As managing partner of Shipman & Goodwin, Leander Dolphin leads one of the state’s largest law firms with about 140 Connecticut attorneys.
Dolphin took over the firm’s leadership role in 2022, and her stature within Greater Hartford’s legal industry has only grown since then.
Gov. Ned Lamont appointed Dolphin to serve as chairperson of the 12-member Connecticut Judicial Selection Commission, which is responsible for seeking out and recommending judges for the Superior, Appellate and Supreme courts.
Dolphin began her legal career in 2004, and has led Shipman & Goodwin’s diversity, equity and inclusion committee.
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DEI has been one of her major focus areas. Dolphin was recognized in 2023 by the Women’s Business Development Council for her commitment to cultivating equity as an attorney and in the broader community.
That commitment was on display early this year when Shipman & Goodwin announced an all-female 2024 partner class. Four women lawyers were elevated to firm shareholders.
In her practice, Dolphin regularly advises universities, colleges, public school districts, independent schools and other clients on a variety of education and employment matters.
Prior to joining Shipman, Dolphin was the vice president of human resources and general counsel for the Girl Scouts of Connecticut. Dolphin graduated from Wesleyan University in 1999, and received her law degree from the Howard University School of Law in 2004.