Michael Susman ‘56, founding partner of the law firm Susman & Duffy, passed away on November 18, 2021. Read his obituary here.
Author: Vibert, Taylorann
In Memorium: Edward Y. O’Connell ‘54
The Honorable Edward Y. O’Connell ’54, who served as an Judge of the Superior Court of Connecticut and later as Chief Justice of the Connecticut State Appellate Court, passed away November 19, 2021. Read his obituary here.
Patrick Kania ’21 Named Associate at Reid and Riege, P.C.
Patrick Kania ’21 was named an associate in Multiemployer Benefit Plans at Reid and Riege, P.C. In this new position, Kania provides counsel to jointly administered, employee benefit fund, advising clients on the practice impact that federal laws and regulations have on their day-to-day operations so they can meet their fiduciary duties.
David Speranzini ’97 Joins Wiggin and Dana
David Speranzini ’97, a longtime environmental law practitioner, has joined Wiggin and Dana. He will serve as a Counsel in their Real Estate, Environmental and Energy Department at their New Haven office. Before entering the legal profession, he was an engineer for United Technologies Corp. He is licensed to practice law in Connecticut.
Jason C. Weida ’05 Appointed Assistant Deputy Secretary
Jason C. Weida ’05 has been appointed assistant deputy secretary for Medicaid policy and quality at the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. He previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston, Massachusetts.
Trent Hass Joins IAT Insurance Group as Chief Claims Officer
Trent Hass has joined the IAT Insurance Group as Chief Claims Officer. Here, his experience in property, general liability, and auto liability will correspond to IAT’s specialty markets. Previously, Hass worked at The Hartford in a variety of claims-related positions, where he served as Vice President of General Liability and Auto Litigation Field Claim Operations at The Hartford.
Breana Vessichio ’16 Named Associate at Reid and Riege, P.C.
Breana Vessichio ’16 was named an associate in Business Services at Reid and Riege, P.C. In this new position, Vessichio advises clients in the area of business services, commercial real estate, and nonprofit organizations. She works with client on all aspects of their business planning as well as working with companies on contractual matter and real estate transactions. Previously, Vessichio was an associate at Halloran Sage.
Brenda Bergeron Appointed as Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
Brenda Bergeron was appointed as Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection by Governor Lamont and Commissioner Rovella. Here, she will oversee the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Bergeron brings extensive experience to this new position, previously serving as the legal advisor for Division for Emergency Management and Homeland Security. She also has served as the program coordinator for the division’s All-Hazards Planning Unit and is the chair of the Legal Counsel Committee of the National Emergency Management Association.
Robert Langer ’73 Receives ABA Antitrust Law Section’s Outstanding Performance Award
Robert Langer ’73 had received the ABA Antitrust Law Section’s Outstanding Performance Award for his work over the past 27 years Langer is recognized as one of the country’s foremost authorities on antitrust, consumer protection, and trade regulation law. He serves as Senior Counsel at law firm Wiggin and Dana’s Litigation Department as well as Co-chair of the firm’s Antitrust and Consumer Protection Practice Group. Langer is an adjunct professor as the University of Connecticut School of Law, teaching courses on antitrust, unfair and deceptive trade practices and constitutional law.
Jessica Espinoza ’20 Joins FLB Law as an Associate
Jessica Espinoza ’20 joins FLB Law in Westport as an associate in the firm’s insurance and litigation and dispute resolution practice. In this new position, Espinoza will handle general liability cases by supporting lead counsel interviewing clients, drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery requests and responses. Previously, Espinoza represented two asylum seekers pro bono through the Immigration Detention Service Project in York County Prison.