DEI Newsletter - Fall 2023

We are committed to achieving a workplace that is reflective of
the clients we serve and the communities in which we live and work.

Our DEI Strategic Plan

Earlier this year, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee developed a working action plan that outlined several objectives and strategies to strengthen and support our people, our commitment to client service, and Shipman’s long-term success.  With support from the Management Committee, the DEI Committee was pleased to share the Firm’s first Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan.  The DEI Strategic Plan focuses on three pillars of Shipman’s DEI program: Workforce, Workplace and External Partnerships. 

• Workforce - Increase the Firm’s efforts to recruit, mentor, retain and promote a diverse team of lawyers and staff.
  
  
• Workplace - Foster and support a culture of respect, inclusion and equitable access across the Firm.  This includes increasing communication about the Firm’s commitment to DEI and ensuring that Firm policies, practices and procedures align with our goals.
  
  
• External Partnerships - Enhance strategic partnerships between Shipman and external partners to make real impacts on our community and elevate our profile, visibility and brand as a Firm committed to DEI and as an employer of choice.

We are proud of the DEI progress we have made to date, but recognize that there is still much to accomplish.  Working with the whole firm, the DEI Committee will be executing the goals of this plan and developing benchmarks against which we can measure our progress. 

Achievements and Recognition

Shipman was recently honored with the New England Legal Awards' Social Impact Award. Earlier this year, Lawyers of Color also named Shipman to its Aspire Diversity Award for 2023. These national and regional awards are a credit to Shipman's commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession and in the communities in which we live and work. 

Danielle McGrath Braun, Miriam Lewis, Natalia Sieira Millán and Sarah A. Westby were featured in a Law360 article for promoting an all-woman Partner Class for 2023. As a follow up, Natalia sat down with Law360 and discussed her journey to becoming a Partner and the advice she would give to others looking to pursue a similar career path. 

Leander A. Dolphin

Leander A. Dolphin had another notable year, frequently speaking on DEI topics around the country and receiving recognition, both locally and nationally, for her and Shipman’s efforts to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession and community. She was named to Corporate Counsel Business Journal’s inaugural list of 50 Women to Watch. Selected from a nationwide pool of more than 500 candidates, Leander joins an exceptional short-list of influential women change-makers in their respective industries who demonstrate outstanding leadership in their businesses and communities. In addition, she was named again to Harford Business Journal’s Power 50 list; received the Courageous Leader Award from the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA); was appointed to the Judicial Selection Commission by Governor Lamont; was named 2022 Attorney of the Year by the Connecticut Legal Awards; was named one of Hartford Business Journal's Top 25 Women in Business; was honored with the 23rd Annual Immigrant Day Award from the Connecticut Immigrant & Refugee Coalition (CIRC); named to the Class of 2023 Power 25 list by New Haven Biz; was a featured speaker at Connecticut Business and Industry Association's (CBIA's) When Women Lead Conference 2023; and served as a panelist at the Title IX  50th Anniversary Event 37 Words for Equity and Justice at St. Joseph’s University.

Keegan A. Drenosky

Keegan A. Drenosky was named to the Fairfield County Business Journal's 2022 40 Under Forty list. Keegan was recognized for assisting her labor and employment clients’ strong return to the “new normal,” creating return to work and hybrid strategies that allow her clients to address lingering pandemic-related challenges with minimal disruption to their businesses. Keegan was also recognized for her pro bono efforts and community service work.

Alfredo G. Fernández

Alfredo G. Fernández was named to the Hartford Business Journal's 2023 40 Under Forty list. Alfredo was recognized for building an impressive legal career on a technical foundation, from starting his professional journey as an aerospace engineer to leading the Manufacturing industry team at Shipman. Alfredo was also recognized for his leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion within the firm and the community. 

Alfredo was also elected as a member of the CONNSTEP, Inc. Board of Directors. CONNSTEP is a leading Connecticut business consulting firm whose mission is to help Connecticut small and medium-sized manufacturers and other businesses reach their goals.

