Suffolk Mock Trial, Young CPAs Mixer a Success

Suffolk Mock Trial, Young CPAs Mixer a Success

The Suffolk Chapter has kept active lately and had the opportunity to host different events that appeal to a variety of groups.

The Trials of Business

On Tues., Nov. 30, the Cooperation with Attorneys Committee presented a mock trial with a focus on business valuation issues. What came to light during the presentation was that knowledge as well as presentation is important when testifying.

The plaintiff in the case, Cynthia Finn, was suing her “no-good” husband, Matt Covati, for divorce.

At issue was the value of the husband’s business, Cherrywood Manufacturing Corporation. With Judge James Gowan presiding, the plaintiff’s expert, Todd Ringler answered direct and cross-examination questions fired at him by Karen McGuire and Gary Tabat, respectively. For the defense, Karl Janhsen answered direct and cross-examination questions. The well-prepared attorneys only had 20 minutes to get their questions out. It became evident that attorneys and expert witnesses need plenty of time to tell their stories, shore up their cases and tear down their opponent’s case.

Many thanks go out to the volunteers who put so many hours into this presentation. This includes Cynthia, Judge Gowan, Gary, Karen, Todd and Karl. Thank you to the defendant, Matt, whose courtroom outbursts were very entertaining.

Young CPAs Committee Mixes It Up

The Suffolk Chapter’s Young CPAs Committee held its semi-annual Networking Cocktail Reception on Wed., Nov. 17, at the Irish Coffee Pub. With over 60 attendees, this event continues to provide an excellent networking opportunity for professionals in the fields of accounting, banking and law as well as college students. Guest speaker Dr. Michael R. Diamond provided a thoughtful and entertaining presentation titled “Lifestyle Changes: Balancing the Triangle of Health.”

The event also offered attendees the opportunity to participate in several wellness booths, which included blood pressure and blood glucose screening by Bernadette Shelley, RN; spinal screening and posture analysis by Eric Knudsen, DC; massage therapy by Lisa Smith-Horowitz, LMTh, and nutritional counseling by Dr. Diamond. Special thanks to the event’s sponsor, the National Network of Accountants.

For more information about any of our events and to get more involved in the Young CPAs Committee, please contact Chairperson Harold Deiters, at hdeiters@hrrllp.com, Vice Co-chairperson Christie Comunale, (Christie.Comunale@liu.edu) or Christine Kern (ckern@avz.com).

We’d love to see you at an event in the future!