CBA Members Celebrate Year’s Achievements at 2011 Annual Meeting

Attorneys, judges, paralegals and other legal professionals throughout the state gathered on Thursday, June 23 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford for a successful 2011 CBA Annual Meeting.  Nearly 900 were in attendance to learn, network and congratulate colleagues and peers who received awards or who were installed as incoming officers of the Association.

This year's event featured 37 educational seminars—more than ever offered before—in areas such as labor and employment law, family law, real property law and technology.

CBA members honored their colleagues and peers with the presentation of annual awards at the Annual Dinner, where former Connecticut Attorney General and current U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal received the Distinguished Public Service Award, and the Bench-Bar Luncheon, where Connecticut Supreme Court Chief Justice Chase T. Rogers delivered remarks.

Keith Bradoc Gallant, of New Haven's Day Pitney LLP, and other officers were installed for the 2011-2012 bar year.  Other officers for the 2011-2012 term are: President-elect Barry C. Hawkins of Shipman & Goodwin LLP in Stamford; Vice President Kimberly Knox of Horton Shields & Knox PC in Hartford; Secretary Lynne A. Ustach, a solo attorney practicing out of New Britain; Treasurer Stephen J. Curley, a solo in Stamford; and Assistant-Secretary Treasurer Jeffrey J. White of Robinson & Cole LLP in Hartford.

The Honorable Robert L. Holzberg received the Henry J. Naruk Judiciary Award. Peter Arakas of LEGO Systems, Inc., received the Charles J. Parker Legal Services Award.  Attorneys Frances Z. Calafiore and James R. Greenfield were honored with the John Eldred Shields Distinguished Professional Service Award and the Edward F. Hennessey Professionalism Award, respectively.

The CBA also bestowed pro bono awards upon five attorneys who have diligently represented underprivileged residents throughout the past year. The pro bono award winners include Janine M. Becker of Becker & Cali in Bridgeport, Gail A. Bedoukian from Newtown, Carole Masters from Willimantic; John F. Slane, Jr., of Heagney Lennon and Slane LLP in Greenwich and Ashley M. Van Valkenburgh of Gilbride Tusa Last & Spellane LLC in Greenwich.

Moreover, the CBA's publishing division, LawFirst Publishing, premiered its newest publication, Annuities in Connecticut Estate Planning: An Essential Guide for Attorneys and Financial Advisors by attorney Joseph Cipparone.  Copies can be purchased online at ctbar.org.

The Connecticut Bar Association is a membership organization serving Connecticut attorneys and the legal profession by working to advance the principles of justice, the practice of law, the image of the profession and public understanding of the law.