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Women In Business | April 11, 2022 | Hartford Business Journal 9 WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDS 2022 F ranca DeRosa is a partner at Brown Rudnick. Her practice encompasses all aspects of energy and environmental law, including counseling and assistance relating to compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations. She has counseled corporations, manufacturers, developers and utility companies on a variety of environmental and regulatory matters. DeRosa has been involved in the acquisition, restructure and development of various electric generating facilities. She has counseled clients on the environmental implications of financing, corporate and real estate transactions. She is a member of the firm's management committee, the equity, inclusion and diversity council, and women's initiative working group. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far? In 2021, I was elected a fellow of the elite American College of Environmental Lawyers with approximately 250 members. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? In order to meet the needs of my clients and the dynamic economic markets, I constantly challenge myself to adapt my practice. I started my career as an environmental attorney and then expanded into energy law. I hope to continue to evolve my legal skills and mentorship in these areas. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? One of the biggest professional challenges has been dealing with the changes brought on by COVID. It was important to continue to keep people engaged and supported during times that co-workers, clients and colleagues were struggling with fear, uncertainty and instability. How has the COVID-19 pandemic forced you to adapt as a leader? I am head of the firm's Hartford office and focus on the growth and development of the lawyers and professional staff. At the onset of the pandemic, I increased my level of daily communication and outreach to provide support, boost morale and promptly address concerns and needs. Who has been your most important mentor and why? I have been fortunate to have many mentors, including my parents, friends, teachers, and other attorneys who inspired me and taught me the importance of hard work and dedication. I especially recognize my 30-plus year law partner, Doug Cohen, an invaluable mentor who guided my career. L eander Dolphin leads one of Connecticut's largest and oldest law firms. A member of the school law practice, Dolphin advises educational institutions and businesses in a variety of matters, including employment, student matters, crisis management and litigation. A 1999 high honors graduate of Wesleyan University with majors in English, African American Studies and Women's Studies, Dolphin graduated from Howard University Law School in 2004. Joining Shipman as an associate, she has built a dynamic education and employment practice, becoming partner in 2015, and managing partner in 2022. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far? Becoming managing partner of Shipman is my biggest professional accomplishment so far. That my partners trust me — and my vision — is the greatest professional honor. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? My goal is to be a compassionate leader; this is essential for leading our firm in a forever-changed world. My next big professional goal is to promote our employees' connectivity in the community with each other and the firm, as well as their sense of well-being in uncertain times. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? As a Black woman attorney, and now managing partner, I was (and still am), often the only person who looks like me in most spaces. Being the 'first' or 'only' brings both challenges and opportunities; I have learned to turn challenges into opportunities and show up as my full self. How has the COVID-19 pandemic forced you to adapt as a leader? I believed that connection and culture required a heavy in-person presence. The pandemic has forced me to adjust how I think about culture and building or maintaining meaningful relationships. Who has been your most important mentor and why? It's difficult to pick just one, but Anne Littlefield, general counsel at Shipman, helped me create a roadmap for acquiring the substantive knowledge and experiences I needed, and provided many opportunities for me to add value. What do you like to do outside of work? I love to travel. While traveling, I make a point of chasing and photographing both sunsets and sunrises. Franca DeRosa Employer: Brown Rudnick LLP Title: Partner Leander Dolphin Employer: Shipman & Goodwin LLP Title: Managing Partner Congratulations to Franca on this well-deserved recognition and to the other honorees featured in the 2022 edition! BROWN RUDNICK LLP | ATTORNEY ADVERTISING | BROWNRUDNICK.COM Congratulations to Brown Rudnick's Franca L. DeRosa on being named a winner of Hartford Business Journal's 2022 Women in Business Awards. Franca is a valued partner at the Firm and in the Energy, Regulatory and Environmental Practice Group, serving many clients in Connecticut and nationally. (860) 251-5000 | www.shipmangoodwin.com | Connecticut | New York Facebook "f " Logo CMYK / .eps Facebook "f " Logo CMYK / .eps Shipman & Goodwin LLP™ Walking the Talk 40% of partners 65% of associates and 56% of our Management Team are women. Congratulations to our Managing Partner, Leander A. Dolphin on being named as one of Hartford Business Journal's Top 25 Women In Business for 2022! ™ Leander A. Dolphin (860) 251-5000 ldolphin@goodwin.com