Alumni Notes

Send your alumni news of promotions, births, awards and other milestones to lawalumninotes@uconn.edu.

Ben Winnick ’51 Celebrates 100th Birthday

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Anna and Ben Winnick

Ben Winnick with his wife of 68 years, Anna

Bronislaw "Ben" Winnick '51, a practicing attorney of 57 years, celebrated his 100th birthday on Dec. 21, 2023. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Winnick used his recently obtained military benefits by enrolling at UConn to receive his undergraduate degree. He then continued his education at UConn School of Law, where he would receive a JD in 1951. Upon admission to the Connecticut Bar in the same year, Winnick returned to his hometown of Shelton, Connecticut, where he practiced law until age 85. Winnick's career accomplishments extend from representing Shelton in the Connecticut legislature in 1957 and 1958 to serving as a senior partner at Winnick, Vine and Welch for most of his life. Winnick also served as a magistrate judge in Derby, Connecticut, a seat he held until the age of 90. 

Vanessa L. Bryant ’78 Retires From Federal Bench

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Vanessa L. Bryant

Judge Vanessa L. Bryant '78 has retired as of Dec. 31, 2023 from the U.S. District Court in the District of Connecticut, where she served for more than 16 years. The first Black woman appointed to the federal court in New England, she issued many notable decisions, including a ruling in 2012 that the Defense of Marriage Act violated the Constitution. Before her appointment to the federal bench, Bryant served as a judge of the Connecticut Superior Court. She previously was a partner at Hawkins, Delafield & Wood LLP; a member of the Board of Pardons; Chapter 13 trustee for the United States Bankruptcy Court of the District of Connecticut; vice president and general counsel of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority; in-house counsel at Aetna Life & Casualty Co. and Shawmut Bank; and an associate at Day Pitney LLP, formerly Day, Berry & Howard LLP. Bryant, who took senior status in 2021,is legally blind and a role model for those with visual impairments.

Two Alumni Promoted at Robinson & Cole

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Scott Garosshen ’15 and Dan Brody ’15 have been elevated to counsel at Robinson & Cole LLP effective Jan. 1, 2024. Brody is a member of the firm’s Litigation Section, including the Business Litigation Group and the Government Enforcement and White-Collar Defense, and Internal Investigations and Corporate Compliance Teams. Garosshen is a member of the firm’s Business Litigation Group and Appellate Practice Group. Both work in the firm’s Hartford Office.