Ten Young Lawyers Receive Section Awards

Christopher DeMatteo, DeMatteo Legal Solutions, provided outstanding coordination of the YLS Axe Throwing to Fight Hunger event and helped secure sponsors and with event logistics as a rookie executive committee member, which earned him a Rookie of the Year award. Attorney DeMatteo also served as co-chair of the Criminal Law Committee.

Ronald Houde, Ouellette Deganis Gallagher & Grippe LLC, played a critical role in the organization of the YLS Friends and Family Hockey Outing at the Hartford Wolf Pack game. The game was a YLS Balance Series event that focused on creating balance for a better legal profession by helping members achieve professional success in their careers, emotional well-being at work and home, and ensuring equal access for all to the legal profession. Attorney Houde also served as an Appellate Practice Committee co-chair.

Johanna S. Katz, Pullman & Comley LLC, was recognized with a Rookie of the Year Award for her participation in the YLS Horn of Plenty Food Drive – the successful philanthropic effort that raised more than $3,000 and collected more than 700 pounds of food, which resulted in 9,600 meals for Connecticut’s hungry residents who rely on the Connecticut Foodbank and Foodshare. She coordinated a drop off center at her office and actively engaging her colleagues, friends, and families to donate. In addition to her involvement with the food drive, Attorney Katz served as an Appellate Practice Committee co-chair.

Paige M. Vaillancourt, Rescia Law PC, served as the Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Committee chair and was recognized with a Rookie of the Year Award for her coordination of “Nuts and Bolts of Consumer Bankruptcy and How They Fit in Your Practice Area Toolkit,” a continuing legal education seminar in November 2019.

Sara J. Dickson, United Health Group, and Jonathan Friedler, Geraghty & Bonnano Attorneys at Law LLC, received Star of the Year Awards for their creative and insightful leadership as co-membership directors. They assisted executive committee members with planning the YLS’ numerous social and community events.

Vianca T. Malick, Diana Conti & Tunila LLP, was recognized with a Star of the Year Award for her coordination of numerous continuing legal education events, including the December 2019 seminar “The Ins and Outs of Short Calendar.” Attorney Malick was also a co-chair of the Litigation Committee.

Colleen M. Garlick, Hassett and Donnelly PC, received a Leadership Award for her work as continuing legal education (CLE) co-director. She oversaw and assisted the committee chairs as they coordinated and hosted their educational seminars.

Logan A. Carducci, Halloran Sage, was honored with a Leadership Award for her work as a law school outreach director. She led the coordination of the UCONN School of Law - CBA Young Lawyers Section Meet & Greet in which more than 50 law students attended and learned more about the YLS and CBA. Additionally, she coordinated the annual YLS Holiday Party that raised funds for the Prudence Crandall Center.

Christopher A. Klepps, United Health Group, was recognized with a Leadership Award for his work as secretary during the 2019-2020 bar year. He assisted his executive members in planning numerous events, including the axe throwing event, securing sponsors, and helping finalize the event details.