Alfredo G. Fernández

Joette Katz was awarded the Social Impact Award by New England Legal Awards. Joette has had an exemplary career of public service on behalf of the State of Connecticut. During her nearly two decades of service on the Connecticut Supreme Court, Joette heard some 2,500 cases and authored nearly 500 opinions. Joette was also recognized for her staunch advocacy for children and families as well as other underprivileged populations through participation on the firm’s Pro Bono Committee, serving as both a mentor to other attorneys and providing direct representation on behalf of clients.

Joette also served as a member of the Moving Justice Forward Advisory Board, a panel made up of esteemed criminal justice stakeholders, decision-makers and partners from the court system, both in prosecution and defense, law enforcement and those impacted by crime, chosen for their strategic advice. The Moving Justice Forward report, a first-of-its-kind implementation blueprint for the State of Connecticut’s prosecutors, will help enhance efficiency and fairness within Connecticut’s criminal justice system, and was released in July of 2023.

As a member of the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Law Tribune, Joette has authored a series of op-ed articles highlighting and attempting to raise awareness of a wide variety of diversity, equity and inclusion issues in the state’s judicial system. She also participated in the Anti-Defamation League’s 2023 “Never is Now” Conference on “Leveraging the Law to Counter Antisemitism and Bias.”

Karen T. Staib

Karen T. Staib was named to the Connecticut Science Center Board of Trustees. The board supports the center's mission to create an engaging and sustainable science center that serves families and schools and significantly impacts student and adult learning in Connecticut. 

Jaime A. Welsh

Jaime A. Welsh was one of only 40 up-and-coming bankruptcy practitioners selected to participate in the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges’ (NCBJ’s) 2022 Next Generation (“NextGen”) program. Jaime and other participants were chosen for demonstrating legal excellence in the practice of bankruptcy law and a commitment to the educational development of bankruptcy professionals.

Latonia C. Williams

Latonia C. Williams was named to the Hartford Business Journal’s 2022 40 Under Forty list. Latonia was recognized as an outstanding young professional in the greater Hartford area for her tireless advocacy for clients, utilizing her keen legal insight to quickly analyze the complex issues of bankruptcy law and achieve the best possible results. Latonia was also recognized for her leadership and mentorship in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Lisa M. Zana

Lisa M. Zana was accepted into the CREW Network’s Retail Council. CREW Network’s Retail Council is comprised of individuals involved in retail real estate through developments, leasing, design, finance/lending, technology and engineering. CREW Network is a global organization that advances women in commercial real estate through business networking, industry research, leadership development, and career outreach.

Cultivating Diversity

Joan W. Feldman

Joan Feldman Launches Dobbs Decision Resource Center

In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs decision regarding abortion rights of women in the United States, a national legal battle continues in both state and federal courts across the country. It has been nearly a year since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed states to decide on the legality of abortion. Joan spearheaded the creation of the Dobbs Decision Resource Center, and frequently updates clients on rapidly changing developments in the legislative activity surrounding women’s reproductive rights. In recognition of her knowledge on the subject, Joan was asked to serve as a panelist in the UConn Women Law Student Association’s panel discussion on the "Future of Reproductive Healthcare" last November.

Toto Kisaku

Black History Month - February

As part of Shipman's month-long celebration of Black History Month, the DEI Committee hosted award-winning Congolese playwright, actor, director and producer, Toto Kisaku. Toto shared his personal life story, including his imprisonment and escape from execution in the Congo, and how theater ultimately saved his life.

Women's History Month - March

Shipman’s Women's Alliance and the DEI Committee co-hosted a Women's History Month panel moderated by Natalia Sieira Millán. Panelists included Jennifer Steadman, Ph. D. of Aurora Foundation, Janée Woods Weber of Connecticut Women's Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF) and Fran Pastore of Women's Business Development Council (WBDC), who led a dynamic and engaging conversation about the importance of advocating for and empowering women and girls. 

