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(From Left to Right) Sara Bonaiuto, 2022-2023 YLS Chair Christopher A. Klepps, Retired Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Christine E. Keller, 2023-2024 YLS Chair Sara O'Brien, Vianca T. Malick, Trent LaLima
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The Connecticut Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section (YLS) hosted its annual leadership retreat on August 11-12 at Foxwoods Casino in Ledyard. The YLS Executive Committee holds this event each summer to familiarize new members of the committee with the duties of their leadership roles and to present awards to members of the committee for their service during the previous bar year.
During the retreat, CBA President Maggie Castinado provided welcome remarks to the committee members, encouraging them to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion as young leaders. “There is still inequity in our profession and glass ceilings to break… If we are to have a diverse, tolerant, and understanding society that is celebrated and truly equal then we must have a consensus on reaching this goal,” stated President Castinado. “You are the new trailblazers, you are the future, you are our hope, and this is your call to action.”
Retired Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Christine E. Keller served as the keynote speaker for the event. She spoke about the expanding and evolving issues related to the relationship between artificial intelligence and legal practice. “AI is already out there, its inexpensively accessible... and its capable of being utilized and controlled by many who will not have the best of intentions,” warned Justice Keller, as she touched upon several legal and ethical issues that recently risen from the development and use of AI.
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(From Left to Right) CBA President Maggie I. Castinado, 2023-2024 YLS Chair Sara O'Brien, Retired Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Christine E. Keller
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After the keynote speech, 12 YLS Executive Committee members received awards for their service during the 2022-2023 bar year. The 2022-2023 YLS Chair Christopher A. Klepps presented the recipients with their awards, noting each attorney’s commendable achievements.
Leadership Award
Cindy M. Cieslak received a leadership award for her devoted work as an American Bar Association representative after having previously served as the chair of the YLS. During the 2022-2023 bar year, she organized a trip on behalf of YLS for members of the CBA to be sworn-in to the US Supreme Court.
Logan A. Carducci earned a leadership award for her long-term dedication to the YLS and for serving as a role model for members of the section. She has been integral in the planning and organization of the YLS pro bono fair and other events throughout the years.
Alison J. Toumekian received a leadership award for her service as an American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division representative and her involvement in planning the Northeast Regional Professional Development Conference for Young Lawyers.
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Cindy M. Cieslak received a leadership award from 2022-2023 YLS Chair Christopher A. Klepps.
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Logan A. Carducci received a leadership award from 2022-2023 YLS Chair Christopher A. Klepps.
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Alison J. Toumekian received a leadership award from 2022-2023 YLS Chair Christopher A. Klepps.
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Rookie of the Year Award
Virginia M. Gillette was recognized for preparing a successful CLE, attending numerous YLS social events, and showing great enthusiasm and promise as a leader throughout her first year on the executive committee.
Kevin F. Brignole, Jr. was also recognized for preparing a successful CLE as well as representing the YLS section at the June swearing-in ceremony for newly admitted attorneys at the Connecticut Supreme Court.
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Virginia M. Gillette received a rookie of the year award from 2022-2023 YLS Chair Christopher A. Klepps.
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Kevin F. Brignole, Jr. received a rookie of the year award from 2022-2023 YLS Chair Christopher A. Klepps.
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Star of the Year Award
Jermaine Brookshire, Jr. received a Star of the Year award for his performance as CLE director, ensuring that YLS members stayed committed to their responsibility to host programs throughout the year.
Paige M. Vaillancourt earned a Star of the Year award for preparing an engaging and well-attended CLE, planning the 2022-2023 YLS kickoff event, and serving as an asset to the section.
Hon. Shanique Fenlator and Andrew Glass both received their Star of the Year awards for planning and hosting student outreach events at Quinnipiac School of Law and UConn School of Law to develop a pipeline for future YLS members.
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Jermaine Brookshire, Jr. received a star of the year award from 2022-2023 YLS Chair Christopher A. Klepps.
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Paige M. Vaillancourt received a star of the year award from 2022-2023 YLS Chair Christopher A. Klepps.
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Hon. Shanique Fenlator received a star of the year award from 2022-2023 YLS Chair Christopher A. Klepps.
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Andrew Glass received a star of the year award from 2022-2023 YLS Chair Christopher A. Klepps.
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Volunteer of the Year Award
Ashley A. Cervin, Nora Gray, and Caroline Boisvert each earned Volunteer of the Year awards for collectively providing over 300 hours of pro bono and public service work, which greatly contributed to the section successfully reaching its annual goal of having its members provide over 1,000 hours of pro bono services.
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Ashley A. Cervin received a volunteer of the year award from 2022-2023 YLS Chair Christopher A. Klepps.
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Nora Gray received a volunteer of the year award from 2022-2023 YLS Chair Christopher A. Klepps.
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Caroline Boisvert received a volunteer of the year award from 2022-2023 YLS Chair Christopher A. Klepps.
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