Wiggin Launches Opportunity Initiative

Acknowledging pain and challenges the nation is facing amid the COVID-19 pandemic and concurrent racial tensions, Connecticut firm Wiggin and Dana has launched an initiative that includes offering $10 million worth of legal services to minority-owned businesses during the next 10 years.

"Our goal is to fuel the success of these businesses, encourage the creation of more, and increase diversity among business leaders," the firm announced in press release this week. "Wiggin and Dana will donate our legal expertise across multiple practice areas to help these businesses thrive and be able to provide greater economic opportunities for all stakeholders. We hope that by committing to support minority-owned businesses, we can lead the community in efforts to achieve systemic and lasting change."

Managing Partner Paul Hughes acknowledged that, while the initiative is a response to current events, Wiggin & Dana "wants to do something that will outlast the spotlight of this particular moment and support long-term improvement in opportunity and equality in our communities. By leveraging the particular skill set of our sophisticated lawyers in a sizeable, sustained and focused effort over time, we hope to make real change in a way that we could not achieve by more modest, incremental efforts."

In the coming months, Wiggin will collaborate with strategic partners in the firm's surrounding communities—including Connecticut, New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Palm Beach, Fla.—to identify minority-owned businesses that could benefit from the initiative, with the ultimate goal of creating "a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable world."

CT Bar Installs New President, Officers

The 97th president of the association, Amy Lin Meyerson, assumed office at the Connecticut Bar Association's annual meeting June 8, during which she shared her vision for the organization. The Weston solo practitioner said her theme for the coming year is "Connect to Succeed," reinforcing the bar's commitment to helping members succeed. She also announced an initiative to promote "the ABCs of the CBA" including advancing justice, broadening networks and championing communities.

"As we move strategically forward, many things about this bar year will not look anything like the past 96 CBA years," Myerson told fellow members. "But regardless of the adaptations we have to make, you can rely upon us to continue to deliver the outstanding services and programs you need to be the exceptional legal professionals our citizens and communities rely upon. With your safety, health, and overall well-being at the forefront of our minds, we will plan and shape our legal landscape to bring you the full benefits of CBA membership. I believe that we will rise to meet this challenge through perseverance and innovation."

Myerson was installed with fellow CBA officers President-elect Cecil J. Thomas, Vice President Daniel J. Horgan, Treasurer Margaret I. Castinado, Secretary Erin O'Neil-Baker, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Amanda G. Schreiber and Immediate Past President Ndidi N. Moses.