The Bay Ridge Lawyers Association (BRLA) held its annual “Passing of the Gavel” ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at Mama Rao’s in Dyker Heights, where Mario Romano was officially installed as the association’s new president. The event, a longstanding tradition, brings together past BRLA presidents to offer their support and advice to the incoming leader.

Ray Ferrier, who served as BRLA president from 1977-1978 and has acted as master of ceremonies for the past decade, opened the ceremony by reflecting on the organization’s history. “The BRLA was formed in 1954 by a group of local attorneys who wanted to meet and
discuss various issues they were experiencing in the practice of law,” Ferrier explained, noting that the association has grown significantly from its humble beginnings in local law offices.