Elizabeth O. Hoff ’15, Stacey Samuel ’17, and Melicent B. Thompson ’96 have been welcomed to Gfeller Laurie LLP. The three UConn Law alumnae have joined the insurance coverage team and will be key additions because of their knowledge and experience in handling first party coverage claims in the natural disaster context, directly relevant to the wave of COVID-19 first party coverage litigation currently before the nations’ courts.

Rae Vann ’93, a shareholder at Carlton Fields, has been named to the Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity Board of Directors. The collaborative unites Connecticut law firms, corporations, public sector entities, law schools, and state bar associations to make the state a more attractive place for attorneys of color and other diverse individuals to practice law and find satisfying professional opportunities. Vann counsels businesses on mitigating individual and systemic discrimination risks, establishing effective alternative dispute resolution procedures, conducting thorough and effective workplace harassment and other misconduct investigations, and other labor and employment matters.

Fred Cantor ’78 has published a book about his lifelong fascination with the Knicks, including his friendship with UConn Law Professor Emeritus Lewis Kurlantzick, an expert in sports law and a fellow Knicks fan. The book, “Fred from Fresh Meadows: A Knicks Memoir,” was published in November. Cantor will donate all the royalties to the John Starks Foundation, a scholarship fund founded by the retired Knicks star. The new book is Cantor’s third. He has also worked as a film writer, producer and as a lyricist.

Claudia M. Sklar ’77, partner at Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C., has been welcomed to the firm’s Hartford office. Attorney Sklar is actively engaged in the litigation of general civil and commercial matter, with an emphasis on creditors’ rights including commercial and residential foreclosures, commercial law, and title insurance litigation.