A Message from President Cindy L. Robinson
August 21, 2026
Greetings!
I am excited to begin my year as President of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association.
First, I would like to congratulate our Immediate Past President Peter Dreyer on an extremely successful year. Peter championed several important initiatives during his presidency, including launching a membership category for legal staff, increasing membership, developing webinar programs to teach lawyers the fundamentals of trial practice and encouraging new ways to communicate with our members. I would like to thank Peter for his service, wisdom and leadership.
It is a privilege to have the opportunity to work with many wonderful people this year. The list includes our dedicated slate of Officers: President-Elect Patrick Kennedy, Vice President Brian Flood, Treasurer Karolina Dowd, Secretary Garrett Moore Jr. and Parliamentarian Christopher Houlihan.
It also includes our exceptionally committed and talented staff: Chief Executive Officer Joan Maloney, Continuing Legal Education Director Katie Marino and Membership Services Coordinator Liz Nolan. None of what we do at CTLA would be possible without them. I also look forward to working with our Legislative Team at Gaffney, Bennett & Associates, including Jay Malcynsky and Jeffrey "Zeke" Zyjeski, whose guidance and diligence are invaluable to our organization.
"Trial lawyers protecting individual rights through fair laws and access to justice" is our Mission Statement. For more than 60 years, CTLA has advanced that mission while continuing to evolve and grow. I believe the organization's enduring strength is due in large part to our past presidents, too many to name individually, who have remained actively involved and supportive.
Our long-serving and well-respected board members are also vital to our efforts and continue to contribute to the collective knowledge, institutional memory and experience that makes us so strong. We are fortunate to have an incredibly accomplished board and membership. Equally important is the ability through our educational programs, working committees and civic activities to encourage people who have just begun their legal careers or made a change in their practice to join CTLA. If you are a new lawyer, I invite you to participate and/or become more involved. No matter your years of practice, we are always thrilled to welcome new members.
What makes this association special is its people. Our members are generous not only in supporting meaningful fundraising efforts, but also in volunteering their time and expertise to legislative initiatives, appellate issues, educational programming, outreach planning as well as simple things like answering a colleague's phone call or email. That spirit of professionalism, collegiality, and service defines who we are. Let's embrace our proud history and at the same time encourage new perspectives and remain engaged in the work that matters most to our organization. We are a community of people who believe deeply that justice for all matters and it is a privilege and an honor to serve as CTLA President.
Thank you.
Cindy L. Robinson
President
Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association
