Meriden, Conn. — The Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) Young Lawyers Section (YLS) held its annual Executive Committee Leadership Retreat on August 6–8 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard. Held each summer, the retreat familiarizes new YLS Executive Committee members with the responsibilities of their leadership roles through training sessions and celebrates the achievements of executive committee members whose dedication and service strengthened the Young Lawyers Section during the previous bar year.
During the retreat, 2025–2026 Young Lawyers Section Chair and CBA Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Paige M. Vaillancourt presented four awards recognizing exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to the legal profession.
Leadership Award
Danielle A. Erickson received the Leadership Award for her initiative in organizing the Young Lawyers Section's 2025 Etiquette Dinner, which provided attendees with valuable guidance on professional dining etiquette. Throughout the year, Erickson also consistently volunteered for YLS initiatives, frequently stepping forward to support the section's programs and events. Attorney Erickson is an associate at Pullman & Comley LLC in Hartford.
Pro Bono Award
Jeffrey M. Beck received the Pro Bono Award after contributing more than 303 hours of pro bono service and community volunteer work during the 2025–2026 bar year. His efforts accounted for more than one-quarter of the Young Lawyers Section Executive Committee's total of 1,192.88 service hours, which exceeded the committee's annual pledge of 1,000 volunteer hours. In addition to his extensive service, he actively participated in numerous YLS and CBA initiatives throughout the year. Attorney Beck is the founder of J. Beck Legal PLLC in West Hartford.
Star of the Year Award
Hugh T. Sokolski, Jr. received the Star of the Year Award for his leadership in organizing the YLS’s 2026 Diversity Dinner. The event brought together approximately 160 attorneys, law students, and scholars participating in the CBA's Future of the Legal Profession Scholars Program at the Pond House Café in West Hartford for meaningful discussions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion within Connecticut's legal community. Attorney Sokolski is an associate at Jackson Lewis PC in Hartford.
Rookie of the Year Award
Erin M. Daly received the Rookie of the Year Award in recognition of her active participation in Young Lawyers Section events, dedicated volunteer service during her first year on the Executive Committee, and contribution of 128 pro bono service hours throughout the bar year. Attorney Daly is the founder of Daly Law & Strategy in Trumbull.
"The Young Lawyers Section is built on the dedication, leadership, and generosity of its members, and this year's award recipients truly exemplify those qualities," said Paige M. Vaillancourt, 2025–2026 Young Lawyers Section Chair and CBA Assistant Secretary-Treasurer. "Their commitment to serving the profession, supporting their colleagues, and giving back to our communities has made a meaningful impact throughout the past bar year. I am grateful for their contributions and excited to see the continued leadership they will bring to the Connecticut Bar Association in the years ahead."
The Connecticut Bar Association's Young Lawyers Section provides leadership development, professional networking, public service opportunities, and educational programming for attorneys in the early stages of their legal careers. 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. Learn more about the section at ctbar.org/yls.