Katherine Dwyer
Newington,CT
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Agency Legal Director
Department Of Children And Families
09.2019 - Current
- Lead a team of six Department attorneys and provide guidance in handling complex legal issues for the Department.
- Act as Department liaison for the Probate Court and the state's federally recognized tribes. .
- As part of the Department's legislative team, assist in drafting legislation and testimony to align with Department initiatives.
- Managed a team of attorneys to ensure timely completion of legal projects and efficient allocation of resources.
- Collaborate with the Office of the Attorney General to represent the Department in child welfare matters and other litigation.
Pro Bono Volunteer Attorney
CT Institute For Refugees And Immigrants
05.2016 - Current
- Represent asylum seekers in immigration court prceedings
- Work with clients to draft declarations and explain the asylum process, and counsel them on their options
- Submit various motions to the court and USCIS to obtain asylum status or temporary protected status for clients
Clinical Intern
Wheeler Clinic - IICAPS
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Provided in-home individual and family therapy sessions for children with intensive psychiatric needs
- Coordinate with collateral contacts to meet the needs of the identified client
- Provided psychoeducation to parents on how to help their children recover from trauma while practicing self-care
- Participate in weekly supervision and rounds to collaboratively problem solve and work through crises
Legislative Analyst
Office Of Legislative Research
01.2012 - 09.2019
- Staff the Human Services Committee and the Committee on Children (i.e., attend all committee hearings,and meetings, screenings, and, by request, caucus meetings.)
- Analyze and write summaries of bills for both committees, work with legislators and drafting attorneys to resolve technical and substantive issues with pending legislation
- Perform research and write reports related to the committees’ areas of cognizance (ex. DCF, Department of Social Services (DSS), Medicaid, Juvenile Delinquency and Child Welfare)
- Maintain working relationship with DSS and DCF liaisons and serve as intermediary for questions from legislators to the respective departments.
Per Diem Assistant Public Defender
Division Of Public Defender Services
04.2011 - 07.2011
- Advise, represent, and advocate for juveniles ranging from 12-17 years old in delinquency proceedings at the Waterbury Court for Juvenile Matters.
- Appear in court daily for arraignments, detention review hearings, in court reviews, and plea and dispositions.
Education
Master of Social Work - Individuals, Group, And Family Practice
University of Connecticut School of Social Work
Hartford05.2024
Masters Professional Studies - Humanitarian Services Administration
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT05.2011
J.D. -
University of Connecticut School of Law
Hartford, CT01.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Public Policy And Law
Trinity College
Hartford, CT05.2007
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Time Management
- Client Advocacy
- Public Policy Analysis and Legal Research
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Complex Problem-Solving
Affiliations
- State Bar of Connecticut
- CT Chapter - American Immigration Lawyers Association
Timeline
Clinical Intern
Wheeler Clinic - IICAPS
01.2024 - 05.2024
Assistant Agency Legal Director
Department Of Children And Families
09.2019 - Current
Pro Bono Volunteer Attorney
CT Institute For Refugees And Immigrants
05.2016 - Current
Legislative Analyst
Office Of Legislative Research
01.2012 - 09.2019
Per Diem Assistant Public Defender
Division Of Public Defender Services
04.2011 - 07.2011
Master of Social Work - Individuals, Group, And Family Practice
University of Connecticut School of Social Work
Masters Professional Studies - Humanitarian Services Administration
University of Connecticut
J.D. -
University of Connecticut School of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Public Policy And Law
Trinity College
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