SENIOR BRONX ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY INSTALLED AS PRESIDENT OF THE WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

Assistant District Attorney Maria T. Cortese, a Deputy Chief in the Trial Division, is the new President of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York. ADA Cortese was installed as President of WBASNY this past weekend at the association’s 28th annual convention in Rio Mar, Puerto Rico.

District Attorney Robert T. Johnson said, “Ms. Cortese is not only a highly competent attorney and administrator, but a skilled and experienced advocate who will be a tremendous asset to the association. This latest in a long series of professional accomplishments is a source of pride for our Office”.

Ms. Cortese has been a Bronx Assistant District Attorney since August 1983. During her tenure of nearly 24 years, ADA Cortese has served in numerous capacities including, Assistant District Attorney in the Narcotics, Grand Jury Evaluation and Criminal Court Bureaus, Supervisor and Deputy Chief in the Narcotics Bureau, and Deputy Chief in the Trial Division. She also serves on the faculty of trainers for the Office’s Continuing Legal Education Program.

ADA Cortese’s professional activities outside the Office have included service as a past President of the Bronx Women’s Bar Association, member of the Twelfth Judicial District Gender Fairness Committee, and member of the Bronx County Bar Association’s Judicial Screening Committee. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology from New York University and her J.D. from Fordham University School of Law.