Written Thursday, February 18, 2021
Patricia R. Kaplan will receive the Edward F. Hennessey Professionalism Award posthumously at the CBA’s annual awards celebration, Celebrate with the Stars, on Thursday, April 8. Attorney Kaplan passed away on February 14 after a courageous battle with ALS. She was a true champion of access to justice for all and embodied the highest ideals of the profession. She began her legal career as a staff attorney at New Haven Legal Assistance Association Inc (NHLAA) and rose to the role of executive director. Attorney Kaplan supervised junior lawyers and legal interns and taught at law schools, using every opportunity to teach the highest ideals of the profession to the next generation of lawyers. After retiring from NHLAA, she established a private practice, and offered pro bono and low bono services directly to clients. She left her door, email, and phone lines open to assist both new and experienced lawyers.
The Edward F. Hennessey Professionalism Award recognizes and honors a member of the bar whose career has manifested a dedication to the highest ideals and standards of the legal profession. Attorney Kaplan has been selected to receive this year’s Hennessey award by the CBA’s Professionalism Committee and previously received the Charles J. Parker Legal Service Award in 2008.
View the complete list of awardees. Registration is now open, and sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available.