The Connecticut Probate Assembly has recognized West Hartford attorney Michael J. Croll with its 2015 Pro Bono Award for his work in assisting families who use the Probate Courts, especially those with limited resources or whose cases are complicated.

 

"Attorney Croll is one of those folks you can call at any time, and he is more than willing to take on any case requested by a Probate Court," Judge Sydney W. Elkin, president-judge of the Probate Assembly, said in awarding Croll the Pro Bono Award at the assembly’s annual meeting on April 15. "He helps some of the most vulnerable people in our courts, not only in West Hartford and the Greater Hartford area but also in many courts statewide. He does a good job with what often are difficult cases. He’s a worthy recipient."

 

"I am honored and humbled to be recognized by the Probate Assembly as this year’s recipient of the Pro Bono Award," Croll said. "The Probate Court system excels at protecting vulnerable people facing challenging circumstances and it has been a privilege to play a role in this important process. I am grateful to Judge Elkin and Judge Robert K. Killian, Jr., formerly of the Hartford Probate Court, for their guidance and support over the years and for instilling the value of being an advocate for people in their time of need."

 

Since 2004, Croll has been a sole practitioner at the Law Office of Michael J. Croll in West Hartford, focusing on probate law. His work as an attorney and guardian ad litem extends to the range of probate matters, including parental rights, guardianships for children and conservatorships for people with intellectual or psychiatric disability. He currently serves as conservator or guardian for many indigent individuals and families requiring such services.

 

Croll earned his law degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law in 2003 and a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences from the University of Connecticut in 1996. From 1996 to 2003, he worked for what is now the Phoenix Insurance Group.

 

Active in community and charitable pursuits, Croll serves on the board of corporators for the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford and on the board of directors for the Mandell Jewish Community Center of Greater Hartford. He is a second vice president of the Greater Hartford Chapter of Probus Club, which supports people with intellectual and physical disabilities, and formerly coached speed skating for Special Olympics.

 

The Probate Assembly comprises the 54 judges of the Probate Courts, which administer decedents’ estates, wills and trusts, appoint conservators and guardians, grant adoptions and handle other matters. The assembly’s Pro Bono Award honors advocacy on behalf of children and families in probate matters.