Leander A. Dolphin is managing partner of Shipman & Goodwin, where she oversees the firm’s strategy, operations and growth across its offices. Her role includes guiding expansion initiatives, strengthening practice areas and shaping the firm’s long-term direction in a competitive legal market.
Over the past 12 months, Dolphin said the firm significantly expanded its footprint in the Northeast with the opening of a Boston office in the Prudential Center and the addition of 17 Boston-based attorneys. She also cited continued investment in key practice areas, including finance and environmental law, and the firm’s achievement of Mansfield Certification Plus for 2024-25, reflecting its ongoing commitment to transparency and equity in leadership advancement.
Looking ahead, Dolphin cited opportunities in guiding clients through economic and regulatory uncertainty, deepening sector-focused expertise and integrating legal technology. She identified enterprise-level AI adoption, talent recruitment and retention, and economic volatility as key challenges.
What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today?
Integrity, self-awareness, compassion and courage.
What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut?
For such a small state, Connecticut has incredible diversity — the towns and cities all have their own unique identities and something different to offer residents.
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What is one change that would make Connecticut more competitive economically?
A thriving Hartford would make Connecticut more competitive economically.
Book recommendation: “The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living” by Ryan Holiday
Go-to news media outlets: NPR, The New York Times
Hobby or leisure activity: Traveling with my family and reading.