CBF established the Fellows Program in 1994 in honor of James W. Cooper, a distinguished New Haven attorney and civic leader. Fellows honor Cooper's legacy by facilitating programs that address access to justice and promote systemic change within the legal profession.
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The Fellows are an active and enthusiastic group who have developed impactful programs that promote systemic change within the legal profession. Visit the Programs page to learn about programs on access to justice, the history of attorneys of color, women in the law, alternative dispute resolution, and more!
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Fellows nominate outstanding Connecticut lawyers, judges, and teachers of law to join the program. CBF then extends invitations to those who have been selected by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Fellows and the Board of Directors.
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CBF, in collaboration with the Fellows Education and Program Committee (FEPC), plan exciting programs every year and encourages all Fellows to volunteer to share their talents, networks, and expertise to create impactful programming for the Connecticut legal community.
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The Annual Reception is a time for Fellows to come together to welcome its newest members and celebrate the work of extraordinary nonprofit civil legal service providers and/or legal aid attorneys in Connecticut.
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The partners of Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP established the Fitzgerald Fund for Excellence to honor Tony Fitzgerald on the occasion of his retirement from the practice of law. CBF draws on the fund annually to present the Fitzgerald Award for Excellence, which recognizes the dedicated service and outstanding achievements of a CT nonprofit civil legal service provider or legal aid attorney(s).
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Contribute to your Fellows pledge, or make a Sustaining or Roraback Circle contribution. Each elected Fellow pledges to contribute at least $2,500 to the Foundation and are designated Life Fellows when that sum is reached.
Remembering James W. Cooper
James W. Cooper was a prominent New Haven attorney and a senior partner of Tyler, Cooper & Alcorn.
He served as President of Connecticut Bar Foundation from 1973 to 1975, the Connecticut Bar Association from 1957 to 1958, and the New Haven County Bar Association from 1948 to 1949, and was a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. In 1982, Attorney Cooper was the recipient of the Charles J. Parker Award for distinguished contributions to legal services for the poor.
Meet the Fellows
Meet some of our Fellows and hear what they have to share about the Fellows community, its educational programs, and the distinction of being a James W. Cooper Fellow.
Then, view our roster of over 1200+ distinguished Cooper Fellows.
