Calendar Call

<p><strong>Episode 109: CT Green Bank</strong></p> <p>This month on Calendar Call, Paul Bourdoulous talks with Attorney Brian Farnen, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer for the CT Green Bank.Paul and Attorney Farnen discuss many facets of the CT Green Bank, what it is, how it works, what qualifies, and more.Topics include green projects and clean energy, legal and regulatory frameworks, and quasi-public agencies.</p> <p><a href="https://www.ctgreenbank.com/">CT Green Bank</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_012.htm">Quasi-public</a></p>

<p><strong>Episode 108: Zombie Mortgages</strong></p> <p>This month on Calendar Call, Matt Berardino talks with Attorney&#x2019;s Jeff Gentes and Loraine Martinez Bellamy about zombie mortgages. Matt, Attorney Gentes, and Attorney Martinez Bellamy discuss what zombie mortgages are, why they are becoming a significant problem, and negligent vs willful lending practices. Other topics include what is considered a covered debt collector, recent legislation, and more.</p> <p><a href="https://www.jud.ct.gov/volunteer_atty_prgm.htm">Volunteer Attorney Program</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/final-rules/fair-debt-collection-practices-act-regulation-f-time-barred-debt/">Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (Regulation F)</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/2025/act/pa/pdf/2025PA-00046-R00SB-01336-PA.pdf">Public Act No. 25-46</a></p>

<p><strong>Episode 107: Artificial Intelligence</strong></p> <p>This month on Calendar Call, Matt Berardino talks with Attorney Karen Dowd, counsel at MDMC Law, about the many ethical implications that attorneys are facing as the use of artificial intelligence expands in the legal profession and elsewhere. Matt and Attorney Dowd discuss risks, implementation and application, biases, confidentiality, billing, clientele, and more.<br></p> <p><a href="https://www.jud.ct.gov/publications/PracticeBook/PB.pdf">Rules of Professional Conduct</a></p> <p><a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/new-york/nysdce/1:2022cv01461/575368/54/">Mata v. Avianca</a></p> <p><a href="https://harvardlawreview.org/blog/2026/03/united-states-v-heppner/">United States v. Heppner</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.ctd.uscourts.gov/content/vernon-d-oliver">Policy on A.I. Research &#x2013; Judge Vernon D. Oliver</a></p> <p><a href="https://jud.ct.gov/committees/rules/">Rules Committee of the Superior Court</a></p>

<p><strong>Episode 106: Dram Shop Act</strong></p> <p>This month on Calendar Call, Matt Berardino talks with Attorney Daniel Petroskey, counsel at DeFronzo &amp; Petroskey, P.C., about the Dram Shop Act. Matt and Attorney Petroskey discuss the elements of a Dram Shop claim, intoxication, establishing causation, as well as the many nuances and additional claims.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/2023/pub/chap_545.htm#sec_30-102">Sec. 30-102</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/2023/pub/chap_545.htm#sec_30-86">Sec. 30-86</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.jud.ct.gov/external/supapp/Cases/AROap/AP128/128AP376.pdf">O&#x2019;Dell v. Kozee</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/59148e66add7b049345533d1">Sanders v. Officers Club of CT</a></p>

<p><strong>Episode 105: Fintech</strong></p> <p>This month on Calendar Call, Paul Bourdoulous talks with Attorney Jesse Silverman, from Troutman Pepper Locke about financial technology, otherwise known as fintech. Paul and Attorney Silverman give lawyers practical understanding of the fintech landscape, what it is, where it fits in, and how interested lawyers may support a client in this fast-changing space. Some topics include regulations and oversight, current gaps between tech and law, privacy, and more.</p> <p><a href="https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/privacy-security/gramm-leach-bliley-act">Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.americanbar.org/groups/business_law/resources/business-law-today/2024-august/end-chevron-deference-what-does-it-mean-what-comes-next/">Chevron Deference</a></p>

<p><strong>Episode 104: LCL</strong></p> <p>This month on Calendar Call, Matt Berardino talks with Attorney David Williams and Attorney Mike Kennedy about changes and updates to Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers. Matt, Dave, and Mike discuss the scope of LCL and additions from the past couple years. </p> <p><a href="https://lclct.org/">Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers</a></p>

<p><strong>Episode 103: Health Privacy</strong></p> <p>This month on Calendar Call, Matt Berardino talks with Attorney Dena Castricone of DMC Law and Attorney Wayne Unger, Professor at Quinnipiac School of Law, about Health Privacy with a focus on recent developments concerning HIPAA and reproductive health information.</p> <p><a href="https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/reproductive-health/final-rule-fact-sheet/index.html">HIPAA Final Rule</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12077">Major Questions Doctrine</a></p>

<p><strong>Episode 102: Sovereign Immunity &amp; The CT Office of the Claims Commissioner</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_053.htm">Chapter 53* Claims Against the State</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/2021/pub/chap_961.htm#sec_54-102uu">CGS Sec. 54-102uu</a></p> <p><a href="https://portal.ct.gov/das/office-of-claims-commissioner/state-of-connecticut-office-of-the-claims-commissioner?language=en_US">CT Office of The Claims Commissioner</a></p> <p><a href="mailto:Claims.commissioner@ct.gov">Claims.commissioner@ct.gov</a></p>

