lawyers Association of the First Judicial Department (Manhattan and Bronx Counties) is a Bar Association comprised of lawyers celebrating, supporting and promoting Italian heritage, culture, innovation and achievement.

History

The Association was created in 1955.  The word “Columbian” refers to the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus and serves as a reminder that the association originally was established for and encompassed only lawyers of Italian-American descent.  Following the end of World War II, many young lawyers were admitted to the New York State Bar who had first served their country and then earned their degrees under the GI Bill for the education and training of veterans.  These lawyers were employed in various fields, with many being hired by casualty insurance companies which were expanding and had a need for attorneys in their legal and claims departments.  Young lawyers would meet each other in the processing of claims or the litigation of lawsuits.

It became apparent that there was a need for a group of lawyers of Italian heritage to join together and move forward in seeking representation in the legal profession and on the Bench.   In 1955, a number of lawyers from the Bronx and Manhattan boroughs of New York City agreed to form the “Columbian Lawyers Association of the First Judicial Department.”  One of the primary reasons for the formation of the Association was to fill a need for young lawyers to meet with veteran practitioners.  Members could be of help to one another and assist in various ways.  Thus, the Association was founded and built on the basis of camaraderie, mutual assistance and respect.  The founding members became mentors to the young lawyers and freely gave their time and expertise when needed. 

As circumstances changed over time, the Association’s membership was opened to lawyers, law graduates, and law student who share the goal of supporting and promoting Italian heritage, culture, innovation and achievement even though they are not necessarily of Italian-American descent.

Notably, the Association was incorporated in the State of New York in December 2021, and is now continuing its activities as a successor entity named “Columbian Lawyers Association, First Judicial Department, Inc.” 

Activities of the Association:

1. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Programs

The Association’s early meetings featured a speaker who was an expert in his or her particular field.  The Association’s President would appoint a program Chair who would be responsible for organizing the program, and it is interesting to note that these meetings were called “bread and butter” sessions for the practical and essential knowledge and expertise they provided. 

In March 2001, the Association filed an application with the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board to become an accredited Continuing Legal Education Provider and the request was approved.  Since then, the Association has attracted many new members and a growing following in the legal profession by offering Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits for members of the New York Bar on a monthly basis with the exclusion of December and the summer.  The New York Bar requires attorneys practicing in New York to obtain a minimum of 24 CLE credits every two years.  To that end, the Association offers online and in-person CLE programs totaling 12 credits every year.  These programs provide legal updates on key developments of the law and facilitate networking among our members.

2. Annual “Charles A. Rapallo and Justice Antonis Scalia Award Luncheon”

In 1965, the Association established an Award to be given annually to an outstanding jurist, attorney public servant or distinguished citizen of Italian American descent in the name of Charles A. Rapallo.  Justice Rapallo was among the first seven judges to serve on the new Court of Appeals, the highest state court in New York, when a new state constitution was adopted in 1869.  He was the only jurist of Italian heritage to sit on the New York State Court of Appeals until 1962, when another Italian-American judge joined the Court.  In recent years, the name of the award was changed to “Charles A. Rapallo and Justice Antonin Scalia Award” to celebrate the late Italian-American Justice of the United States Supreme Court Antonin Scalia.  Typically, the Rapallo Scalia Award event entails a cocktail reception followed by a luncheon at an upscale venue in New York City.   

The recipients of this coveted award have included, among many others, NY Governor Mario M. Cuomo; US Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti; US Senator Alfonse M. D’Amato; US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia; Appellate Division First Department Justice Angela M. Mazzarelli; NY Governor George E. Pataki; US Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr.; Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals Janet DiFiore; Chief Administrative Judge of the New York State Court System A. Gail Prudenti; NY Court of Appeals Justice Victoria A. Graffeo; Appellate Division Second Department Justice Joseph J. Maltese; Administrative Judge Nassau County Thomas A. Adams; Supreme Court Justice Nicholas Iacovetta; Appellate Division First Department Justice Saliann Scarpulla; Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals Anthony Cannataro; and Chief Administrative Judge of the New York State Court System Joseph A. Zayas.   

3. Annual “Judges’ Night”

Typically held in the fall at the Columbus Citizens Foundation in New York City, “Judges’ Night” is a social and networking forum to celebrate all the judges of Italian-American descent in New York. 

4. Christmas Party

Over the years the Association has increased the opportunities for members to socialize.  In the past, the Association organized each August a boat trip to see the horse races at Monmouth Park in New Jersey where one race was named the Columbian Lawyers Handicap, and a dinner cruise on the Hudson River in June.  While these traditions were discontinued, in December of each year the Association typically organizes a “Christmas Party” for the entire membership at an upscale restaurant in New York City. 

5. “Diversity Fair” at New York County Supreme Court

Before the pandemic, the Association participated every year in the annual “Diversity Fair” organized by the New York County Supreme Court in Manhattan.  The event showcased various ethnicities that may be found in the New York State court system.  The diversity of people employed by the courts was represented by an array of ethnic and traditional foods that were offered by several associations and organizations to the public free of charge.  Over the years, the Association provided many typical Italian dishes and desserts at the fair and took this opportunity to distribute literature about its programs to the attendees.  The Association’s participation was typically organized and conducted by members who are employed as judges and court attorneys at New York Supreme Court.  The Association plans to resume this activity if the court reinstates the fair, which was suspended due to COVID.