Joette Katz
Partner
Joette Katz is a partner in the firm’s Business Litigation Practice Group. Her distinguished legal career and service to the State of Connecticut provide her with considerable knowledge and experience that make her a valuable resource to clients and lawyers throughout the state.
Joette focuses her practice on appellate work, mediation and investigations. She advises clients on the appellate process, positioning, and strategy at both the trial and appellate stages of a matter. Joette also serves as a mediator to resolve a wide range of conflicts for clients that do not require litigation. In addition, using skills from her government experience, Joette advises clients across a variety of industries on handling government, internal and other investigations.
During her 18+ years as an Associate Justice on the Connecticut Supreme Court, Joette heard approximately 2,500 cases and authored nearly 500 opinions. In addition, she served as an Administrative Judge for the State of Connecticut Appellate System and as a Judge for the Connecticut Superior Court. While serving as the Chief of Legal Services for the State of Connecticut Division of Public Defender Services, she co-authored Connecticut Criminal Caselaw Handbook: A Practitioner’s Guide (published by The Connecticut Law Tribune). Her experience at the Superior Court level in all aspects of the law makes her an invaluable asset to her clients, particularly those navigating the complexities of the appellate process.
Credentials
Education
- University of Connecticut School of Law, J.D., with honors
- Brandeis University, B.A., with honors
Bar Admissions
- Connecticut
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court, District of CT
- U.S. Supreme Court
Distinctions
PARTIAL LISTING:
- Social Impact Award, New England Legal Awards (2023)
- Distinguished Leader Award, Connecticut Law Tribune (2020)
- Hartford County Bar Association John M. Bailey Award for Public Service
- Community Mediation: The 2012 Honorable Robert C. Zampano Award for Excellence in Mediation
- Family Children’s Agency: Family Strengthening Award
- Casey Family Programs: Casey Excellence for Children Award
- The Lawyers Children for America: Outstanding Leadership Award
- Connecticut Voices for Children: State Policy Leadership Award
- Governing magazine: A Public Official of the Year
- Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame: Notable Women of Influence
- Yale University: Associate Fellow of Trumbull College (2009-present)
- Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association Women’s Caucus: Trailblazer Award
- Quinnipiac University: Honorary Degree, Doctor of Laws
- Connecticut Bar Association: Henry J. Naruk Award
- University of Connecticut School of Law: Distinguished Graduate Award
- National Organization for Women: Harriet Tubman Award
Teaching Positions
- Yale University School of Law: Ethics in Litigation; Children and the Law
- Quinnipiac University School of Law: Former Adjunct Professor, Criminal Law and Ethics
- University of Connecticut School of Law: Former Adjunct Professor, Appellate Advocacy; Criminal Appellate Clinic
Professional Affiliations
- State of Connecticut Jury Selection Task Force: Drafted Practice Book Revisions Aimed at Attacking Implicit Bias in the Jury Selection Process
- State of Connecticut Evidence Code Drafting Committee: Chair
- State of Connecticut Advisory Committee on the Appellate Rules: Chair
- State of Connecticut Law Revision Commission: Member
- State of Connecticut Public Defender Commission: Member
- American Law Institute: Member, Sentencing Advisory Committee
- Connecticut Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA): Advisory Council
- Connecticut Criminal Practice Commission: Member
- Connecticut Client Security Fund Committee: Chair
- Commission to Revise Connecticut Appellate Rules: Member
- Public Service and Trust Commission: Committee Chair
- Fairfield County Inns of Court: President
Community Involvement
- The Connecticut Law Tribune: Chair, Editorial Board
- Connecticut Bar Foundation, Board Member
- St. Joseph’s College, Board of Trustees
- Trumbull College, Fellow
- Justice Education Center, Inc.
- Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund
- Hartford Boys and Girls Club
- Fairfield County’s Community Foundation: Board Member