By: Susan L. Pollet, Chair of the Archive and Historian Committee

Q: Why did you become involved in the WWBA?

A: When I moved up from Manhattan to Westchester in 2013, I wanted to delve into the tenor of the legal world in my new environment. I was still working as a judge and commuting to New York City, so my participation in the association was predominantly a name on the membership rolls. Nevertheless, when I did join in a few events, I always felt the camaraderie and welcoming attitude of my WWBA colleagues.

Q: In what capacity are you currently serving?

A: It was a gradual trail towards my further involvement with the WWBA. I was a dilettante in several different committees and eventually gravitated to the litigation committee. The momentum picked up from there. After retiring from the bench, I maintained dual membership in the New York Women’s Bar Association and the WWBA and was invited to co-chair the New York Women’s Bar Litigation Committee. I have co-chaired that committee for the past five years or so and still do.

I am looking to expand my participation with the WWBA Litigation Committee. I am a co-chair of the Women’s Bar Association of New York’s Solo/Small Firm Committee, currently serve as chair of a mentor group, and recently took on the position of State Director for the WWBA.

Q: Tell us about your legal career and what inspired you.

A: Law is my calling, but I did not answer the clarion for two decades. My journey took me in all directions, from teacher to business associate, to business owner, to journalist, to community representative for New York Senator, blah, blah, blah.

The old adage that “life begins at 40,” is true in my case. It was the year that I started down the road to law school, and the call still rings true for me. I am a flag waver of justice, i.e., resolving disputes while honoring the rights of others as well as protecting your own.

Q: What were some of your most meaningful cases as a Judge?

A: While I was sitting on the bench, people asked me about any particular or meaningful cases. Every litigant will say that his/her case was particular or meaningful. Some cases have more complex or challenging issues, but there is no small or large size justice. I will boast a little, however, and say that some of my cases did affect precedent or shift stare decisis. In other words, it would make a point or lay the foundation for other cases on similar issues to follow. I actually had one or two that effectively overturned or nullified the holding on an underlying issue in a previous case, but I cannot recall them without digging through my archives of case decisions.

Q: What would be your advice to new attorneys?

A: What I also learned when I was on the bench is how important the lawyer is. Your advocacy is key. Forgive me for saying this, but most lawyers are poor advocates. The solution for that is easily remedied in one word: Preparation! You need to know every issue and every angle. If you were the client, would you want your lawyer winging it at court?

The other key word is: Client. Remember that you are advocating on behalf of another. Consistently, many, if not the majority of lawyers, concentrate on style of language or impressive legal verbiage, and disregard the theme of the case, i.e., the dispute that brought the matter to court in the first place. Hint: redact yourself [figuratively] from the courtroom and replace it with the image of your client. It works every time.

Q: How do you balance your legal career with other aspects of life?

A: I think we can all agree that our job as lawyers is not an easy one. It is demanding, time consuming, and stressful. I concede that I am not a good example of balancing the various aspects of my life. I tend to be a workaholic and sometimes neglect or put off other duties until the legal tasks are done. I have learned to share some duties, which reduces the load somewhat.

From my own experience, I can say that reaching out to another colleague, or friend, or family member to break the work syndrome [without violating any confidentiality] is very important. It may occur as an interruption, but actually alleviates stress, and offers new perspectives and insights.

I have also tried taking a walk [I live in a country setting] or doing some short physical exercises. But, since I am a blabber, talking with others is preferred.

Q: What do you hope to achieve in coming years?

A: When I left the bench in 2015, I decided to work with lawyers on sharing what a judge looks for in effective advocacy. I started my consulting/training in 2016 and still get great satisfaction from assisting my colleagues and participating in the legal system.

I see the practice of law as the highest rung on the professional ladder. I also see public confidence and trust in the law slipping in the opposite direction. My mission is to guide lawyers in the art of effective advocacy for their clients, and, if successful, I believe that public confidence and trust will follow.

My retirement defers to the calling. Justice, justice shall you pursue.