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It is truly an honor to serve as the 94^th President of the Queen’s County Women’s Bar Association, an organization which is comprised of so many dynamic, accomplished, and amazing members. I have served in many roles within QCWBA beginning as a State Delegate, then Corresponding Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President and now President. The friendships I have had the pleasure of cultivating while serving QCWBA have given me much laughter, support, and mentorship both professionally and personally.

My road in the legal profession was not a straight line from college- to law school -to career. Rather, I spent the early part of my twenties traveling the world in an attempt to satisfy an ever-consuming case of wanderlust. Traveling to different countries and experiencing different cultures, be it food, language, sights, or just a different way of life, always makes me feel like I am part of something bigger than myself. It reminds me that there are many different ways to live on this beautiful ball floating around the sun and none better than another. During this time, I worked as a waitress, bar tender, and then as a Paralegal. It was not until my late twenties that I realized that I would rather become an attorney than work for one. And so it began, the arduous seven-year path of going to school while working full time, first to finish my bachelor’s degree from S.U.N.Y Old Westbury and then to obtain my Juris Doctorate from Touro Law School. My mantra during that time was “Hard Work Pays Off” which I repeated to myself multiple times a day and every time I thought I would throw in the towel. I do believe that my nontraditional path served me well as I gained real world experience prior to obtaining my license to practice law. It certainly was not easy, but I have come to learn, that nothing truly worthwhile ever is.

My legal career path began in Real Estate, and it was with the mortgage industry meltdown in 2009 that I found myself representing lenders in foreclosure actions in Queen County Supreme Court. While attending multiple daily settlement conferences in Queens Supreme Court my path took a very fortunate turn. It was then that I was introduced to a person I truly admire, the Honorable Tracy Catapano-Fox. It was at Justice Catapano- Fox’s suggestion that I joined, and became involved with, QCWBA. Thereafter, my path led me to interview for the position of Principal Law Clerk to the Honorable Frederick D. R. Sampson. It was that turn in the road which led me to hit the career jackpot, and I have had the pleasure of working with Justice Sampson for the past eight years. Justice Sampson is truly an exceptional and gifted Jurist who has been serving the County of Queens for over 35 years. With much patience, time, humor and energy, Justice Sampson has imparted upon me the amazing gift of knowledge, understanding, and comprehension of the law. There are no words to express my sincere gratitude for the gift Justice Sampson has given me. Interestingly, the transition of practice in the “outside world”, into the Court System in the “inside world”, caused my perception to completely shift. I hope to share some insight of the “inside world” with our practicing members during my Presidency.

Another gift I have received on my path is the daily experience of working in and serving the cultural jewel that is Queens County. The Queens’s County Supreme Court itself, and the community it serves, is comprised of such an amazing and diverse array of people and cultures. When I come to work each day, I feel like I get a little “wanderlust fix” and I do not have to go to JFK and board a flight to get it. During my presidency, I hope to marry these two concepts; CLE’s which educate on the Court’s perspective and events that celebrate the diverse cultural uniqueness of Queens County.

I want to thank and congratulate our outgoing President Preet Gill for an incredible year! Preet’s dedication and stewardship of QCWBA for the past year has been exceptional, and I am going to try my very best to fill those big shoes she has left behind.

In addition, I would like to thank each and every Member and Sponsor of QCWBA. It is your support that keeps the engine of our organization running and we could not do it without you!

I hope to see you all at our QCWBA events this year, and more than that, I welcome you to get involved with QCWBA on a committee, as a State Delegate, or in anyway that you prefer. I promise, you will not regret it!

Wishing you all a blessed, healthy and prosperous year ahead.
– Margaret

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