<p><strong>Episode 101: Pro Bono</strong></p> <p>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&#x2019;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.</p> <p><a href="https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_6_1_voluntary_pro_bono_publico_service/">Rule 6.1 of Professional Conduct</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.ctbar.org/members/volunteer-today/pro-bono">CTbar.org/volunteer</a></p>

<p><strong>Episode 100: Office of the Victim Advocate</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_001.htm#sec_1-1k">CGS Sec. 1-1k</a></p> <p><a href="https://portal.ct.gov/ova">Office of the Victim Advocate</a></p>

<p><strong>Episode 99 &#x2013; Escheatment of Funds from Attorney IOLTA Accounts</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_032.htm#sec_3-57a">Sec. 3-56a</a></p> <p><a href="https://ctbiglist.gov/">CT Big List</a></p> <p>Email: <a href="mailto:CTHolderReport@ct.gov">CTHolderReport@ct.gov</a> or Call: 860-702-3293</p>

<p><strong>Episode 98 &#x2013; Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/regulations/title-ii-2010-regulations/">Title II</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.ada.gov/">ADA.gov</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/employment-protections-under-rehabilitation-act-1973-50-years-protecting-americans-disabilities">Rehabilitation Act of 1973</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/ada/">Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.jud.ct.gov/ada/">Centralized ADA Office</a></p> <p>Email: <a href="mailto:ADAprogram@jud.ct.gov">ADAprogram@jud.ct.gov</a> or Call: 860-706-5310</p>

<p><strong>Episode 97 &#x2013; Basics of G.A. Practice</strong></p> <p>This month on Calendar Call, Matthew Berardino talks with Attorney Robert Dwyer about the basics of practice in Connecticut&#x2019;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.</p>

<p><strong>Episode 96 &#x2013; Recent Changes to CT Paid Leave</strong></p> <p>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> <p><a href="https://cga.ct.gov/2024/act/Pa/pdf/2024PA-00005-R00SB-00222-PA.PDF">P.A. No. 24-5</a></p>

<p><strong>Episode 95 &#x2013; Pretrial Services and Diversionary Programs</strong></p> <p>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. </p> <p><a href="https://www.jud.ct.gov/pub.htm">Special Sessions and Diversionary Programs</a></p>

<p><strong>Episode 94 &#x2013; Attorney Succession Planning</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="https://www.jud.ct.gov/SGC/retirement.htm">Retirement FAQ&#x2019;s</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.jud.ct.gov/Publications/PracticeBook/PB.pdf">Rules of Professional Conduct</a></p>

<p><strong>Episode 93 &#x2013; Attorney Regulation and Discipline</strong></p> <p>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&#x2019;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.</p> <p><a href="https://www.jud.ct.gov/Publications/PracticeBook/PB.pdf">CT Practice Book</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_1_15_safekeeping_property/">Rule 1.15</a></p>

<p><strong>Episode 92 &#x2013; Municipal Liability</strong></p> <p>This month on Calendar Call, Matt talks with Attorney John Diakun, City Attorney for New Britain in the Corporation Counsel&#x2019;s Office about municipal liability. Matt and Attorney Diakun discuss topics including what entails municipal liability, common issues, and exceptions. Matt and John talk about the many nuances of liability including defects, qualified immunity, and much more.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_925.htm#sec_52-557n">Sec. 52-557n</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_170.htm#sec_10-220">Sec. 10-220</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_238.htm#sec_13a-149">Sec. 13a-149</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/1983">42 U.S. Code &#xA7; 1983</a></p>

<p><strong>Episode 91 &#x2013; Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) Pt. 2</strong></p> <p>This month on Calendar Call, Matt talks with Attorney Nate LaVallee in part 2 of the NIL podcast. Part 2 topics include practical advice for attorneys regarding NIL, issues regarding income and reporting requirements, as well as disclosure laws. Additional topics include NIL and Title IX, upcoming rule changes, and more.</p> <p><a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=7907345180516620836&amp;q=house&#x2B;vs&#x2B;ncaa&amp;hl=en&amp;as_sdt=8006">House v. NCAA</a></p>

<p><strong>Episode 90 &#x2013; Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) Pt. 1</strong></p> <p>This month on Calendar Call, Matt talks with Attorney Nate LaVallee, Deputy General Counsel for UConn, about the evolving area of law concerning Name, Image, and Likeness rules for student athletes.Matt and Nate discuss what NIL is, the legal history of NIL, and cases that jump started NIL in college sports. Part 1 topics also include what states are doing regarding NIL laws and policies, NIL requirements across the board, collectives, and more.</p> <p><a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca9/14-16601/14-16601-2015-09-30.html">O&#x2019;Bannon v. NCAA</a></p> <p><a href="https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/594/20-512/#:~:text=The%20court%20rejected%20the%20student,and%20benefits%20unrelated%20to%20education.">NCAA v. Alston</a></p>