Josef B. Volman ’91 has been named a Co‑Chair of the Corporate, M&A, and Securities Practice Group at Blank Rome LLP. Blank Rome announced the appointment as part of a broader leadership update marking the firm’s 80th anniversary.
Alumni
Elizabeth A. Alquist ’94 Named Connecticut’s Intellectual Property Practitioner of the Year
Elizabeth A. Alquist ’94, Intellectual Property Partner at Day Pitney LLP, was named Intellectual Property Practitioner of the Year at the Second Annual Connecticut Distinguished IP Practitioners’ Dinner, held on November 13. Alquist was nominated for her “exceptional skill in managing complex intellectual property disputes, proven record of success in high-stakes litigation, and steadfast dedication to serving clients and the broader legal community.”
Deborah Witkin ’86 to be Honored by the Connecticut Bar Association
Deborah Witkin ’86 will receive the Charles J. Parker Legal Services award at the Connecticut Bar Association’s annual awards ceremony, Celebrate with the Stars, on Thursday, March 12. Attorney Witkin is the former Executive Director of Connecticut Legal Services (CLS). She retired in January 2026 after 39 years of distinguished service.
The Charles J. Parker Legal Services Award is presented to a member of the Connecticut Bar who has a deep and abiding interest in and dedication to the delivery of legal services to the disadvantaged in Connecticut.
In Memoriam: Paul Albert Hudon ’70
Paul Albert Hudon ’70 passed away on December 28. Read his obituary or leave a tribute message online.
In Memoriam: Robin Kahn ’80
Robin Kahn ’80 passed away in early December following a battle with cancer. Her obituary and tribute are available online.
Day Pitney Elects Ashley Membrino Fote ’16 to Partnership
Ashley Membrino Fote ’16 has been elevated to partner at Day Pitney, where she handles a wide range of commercial real estate transactions. Fote has extensive experience in real estate finance and represents a range of clients from individual investors to financial institutions, lenders, and private equity real estate funds.
Rubin Rudman Adds Kristen Skrajewski ’23 to Litigation Group
Kristen Skrajewski ’23 has joined Rubin Rudman LLP as an associate in the firm’s Litigation Group as an associate. She concentrates her practice on civil litigation, with her work spanning trials, mediations, depositions, expert inspections, and motion practice
In Memoriam: Francis Collins ’62
Francis Collins ’62 passed away on December 6th. His obituary is available online.
Dr. Perry A. Zirkel ’76 Receives Inaugural Boscardin Excellence in Special Education Research Award
Dr. Perry A. Zirkel ’76 received the inaugural Boscardin Excellence in Special Education Research Award from the Council of Administrators of Special Education. “His work on IDEA, Section 504, and related statutes has made complex legal concepts accessible to educators, policymakers, and attorneys”. Congratulations!
Cesar A. Noble ’83 Joins McElroy Deutsch
Cesar A. Noble ’83, former Superior Court Judge, joined McElroy Deutsch as counsel in Hartford. He will focus on alternative dispute resolution in the firm’s litigation and insurance services groups.