Ryan O’Donnell ’07 has joined Pullman & Comley LLC as a member and chair of the firm’s new Hospitality practice group. He works in the Labor and Employment practice and is counsel to the Connecticut Restaurant Association and the Connecticut Lodging Association.
Alumni
Christopher F. Droney ’79 Opens Independent Firm
Christopher F. Droney ’79, retired judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, has left Day Pitney LLP to open his own independent firm in West Hartford. Droney joined Day Pitney as a partner in 2020, having served on the Second Circuit from 2011 to 2019, and before that was a district judge and U.S. attorney for Connecticut. Additionally, he served as an arbitrator for the National Football League. Droney told the Connecticut Law Tribune that being independent will help him avoid conflicts inherent in working at a large firm.
Claire Howard ’13 Promoted to Partner
Madsen Prestley & Parenteau has promoted Claire Howard ’13 to partner, as of January 1, 2023. The firm, which represents individuals in employment and benefit matters, has offices in Hartford and New London, Connecticut.
In Memoriam: Louis Avitabile ’68
Louis Avitabile ’68, a longtime attorney and public defender, died on March 5, 2023. Read his obituary .
In Memoriam: Walter J. Gorski ’67
Walter J. Gorski ’67, who worked in private practice and the insurance industry, died December 7, 2022. Read his obituary.
Bryan Cafferelli ’03 Named To Lead Consumer Protection Department
Connecticut Gov.Ned Lamont announced that he has nominated Bryan Cafferelli ’03 to serve as the commissioner of the state Department of Consumer Protection. His nomination will need to be confirmed by the state’s General Assembly. Cafferelli currently serves as legal counsel to the Connecticut Senate Republican Office, where he has worked since January 2019.
In Memoriam: Susan Dixon ’81
Susan Dixon ’81, who practiced law in Connecticut for more than 40 years, died on February 20, 2023. Read her obituary here.
Collin Seguin ’10 Promoted at Travelers
Collin Seguin ’10 was recently promoted to assistant vice president, major case lead, at Travelers Insurance. In his new role, he has oversight and responsibility for the Subrogation Major Case organization. Seguin has previously served as a regional director in the organization, and was both staff counsel and coverage counsel at Travelers.
Jonathan Luiz ’05 Appointed Glastonbury Town Manager
The town of Glastonbury, Connecticut, announced the appointment of Jonathan Luiz ’05 as its town manager. Luiz previously served as the town administrator in Weston for five years. He is scheduled to start in Glastonbury on March 31.
UConn Law Graduates Named Cooper Fellows
The Connecticut Bar Foundation has announced its James W. Cooper Fellows for 2023, including eight UConn Law graduates: Christine Perra Rapillo ’90, Carolyn Cavolo ’99, Natalie Braswell ’07, Sebastian M. Lombardi ’10, Yamuna Menon ’11, Cindy Cieslak ’12, Claire Howard ’13, and Alison Weir ’19. The fellows are chosen from Connecticut lawyers, judges, and teachers of law who have demonstrated extraordinary legal ability; devotion to the welfare of their community, state and nation; and devotion to the advancement of the legal profession.