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About Our Section

The Young Lawyers Section (YLS) has as its primary goals the promotion of justice, the encouragement of public service, and the promotion of diversity and education of young lawyers and newly admitted practitioners. These goals are achieved through the educational, public service, and community programs produced by the section’s twenty-plus statewide committees and the nine regional young lawyer organizations in the state. The section also serves a valuable social and networking role in introducing young lawyers to each other and assisting them in their transition into the Connecticut legal practice. The section includes all members of the CBA who are 37 years old or younger or who have been admitted to the Bar for less than six full bar years.

Section Executive Committee

Chair
Sara Bonaiuto
Shipman & Goodwin LLP
265 Church St, Ste 1207
New Haven, CT 06510
(203) 836-2803
sbonaiuto@goodwin.com

Chair-elect

Jermaine A. Brookshire Jr.
Herrick Feinstein LLP
2 Park Ave
New York, NY 10016
(212 ) 592-1597
jbrookshirejr@herrick.com

Treasurer
Olivia Benson
Saxe Doernberger & Vita PC
35 Nutmeg Drive, Ste 140
Trumbull, CT  06611
(475)302-5743
obenson@sdvlaw.com

Secretary
Meaghan C. Kirby
Garrison Levin-Epstein Fitzgerald & Pirrotti PC
405 Orange Street
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 777-4425 ext 302
mkirby@garrisonlaw.com

 

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The CBA wishes to further encourage and increase the active involvement of young lawyers, lawyers who no longer qualify for membership in the Young Lawyers Section, and diverse lawyers in the leadership and activities of CBA sections. The goal of the CBA Presidential Fellows Program is to provide such lawyers with an opportunity to become more involved in the substantive work of CBA sections, further develop their leadership abilities, and promote the section to other members of the YLS and the bar.

Learn More

Upcoming Events

EC Calendar

  • Sep 30
    Young Lawyers Section | Welcome Back Networking Event (SYL260930)
    Witchdoctor Brewing Company
    168 Center Street, Unit 107
    Southington, Connecticut
    United States
    6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Eastern Daylight Time)
  • Oct 07
    YLS Pro Bono Fair Golf Event (SYL261007)
    The VUE
    310 West Shepard Avenue
    Hamden, Connecticut
    United States
    2:30 PM to 7:30 PM (Eastern Daylight Time)
  • Nov 04
    2026 Connecticut Access to Justice Conference: Return to Purpose. Ready for Impact. (ATJ261104)
    Legislative Office Building (LOB)
    8:00 AM to 1:45 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

    The legal system was built around the assumption that both sides have the knowledge, resources, and representation to navigate complex rules and procedures. But, the reality is legal help is financially out of reach for many CT residents who, when their legal rights are at risk, sometimes have to try to navigate a system designed for lawyers on their own. The CT Judicial Branch’s Access to Justice Commission is hosting this half-day, free, conference to bring together people who want to use their legal or professional skills to help others and be a part of implementing change to reduce the barriers and obstacles that stand in the way of meaningful access to courts, the legal system, and justice. At the conference, you will discover resources and tools that you can use to enhance your skills and better serve individuals facing legal matters. You can meet, connect, and share ideas with others in the CT legal community like you – lawyers, judges, and professionals who care about narrowing the access to justice gap. You will hear from inspiring and knowledgeable presenters including (1) Senator Chris Murphy, (2) Chief Justice Raheem Mullins, and (3) Author and Innovator Sateesh Nori. You’ll have an opportunity to learn about various opportunities to do meaningful pro bono or volunteer work.

Latest Related News

Section Annual Reports