Top row, from left,, Karen Yates, Janine Hodgson and Janet Crawford; bottom row, from left, Janie Eddy, David Markowitz and Karen Ali.

Veteran Wealth Planning Lawyer Joins Withers

The global law firm Withers has hired veteran wealth planning lawyer Karen E. Yates as a partner in the private client practice group in New Haven. Yates previously worked in the firm's New Haven and Greenwich offices from 1999 to 2015.

Yates works with individuals and families on wealth transfer tax planning and fiduciary administration. She regularly advises on business succession, charitable giving and estate tax planning.

"Karen is an immensely talented and experienced attorney with deep experience advising on complex wealth planning matters," said Sandra Viana, partner and joint divisional CEO of Withers' private client and tax division. "She had long been part of the fabric of Withers and we are excited to welcome her back to the firm."

Yates advises families on restructuring trusts to increase efficiency and better suit changing circumstances and needs. She is an active member of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

"Individuals and families across the globe turn to Withers for help navigating their most challenging wealth planning issues," Yates said. "I'm happy to be getting back to old friends and colleagues and to the collaborative spirit of practice that Withers is known for."

Yates is admitted to practice in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., as well as U.S. tax court. She earned her J.D. from Cornell Law School.

Neubert, Pepe & Monteith Hires Janine Hodgson

Attorney Janine Hodgson has joined Neubert, Pepe & Monteith in New Haven as counsel.

Hodgson has devoted her career to civil defense litigation, representing health care providers in medical malpractice and general liability claims and public health investigations. She has successfully tried many jury and bench trials to conclusion in Connecticut Superior Courts and before the Connecticut Supreme and Appellate courts.

Hodgson has represented individuals in civil cases and grievances and employers and municipalities in discrimination and wrongful termination claims.

"We are thrilled to have Janine join the firm," said Michael D. Neubert, principal. "She is a very accomplished litigator with substantial experience in professional and malpractice defense and employment law."

Hodgson is a member of the Connecticut Defense Lawyers Association and is active in the community as a coach for the Guilford Youth Lacrosse Association, president of Guilford's Baldwin Middle School Parent Teacher Association and volunteer at Choate Rosemary Hall and the SongStrong Foundation in Guilford.

She earned her J.D. from the University of Bridgeport School of Law.

Saxe Doernberger Hires Janet Crawford and Janie Eddy

Saxe Doernberger & Vita has hired attorneys Janet E. Crawford and Janie Reilly Eddy as associates in the firm's northeast office in Trumbull.

Eddy has a strong background in litigation, handling matters from inception through resolution and advising and guiding clients through viable litigation options. Her experience includes extensive discovery and motion practice as well as settlement negotiations, mediations, arbitrations and trials.

Crawford has developed a long career in litigation, specializing in insurance coverage. She has represented clients in pharmaceutical personal injury, products liability, maritime, construction and environmental claims. She has authored numerous appellate briefs as well as portions of a U.S. Supreme Court brief in a commerce clause action.

Saxe Doernberger is an elite national firm focused exclusively on insurance coverage for clients ranging from individuals to international corporations.

Markowitz Joins Hassett & George as Partner

Attorney David Markowitz has joined Hassett & George as a partner.

Markowitz's work includes business transactions, real estate, zoning and land, which will complement the firm's existing practice in these areas. He has a long history representing dental and medical practices in commercial transactions.

Hassett & George has offices in Simsbury and Glastonbury.

Karen Ali Joins Michael London & Associates

Longtime Connecticut journalist Karen Ali of Waterbury has joined the staff of Michael J. London & Associates in Trumbull as manager of strategic communications.

A graduate of Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, Ali has worked for fast-paced print and digital publications in Connecticut for 30 years. Her recent work includes public relations strategy and crisis communications.

Ali covered legal issues for the Danbury News-Times and was a social media editor and reporter for the Connecticut Law Tribune. Her freelance work has appeared in the Hartford Business Journal, AARP, the Waterbury Republican-American, the New York Post and many magazines, blogs and trade journals.