Marea L. Wachsman, Immediate Past President, is a founding member and partner in her law firm Schreier & Wachsman, LLP. Her practice focuses on representing seriously injured victims of medical malpractice, wrongful death, automobile accidents, accidents involving utilities, construction accidents, slip and fall accidents, and other negligence matters.
Ms. Wachsman served as WBASNY’s President-Elect and Vice-President for two years and as its Corresponding Secretary. Ms. Wachsman also served as a member and a Co-Chair of WBASNY’s Legislation Committee for five years and reviewed hundreds of bills, made recommendations, and worked closely with the Co-Chairs of WBASNY’s standing committees and WBASNY’s lobbyists. Ms. Wachsman also served as a Delegate and Vice President of the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association and is a member of its Board of Directors. Ms. Wachsman is the President of the Women Trial Lawyers Caucus, Inc. She has served on numerous judicial screening panels, including panels to fill the last six vacancies on the New York State Court of Appeals. Ms. Wachsman has served as First Vice President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and is a member of its Board of Directors. Ms. Wachsman is also a member of many other bar associations.
Ms. Wachsman’s theme this year is “Propelling WBASNY Forward, Progress for New York.” During her Presidency, WBASNY’s membership increased to over 4,000. Ms. Wachsman surpassed WBASNY’s fundraising record as a result of the successful 2024 Convention, the #WBASNYgives campaign, the Betty Weinberg Ellerin Mentor Award event held in New York City, and the WBASNY Foundation’s jewelry auction, all of which will “Propel WBASNY Forward.” WBASNY’s influence and importance were evident in its unwavering support and tireless efforts to ensure the New York Equal Rights Amendment was enshrined in the New York State Constitution. WBASNY’s lobbying efforts led to Governor Kathy Hochul signing the Venue Bill and Fashion Workers Act into law. Now, that is “Progress for New York.”
As President, with the Co-Chairs of the Social Action Committee, a program was created entitled “Women in Law,” whose purpose was to introduce and educate high school women and girls about the career opportunities available in the law. On March 5, 2025, nearly 1,000 students were brought into 17 courtrooms throughout New York to hear and learn from dynamic, professional women in the legal community about the various opportunities in the law. The panelists included judges, court officers, stenographers, and translators sharing their experiences to inspire and instill hope in the future generation of legal professionals. The program was a great success due to the participation of 15 WBASNY Chapters. We were pioneers of a statewide initiative that will continue.
WBASNY’s work also shaped the legal landscape this year. Our Op-Eds on the Equal Rights Amendment, the Grieving Families Act, and the State of the Judiciary 2025 regarding “Second Chances” were published throughout the State, underscoring the profound impact of our work.
During her father’s neurosurgical residency, Ms. Wachsman was raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She received her B.A. in Political Science from The American University and her Juris Doctor from New York Law School. In addition to her legal pursuits and her work for WBASNY, Ms. Wachsman enjoys playing polo. She thanks her husband and partner, David, for his unwavering support.