Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont has nominated four UConn Law alumni to serve as judges of the Superior Court. They are Karen DeMeola ’96, a member of the UConn Law staff for 22 years who currently serves as the inaugural assistant dean for diversity, belonging and community engagement; Paul R. Doyle ’90, a partner of Kennedy Doyle LLC; Walter A. Menjivar ’12, an assistant attorney general in the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office; and Emily Wagner ’06, an appellate public defender at the Connecticut Division of Public Defender Services.
2012
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.
Two Alumnae Promoted at Shipman & Goodwin
Shipman & Goodwin has promoted Danielle McGrath Braun ’05 and Miriam Lewis ’12 to partner as of January 1, 2023. Braun, a member of the firm’s School Law Practice Group, focuses on public finance and municipal law. Lewis practices in the areas of corporate and commercial finance. Both work in the firm’s Hartford office.
Douglas Dalena ’12 to Join Treasurer’s Office
Douglas Dalena ’12 will serve as general counsel for the Connecticut Treasurer’s Office in Hartford, beginning in early 2023. Dalena previously worked as corporation counsel and director of legal affairs for the city of Stamford.
Silvia Schaffer ’12 Elected Partner
Silvia Schaffer ’12 has been was elected a partner at Everett Dorey LLP, where her practice focuses on complex catastrophic injury, product liability, transportation, medical malpractice cases, habitability and mold, and labor and employment. The firm has four offices in California.
Brendan Owens ’12 Appointed to Fieldstone Foundation’s Board
Brendan Owens ’12 has been appointed to the Fieldstone Foundation’s board. Owens is currently a partner at the Stafford Owens Law Firm, where he practices in the fields of Business, Healthcare, Real Estate, Trusts and Estates.
Three UConn Law Alumni Named to 40 Under 40 List
Three UConn Law alumni have been named to the Hartford Business Journal’s 2022 40 Under 40 list. They are Will Herchel ’12, co-founder of Verogy; Dana M. Hrelic ’08, counsel at Pullman & Comley LLC; and Latonia Williams ’09, a partner at Shipman & Goodwin LLP.
Peter J. Maher ’12 Promoted to Partner
Peter J. Maher ’12 was recently promoted to partner at Shipman & Goodwin. Maher has been with the firm since 2013 as part of its practice group for school law. Maher, a former special education teacher, represents boards of education and other entities in school law, with an emphasis on special education matters.
Doug Dalena ’12 Appointed as Stamford Director of Legal Affairs
Mayor Caroline Simmons announced that she will appoint Doug Dalena ’12 to serve as Director of Legal Affairs for the City of Stamford. Currently, Dalena serves as Gov. Ned Lamont’s Deputy General Counsel where he has helped create and coordinate the legal framework for the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic well as advising state agencies on legal solutions to various policy issues.
Cindy Cieslak ’12 Appointed as the CBA’s Assistant Secretary-Treasurer
The Connecticut Bar Association has announced the appointment of Cindy Cieslak ’12 as the organization’s assistant secretary-treasurer for 2021-22. Cieslak is a partner at Rose Kallor, where she focuses on labor and employment litigation in state and federal courts.