Joette Katz and Shipman Recognized in Inaugural New England Legal Awards

Shipman & Goodwin LLP is pleased to announce that Joette Katz was recognized in the Social Impact individual category of the first-ever New England Legal Awards. Shipman was also recognized in the Social Impact firm category for its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Previously named the Connecticut Legal Awards, the New England Legal Awards expanded the field this year to include attorneys and firms from beyond Connecticut, including many in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and beyond. Joette and Shipman were chosen in their respective categories following a review of submissions sent in from lawyers and firms from across New England. Honorees will be celebrated at a gala on September 21 at Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston.

Joette Katz has had an exemplary career of public service on behalf of the State of Connecticut. Her experience in the judicial and executive branches of state government over a lifetime are extraordinary. During her nearly two decades of service on the Connecticut Supreme Court, Joette heard some 2,500 cases and authored nearly 500 opinions.

Immediately prior to joining Shipman, Joette served as Commissioner of the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families, a high-profile leadership position to which she was appointed by then-Governor Dannel Malloy. As Commissioner of DCF, Joette was instrumental in correcting structural failures exposed in the civil class action, Juan F. Last year, in a joint motion to terminate federal supervision of DCF, the parties attributed much of DCF’s progress to Joette’s leadership.

At Shipman, Joette continues her staunch advocacy for children and families as well as other underprivileged populations through participation on the firm’s Pro Bono Committee, serving as both a mentor to other attorneys and providing direct representation on behalf of clients.

Shipman was recognized in the Social Impact category for its efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion and for emphasizing how those efforts have added to Shipman’s strategic growth and success. For example, Shipman’s commitment to gender inclusion places the firm among the nation’s top firms. Ongoing participation in the Mansfield Rule certification process ensures Shipman consistently and consciously considers diversity, equity and inclusion when making hiring, promotion, and other critical organizational and business decisions. Shipman has also developed important ongoing partnerships with the National Legal Aid & Defender Association’s (NLADA) Racial Equity Institute (REI), and with the GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) on their Connecticut Transgender ID Project.