Episode 102: Sovereign Immunity & The CT Office of the Claims Commissioner

This month on Calendar Call, Paul Bourdoulous talks with Attorney Robert Shea, the CT Claims Commissioner, about sovereign immunity and the work of the CT Claims Commissioner's Office. Paul and Attorney Shea discuss what sovereign immunity is, types of claims, and the process. Additional topics include hearings, wrongful incarceration claims, and other nuanced claims.

Chapter 53* Claims Against the State

CGS Sec. 54-102uu

CT Office of The Claims Commissioner

[email protected]

Episode 101: Pro Bono

This month on Calendar Call, Matt Berardino talks Pro Bono with Attorney Jenn Shukla, Director of Access to Justice Initiatives and Interim Director of DEI at the Connecticut Bar Association and Attorney Dan Brody, Co-Chair of the CBA’s Pro Bono Committee. Matt, Attorney Shukla, and Attorney Brody discuss a number of topics including why do pro bono, pro bono obligations, potential MCLE credits for pro bono, and critical areas of need for pro bono. Other topics include opportunities available through the CBA, training for practitioners, concerns and issues, as well as many resources available.

Rule 6.1 of Professional Conduct

CTbar.org/volunteer

Episode 100: Office of the Victim Advocate

This month on Calendar Call, Paul Bourdoulous talks with Attorney Natasha Pierre, the State Victim Advocate, about the work of the Office of the Victim Advocate. Paul and Attorney Pierre discuss what the OVA is, the role of the OVA, and constitutional rights of victims. Additional topics include interactions between the OVA and the various parts of government, common pitfalls, and advice to those who interact with victims.

CGS Sec. 1-1k

Office of the Victim Advocate

Episode 99 – Escheatment of Funds from Attorney IOLTA Accounts

This month on Calendar Call, Matt Berardino talks with Michelle Seagull, Assistant Treasurer for the State of Connecticut, and Elizabeth Rowe, First Assistant Bar Counsel for the Connecticut Judicial Branch, about the escheatment of funds from attorney IOLTA accounts. Matt, Michelle, and Elizabeth discuss the regulation of IOLTA accounts, common issues, and the process of escheatment. Additional topics include best practices, scenarios where escheatment would not be appropriate, and more.

Sec. 3-56a

CT Big List

Email: [email protected] or Call: 860-702-3293

Episode 98 – Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

This month on Calendar Call, Paul Bourdoulous talks with Sandra Lugo-Gines, Program Manager for the Superior Court Operations Division about the Americans with Disabilities Act with a specific focus on Title II and public services offered by the Connecticut Judicial Branch. Paul and Sandra discuss what the ADA is, the scope of disability, and the requirements of the Judicial Branch to comply with Title II. Additional topics include common services provided, requests for accommodation, service animals, and more.

Title II

ADA.gov

Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Centralized ADA Office

Email: [email protected] or Call: 860-706-5310

Episode 97 – Basics of G.A. Practice

This month on Calendar Call, Matthew Berardino talks with Attorney Robert Dwyer about the basics of practice in Connecticut’s Geographical Area Courts. Matt and Attorney Dwyer discuss numerous topics including an overview of the process involving clients in criminal court, arraignments, protective orders, and plea bargains. Additional topics include diversionary programs, trials, jury selection, and more.

Episode 96 – Recent Changes to CT Paid Leave

This month on Calendar Call, Matthew Berardino once again engages in talks with Chief Executive Officer of the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority, Erin Choquette, about the recent updates to Connecticut Paid Leave. Matt and Erin discuss changes to municipalities, family violence, and employees of tribal governments and businesses. Matt and Erin also talk about recovering overpayments and the employers requirements.

P.A. No. 24-5

Episode 95 – Pretrial Services and Diversionary Programs

This month on Calendar Call, Paul talks with Robert Cristiano, Regional Manager in the Court Support Services Division about pretrial services and diversionary programs. Paul and Robert discuss what the pretrial services process entails, the many different diversionary programs offered, and resources that are available.

Special Sessions and Diversionary Programs

Episode 94 – Attorney Succession Planning

This month on Calendar Call, Matt talks with Attorney Elizabeth Rowe, First Assistant Bar Counsel, about attorney succession planning. Matt and Attorney Rowe discuss the first steps to winding down a practice, the types of retirements for attorneys, and options to consider when retiring. Additional topics include duties to former clients, plans for unexpected events, common mistakes, resources available, and more.

Retirement FAQ’s

Rules of Professional Conduct

Episode 93 – Attorney Regulation and Discipline

This month on Calendar Call, Paul talks with Attorney Christopher Slack, Statewide Bar Counsel and Attorney Brian Stains, Chief Disciplinary Counsel, in the Legal Services Unit of the Connecticut Judicial Branch. Paul and Attorney’s Chris Slack and Brian Staines discuss an overview of the Legal Services Unit as well as the process when an attorney has been grieved. Additional topics include advice to attorneys to avoid getting grieved, most common complaints and violations, and more.

CT Practice Book

Rule 1.15