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - May

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Well-Being Week in Law, the DEI and Well-Being Committees co-hosted a Tai Chi demonstration and lunch at the Mortensen Riverfront Plaza in Hartford. Tai Chi is known for its health benefits, including helping to maintain strength and balance as we age. Our instructor was Master Malee Khow, Principal and Head Instructor at Malee's School in Manchester.

Native American History Month - November

In observance of Native American History Month, Shipman's DEI Committee hosted a virtual discussion with Passamaquoddy educator, author, education and media consultant, Chris Newell. Chris discussed how America's education system--and the field of education in general--is updating the way it addresses "Native Histories and Contemporary Realities," creating new learning paths for educators to engage with Native content in exciting, new and culturally competent ways.

Shipman Partners With GLAD on Transgender ID Clinics

Shipman has partnered with the CT Transgender ID Project to offer a series of free name/gender ID legal clinics open to all members of the transgender community in Connecticut. Connecticut’s Transgender ID Project is a joint project of GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and Shipman & Goodwin. Shipman lawyers volunteer their time and expertise in partnership with the Metropolitan Community Church of Hartford (where clinics are usually hosted) and GLAD, providing free legal advice for individuals looking to change their name and/or gender marker on state and federal identity documents.

Shipman Women's Alliance Hosts Golf Outing at Lyman Orchards

In May, Shipman Women’s Alliance (SWA) hosted its Annual Golf Clinic at Lyman Orchards, providing an opportunity for our women lawyers and guests at all levels of ability and interest to take some lessons from LPGA instructors and to enjoy each other’s company. 

SWA strives to provide a platform for our women attorneys and clients to share their insights, ideas, experiences and inspirations. Through various events and meetings, diverse and talented women are brought together to establish longstanding, valuable relationships and to enhance their network. SWA is committed to cultivating an environment that advocates professional development and promotes the advancement of women.  Internally, SWA provides a forum to discuss issues facing women attorneys and serves as an avenue for developing mentoring relationships.

 Mentoring and Pipeline Initiatives

Aisha Stovall

Maci Thomas

Shipman Sponsors Two Black Public Defenders Association Summer Fellows

As part of our three-year partnership with the National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA), Shipman was excited to support two Black Public Defender Association (BPDA) Fellows in 2023.  The BPDA Summer Fellowship program aims to advance diversity in public defense by giving black law students the opportunity to gain the necessary experience and develop the skills required to compete for post-graduate jobs in the equal justice community. Fellows are provided with a summer stipend and are paired with an experienced public defender member of BPDA who serves as their mentor. This year's summer fellows sponsored by Shipman were Aisha Stovall and Maci Thomas. Aisha, a third-year student at UConn Law was paired with the Connecticut Public Defender's Office. Maci, a third-year student at Georgetown law, was paired with the Baltimore City Public Defender's Office. 

Now in its second year, the Shipman-NLADA partnership has been working to advance NLADA’s Racial Equity Initiative through sponsorship of leadership development opportunities for emerging leaders who are advancing racial equity in their legal organizations, law firms and communities.  Two members of Shipman's DEI Committee, Morgan Rueckert and Andy Bellach, recently participated in NLADA’s Racial Equity Institute – DEI Fellowship, a 6-month training institute designed to introduce and equip participants with core competencies on racial equity required to launch and implement DEI initiatives within their organizations and beyond.

Shawndia Jones

LCD Summer Internship

2023 marked Shipman’s 5th year participating in the Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity Summer College Internship Pipeline Program.  This program provides college students with paid summer work experience, weekly seminars, and local visits to a courthouse, law schools, and other locations. In addition to exposing students to the daily responsibilities of working in a legal office, the program includes a summer-long mock trial program which culminates in a mock courtroom experience hosted by Shipman.  This year, we were proud to welcome Shawndia Jones, a senior at Central Connecticut State University, to the firm for nine weeks. 

Contact Us:

To learn more about our commitment to diversity and our diversity initiatives, please contact our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Chair, Alfredo G. Fernández at (860) 251-5353 or afernandez@goodwin.com.