The law firm Murtha Cullina, LLP. announced it has hired Raquel Herrera-Soto ’16 as an associate in the firm’s Energy, Environmental and Utilities Practice Group. Herrara-Soto, who previously worked for the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for almost 10 years, will join the firm’s New Haven office.
Alumni
DeVaughn Ward ’11 Honored as CT Attorney of the Year
DeVaughn Ward ’11 was named the 2021 Connecticut Attorney of the Year at the virtual Connecticut Legal Awards on May 12, 2021. Ward, who runs his own Hartford-based practice, was recognized for his work on behlf of individuals with Hepatitis C. Ward’s solo practice works in the areas of criminal and civil law.
Matthew J. Sponheimer ’17 Joins Cramer & Anderson
The Connecticut law firm Cramer & Anderson, LLP. announced it has hired Matthew J. Sponheimer ’17 as a trust and estates associate. Prior to joining the firm’s Ridgefield, CT, office, Sponheimer worked for several years at Hoyle & Sponheimer, a general practice law firm based in Ansonia, CT.
Jonathan Harris ’98 Joins Wiggin and Dana
The law firm Wiggin and Dana, LLP. announced the hiring of Jonathan Harris ’98 as a partner in the firm’s Life Sciences practice group. Prior to joining the firm, Harris worked as an intellectual property lawyer for nearly 20 years. Wiggin and Dana is a full-service law firm with more than 140 attorneys, with offices throughout the United States.
Gretchen Knauff ’94 to Serve as Leader of Disability Services
Gretchen Knauff ’94 will serve as leader of New Haven’s Disability Services. Knauff has had a 30-year career in disability work, and most recently served as executive director of Disability Rights Connecticut. She will take over as director from Michelle Duprey ’93, who now works as the city’s deputy corporation counsel.
S. Dave Vatti ’92 Selected as a Magistrate Judge
S. Dave Vatti ’92, a former Assistant United States Attorney, has been selected as a Magistrate Judge for the District of Connecticut. He was sworn in on March 22, 2021, and he will be resident at the Bridgeport federal courthouse.
Meghan S. Burns ’10 Named Partner
Meghan S. Burns ’10 has been named Partner at Ruel Ruel Burns & Britt, LLC. Burns practices exclusively in the area of family and matrimonial law, representing clients throughout the State of Connecticut through the litigated, collaborative, and mediation processes. She assists her clients in navigating the sensitive and complex aspects of divorce and works to resolve family disputes
Stager Clay Smith ’08 Earns Health Law LLM
Stager Clay Smith, LLM ’08 received an LLM in Heath Law from the University of Houston Law Center in 2020. In April, 2021, he joined Tokio Marine HCC as senior counsel.
Kelly A. Scott ’11 Named James W. Cooper Fellow
Kelly A. Scott ’11 has been named to the Connecticut Bar Foundation’s James W. Cooper Fellows Class of 2021, an honor bestowed upon outstanding Connecticut lawyers, judges and academics. Kelly is a member of the family law practice at Pullman & Comley, LLC.
Jeffrey White ’03 Elected to Board of Directors
Jeffrey White ’03 has been elected to the Women in Manufacturing (WiM) National Board of Directors. WiM is the only national association specifically dedicated to supporting, promoting and inspiring women who have chosen a career in the manufacturing sector. White is significantly involved with manufacturing industry issues on both a national and international level, and his three year term for this position will begin April 1, 2021.