Leander A. Dolphin, Managing Partner, Shipman & Goodwin LLP
Recognizing her strong leadership capabilities and long history with the firm, Shipman elevated Leander to the role of co-managing partner in 2021, and then to the role of sole managing partner in 2022. She is the first African American woman in the firm’s history to lead as managing partner. Leander is one of a very small group of women of color in top leadership roles at midsize and large law firms worldwide. She started at Shipman as a first-year associate in 2004. Prior to her election as managing partner, she served for three years on the management committee before being named co-managing partner in 2021. Leander is a member of Shipman’s School Law Practice Group, the largest in Connecticut, where she advises universities, colleges, public school districts, independent schools, and other public and private-sector clients on the full range of education and employment matters. This includes guidance on issues such as sexual harassment (Title IX), workplace health and safety standards in the COVID-19 era, and a range of equity and discrimination considerations.
Leander has been recognized throughout her career for breaking barriers, excelling in leadership roles, dedicating herself to the mentorship of others, and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities. In October 2022, she received the Courageous Leader Award from the National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA). The award is given to racial equity leaders committed to advancing anti-racist values and recognizes the advocacy of trailblazers, like Leander, who model the commitment and courage to advance meaningful, lasting change. Under Leander’s leadership, Shipman partnered
with NLADA to sponsor a Black Public Defender Association 2022 Summer Internship; in 2023 and 2024 Shipman will sponsor leadership development opportunities through NLADA’s Racial Equity Institute.
Appointed by Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont to serve on the Connecticut Judicial Selection Commission in August 2022, the commission’s members unanimously elected Leander to serve as their chairperson shortly thereafter. Dolphin was named one of Hartford Business Journal’s (“HBJ”) Top 25 Women in Business for 2022, and in November 2021, she was elected to the Connecticut Business & Industry Association’s (CBIA) board of directors.
Dolphin is the former vice president of human resources and general counsel for the Girl Scouts of Connecticut. She graduated from Wesleyan University in 1999 with high honors and received her J.D. from Howard University School of Law in 2004.
What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement was being elected Managing Partner at Shipman & Goodwin LLP.
What is the most influential piece of advice (professional or personal) you have received?
I have received a lot of influential advice, and I try to be guided by the advice that resonates the most with me. One such piece of advice was to “run my own race.” Although not a runner, I have a lot of respect for these athletes, who teach us a lot about individuality, discipline, teamwork, and the benefits of keeping your eye on the finish line in your own race. Running my own race has helped me be inspired by others, while avoiding comparison. Looking to the left and right – taking your eye off your own lane – can slow you down, and can sometimes cause a misstep.
Where do you see the legal profession in 10+ years?
In 10+ years, I believe the legal profession will continue to be impacted by the effects of the pandemic, shifting the way we practice law, especially in private practice. I expect that there will be more diverse leadership in law firms and private companies.
What is/are your favorite extracurricular activity/activities?
My favorite extra curricular activities are traveling and reading.
What is one thing people should know about you but don't?
I am a big Kenny Rogers fan, mostly because he sings stories - about love, pain, and life - so vividly.
Name your hometown/where you were born/where you grew up and where you live now.
I was born in Castries, St. Lucia, and immigrated to Brooklyn, NY when I was eight. I currently live in Hartford, CT.
If you were not a legal professional, what other line of work would you pursue?
If I were not a legal professional, I planned to be an English professor and writer.
Published November 15, 2023.
