James Leva ’11 has been named the new Chair of Day Pitney’s Cannabis Practice Group. Leva regularly defends employers against all types of employment-related claims, and operates out of the firm’s Stamford office.
2011
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.
Drew Schaffer ’11 Joins Goodwin Procter
J. Andrew “Drew” Schaffer ’11 has joined the Employment and Complex Litigation and Dispute Resolution practices of Goodwin Procter LLP in Los Angeles. He specializes in employment law, including litigation and arbitration, counseling, and employment-related transactional support.
Seven UConn Law Alumni Nominated to Superior Court
Seven graduates of the UConn School of Law were nominated to the Connecticut Supreme Court by Gov. Ned Lamont on April 13, 2022. They are Scott R. Chadwick ’87, a probate judge and litigator; Assistant Connecticut Attorney General Thamar Esperance-Smith ’11; Assistant Connecticut Attorney General Josephine S. Graff ’01; New Britain State’s Attorney Brian W. Preleski ’91; Charles M. Stango ’95, the supervisory assistant state’s attorney in Milford; Greater Hartford Legal Aid attorney Cecil J. Thomas ’06; and David L. Zagaja ’93, supervisory assistant state’s attorney.
Kelly Scott ’11 Named a New Leader in the Law
Kelly A. Scott ’11, who practices family law with Pullman & Comley, has been named a 2022 New Leader in the Law by the Connecticut Law Tribune. She is past co-chair of the Family Law Committee and current chair of the Professional Responsibility Committee for the Connecticut Bar Association Young Lawyer’s Section Executive Committee. Scott will be honored at the Connecticut Legal Awards on May 11.
Bolam Kim ’11 Elected Partner
Bolam Kim ’11 was recently elected a partner at Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman LLP. Kim practices out of the firm’s New York City office, primarily in commercial litigation and employment law matters.
Dimitrios Tournas ’11 Hired as Partner
Dimitrios P. Tournas ’11 has been named a partner in the Real Estate, Construction and Facilities Department of Wiggin and Dana LLP, working in the firm’s Stamford office. He rejoined the firm from Withers Bergman.
Daniel Goren ’11 Named Partner
Daniel E. Goren ’11 has been made a partner at Wiggin and Dana LLP, where he works in the New Haven office. Goren is a member of the firm’s International Trade Compliance Group and has taught International Trade Compliance as an adjunct professor at the UConn School of Law.
Ali Hayter ’11 Named to Hartford Business Journal’s 2021 “40 Under Forty” Class
The Hartford Business Journal (HBJ) has announced the appointment of Ali Hayter ’11 to their annual 40 under 40 list. Hayter is a partner at Cantor Colburn, where she focuses on the preparation and prosecution of patents, while helping domestic and foreign clients figure out their options related to specific technologies. Hayter is licensed to practice law in Connecticut.
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.