(HARTFORD, CT) – Old Saybrook Attorney Paul Gozzi, who has represented respondents in more than 100 probate matters primarily involving involuntary conservatorships and guardianships for people with intellectual disability, has received the esteemed 2026 Glenn E. Knierim Pro Bono Award. 

The Office of the Probate Court Administrator and the judges of the Connecticut Probate Assembly recognized Attorney Gozzi and his exceptional service at their annual meeting on April 22 at the Connecticut Supreme Court in Hartford.

Saybrook Probate Court Judge Jeannine Lewis, who presented the award to him praised his exemplary pro bono service and said he embodies the spirit of compassion and advocacy in the Probate Court system. 

Attorney Gozzi called the work he’s done in the Probate Court system the most meaningful of his entire career. 

Attorney Gozzi earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Quinnipiac College and his law degree from Temple University School of Law in 1982. He has practiced law for more than 40 years. 

Before focusing on probate matters, Attorney Gozzi served as a general law practitioner in the areas of personal injury, family law, criminal and real estate matters. He retired from general practice four years ago. 

“When I first began appointing Attorney Gozzi in probate matters, he refused to accept payment through the Probate Administration Fund,” Judge Lewis said. “It took several attempts to convince him that the amount of work we would be requesting from him would be substantial, and so he eventually acquiesced. His heart for service has been evident since the inception of his time in probate service.”

“What sets Attorney Gozzi apart is his courteous, encouraging, respectful demeanor, and the practical approach he takes with each of his clients,” Judge Lewis said. 

She said he often reports to the court  “quaint details and observations about his clients – the teams they follow, objects in their home which reflect their personality, or recollections they have shared with him about their careers.” 

Even with his personable demeanor, Judge Lewis emphasized how adept Attorney Gozzi is at navigating extremely contentious situations and how often he attains positive outcomes for his clients. 

“His research prior to hearings helps bring matters to a timely conclusion” Judge Lewis said.  She recalled how in one recent matter, Attorney Gozzi spent significant time searching for an unhoused client to ensure she attended her probate hearing.

“When I think of an attorney who would be an ideal mentor for new attorneys entering into probate law, Attorney Gozzi sets the standard,” Judge Lewis said. “He consistently puts in the necessary time, expertise, and heart into his clients.”

Established in 2012, the Glenn E. Knierim Pro Bono Award is given annually by the Probate Assembly and the Office of the Probate Court Administrator to recognize the exemplary pro bono service given by an attorney in the Probate Court system. This award celebrates individuals like Attorney Gozzi who personify compassion and advocacy in all they do for the Connecticut Probate Court system. 

It is named to honor the late Judge Glenn E. Knierim, who was Connecticut’s longest-serving probate court administrator from 1973-1989. He was also Simsbury’s probate judge for 32 years. As probate court administrator, Judge Knierim worked to improve adoption and guardianship laws, created the first Code of Probate Judicial Conduct and set mandatory educational requirements for Probate Judges. 

Connecticut’s 54 Probate Courts and six Regional Children’s Probate Courts assist thousands of low-income seniors to age in place in their own homes; supervise the care and finances of individuals who cannot care for themselves; support individuals with mental health conditions to live in the community instead of more restrictive environments; and help thousands of children stay in familiar surroundings with family and friend guardians rather than being placed in foster care. Probate Courts save taxpayers more than $2 billion each year by avoiding more costly state services. For more information about Connecticut’s Probate Courts, visit ctprobate.gov.