Stratford Resident Honored at New CBA Awards Celebration

The Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) is proud to announce Attorney Sean P. Barrett as a recipient of The Honorable Anthony V. DeMayo Pro Bono Award.

Sean P. Barrett is a partner at Billings & Barrett LLC in New Haven, serving as the firm’s principal trial attorney. He is admitted to practice in Connecticut as well as the United States District Court, District of Connecticut and is a member of the CBA Young Lawyers Section. 

Attorney Barrett has been a tireless supporter of the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center (CVLC) through both fund-raising efforts and pro bono representation. In the past year, he has represented CVLC clients who did not qualify for public defenders due to their receipt of VA service-connected disability compensation. In addition to accepting pro bono referrals from the CVLC, Attorney Barrett’s firm also accepted up to ten pro bono referrals from veteran liaisons stationed at the criminal courts. His firm also provides reduced hourly rates or low flat fees to veterans with the ability to pay. Additionally, Attorney Barrett makes himself available to provide advice by telephone to CVLC clients who have questions regarding criminal matters. His pro bono representation is not limited to criminal court as he is currently representing a CVLC veteran client in family court. 

Taking his commitment to public service beyond legal representation, Attorney Barrett and his partner, Peter Billings, turned their firm's anniversary party into a fundraising event for CVLC. They are also exploring new ways to help less fortunate individuals through social media by sponsoring an event through their firm's Facebook page to donate food to the Connecticut Food Bank.

The Honorable Anthony V. DeMayo Pro Bono Award was presented to Barrett at the CBA’s new annual awards celebration, “Celebrate with the Stars,” on April 3 at Cascade in Hamden sponsored by Geraghty & Bonnano LLC, Attorneys at Law and Kronholm Insurance Services.

For decades, the association has honored leaders in the legal profession for their professional accomplishments and community service as part of the CBA Annual Meeting. This year, a separate event was dedicated to recognizing Connecticut’s top judges and lawyers who make a difference through their work by demonstrating allegiance, dedication, conscientious service, commitment, and mentorship.

“Celebrate with the Stars” is an exciting occasion where professionals and supporters of the legal industry can mix and mingle with their peers in a lively, celebratory evening out. Other awards presented at “Celebrate with the Stars” included: the Henry J. Naruk Judiciary Award, the Charles J. Parker Legal Services Award, the Tapping Reeve Legal Educator Award, the Citizen of the Law Award, and The John Eldred Shields Distinguished Professional Service Award.

Recipients of The Honorable Anthony V. DeMayo Pro Bono Award are selected by the CBA Pro Bono Committee. Named in honor of the late Judge Anthony V. DeMayo (1924-2012), who tirelessly fought for fundamental fairness and championed the legal rights of the poor and accused, the award recognizes CBA members who volunteer for the Pro Bono Network. The recipients are selected based on their demonstrated dedication to the provision of legal services without expectation of payment to those in need.

The Connecticut Bar Association is a professional association committed to the advancement of justice, the practice of law, the image of the profession, and public understanding of the law. For more information, please visit www.ctbar.org.