Law360 Pulse, “Kaufman Dolowich Grows Conn. Office As Leader Looks West,” 11-20-2025

Law360 Pulse spotlighted two key developments at Kaufman Dolowich: the appointment of Dove A.E. Burns as KD’s Regional Managing Partner for the firm’s California offices and the addition of Partner Jody Cappello to the New Haven office, where he joins the firm’s professional liability practice.

Ms. Burns, who also serves as Managing Partner of KD’s New Haven office, described her new leadership role in California as a strategic move for the firm. “We’re taking a regional approach to the state as a whole,” she explained, “which will allow us to maximize synergies, leverage areas of specialty, and enhance our data and insights into the plaintiffs’ bar and specific plaintiffs’ firms. This approach ensures we avoid any silo effect from office to office.”

On her goals in the new role, Ms. Burns in the article noted that employment litigation in California — the largest area of litigation work in terms of the practice areas that the firm handles — was an obvious area for growth.

Firmwide Co-Managing Partner Michael Kaufman had high praises for Ms. Burns, noting that “Dove has time and again demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision and a deep commitment to client service throughout her career. Her track record of success makes her the ideal choice to lead our California offices into the next phase of growth.”

Separately, Mr. Cappello said he was drawn to Kaufman Dolowich in part because of his longstanding personal and professional relationship with Burns—the two had previously worked together and remained close friends. He added that the opportunity to help grow the firm’s professional liability practice in Connecticut was also a major factor. “I’m very excited to join the New Haven office and continue advancing my career with the Connecticut team at Kaufman Dolowich,” he said.

In his professional liability practice, Mr. Cappello defends attorneys in legal malpractice cases and grievance proceedings, and accountants, real estate professionals, insurance brokers, property managers and others facing professional liability issues. He also defends employers in litigation and prelitigation alternative dispute resolution and advises on issues related to the employer-employee relationship, according to the firm.
 
Brett Scher, Chair of the firm’s Professional Liability Practice Group, welcomed Mr. Cappello’s arrival. “Jody is an exceptional lawyer with a strong record of success,” Scher said. “He is exactly the kind of attorney who will strengthen our capabilities as we expand our practice into Connecticut and further solidify our regional presence. We are glad to have him on board.”

Subscribers can read the full article here.