New chief judge for appellate court

Judge Alexandra D. DiPentima is the new chief judge of the Appellate Court, effective immediately, Supreme Court Chief Justice Chase T. Rogers announced today.

DiPentima will succeed Judge Joseph P. Flynn, who took senior status effective March 26, 2010.

The appointment was announced in this statement released by the court:

“Judge DiPentima is an excellent jurist, and will be an effective and energetic chief judge
of the Appellate Court. She has been a judge since 1993 and her experience on the bench will
serve the state of Connecticut well,” Chief Justice Rogers said.

Judge DiPentima is currently the chairperson of the Public Service and Trust
Commission, which developed the Judicial Branch’s first-ever strategic plan. “She has played a
critical role in not only the development of the strategic plan, but also in ensuring that it is
implemented.” Chief Justice Rogers said. “Her intimate knowledge of the plan and its goals for
the Connecticut court system will be of invaluable assistance to her in carrying out the
responsibilities as the chief judge of the Appellate Court.”

Chief Justice Rogers also expressed her thanks to Judge Flynn for his more than 24 years
of service as a judge. “Judge Flynn has had a long and distinguished career as a judge, lawyer,
and legislator. His career exemplifies his commitment to public service. He has been a good
friend to me, and I will miss his counsel. I wish him all the best in his retirement,” Chief Justice
Rogers said.

A Kent native, Judge DiPentima graduated from Princeton University and the University
of Connecticut School of Law. From 1979 to 1981, Judge DiPentima worked as a staff attorney
for Connecticut Legal Services Inc., representing low-income people in domestic and housing
disputes. In 1981, she joined the Hartford law firm of Moller, Horton & Fineberg, P.C., and in
1985 she became a principal in the firm. In November 1993, she was appointed as a Superior
Court judge and 10 years later, she was sworn in as a judge of the Appellate Court.

During her tenure on the bench, Judge DiPentima also has served on the Rules
Committee and the Judicial Education Committee. In addition, she served as president of the
Connecticut Judges Association from 2001 to 2002.