As managing partner of Shipman & Goodwin, Leander Dolphin leads one of the state’s largest law firms with 146 attorneys.
Dolphin took over the firm’s leadership role Jan. 1. With its headquarters at One Constitution Plaza, in downtown Hartford, the firm also has offices in New Haven, Old Lyme, Stamford, Greenwich, Lakeville and New York.
Dolphin said her focus is to build upon the firm’s performance in 2021, which she described as one of its strongest years despite the pandemic.
In her practice, Dolphin has helped clients, such as educational institutions and private employers, deal with COVID-related issues, such as vaccine mandates and workplace health and safety.
As an attorney, Dolphin regularly advises universities, colleges, public school districts, independent schools and other clients on a variety of education and employment matters. These range from special education disputes to claims of sexual harassment to policies involving the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Dolphin, who was born in St. Lucia and wrote a book of short stories about her hometown, said a key focus in the year ahead will be growing the firm’s national environmental, litigation, education and business practices by adding lawyers and staff.
She originally joined Shipman in 2004. Prior to becoming managing partner, she served for three years on the firm’s management committee and became a co-managing partner last year.
Dolphin is also active in the community. In November she was elected to the Connecticut Business & Industry Association’s board of directors. She is also the former vice president of human resources and general counsel for the Girl Scouts of Connecticut.