Candidate Profile: Nicole Barillaro, Wallingford Judge Of Probate

WALLINGFORD, CT — The 2022 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the gubernatorial election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate seat, are up for grabs as well.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Nicole Barillaro, 38, is running for Wallingford Judge of Probate as a Democrat.

Education

Attorney Barillaro was born and raised in Wallingford and graduated from Lyman Hall High School in 2002. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Quinnipiac University in 2006, and her Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.), from New York Law School in 2013. Attorney Barillaro is admitted to the bars of Connecticut and New York.

Occupation

Attorney - Probate, Trusts, Estate Planning, Real Estate 10 years

Family

Ed Barillaro (dad), Alice Barillaro (mom), Michael Barillaro (brother), and Taylor Allard (sister). I hope for kids one day, but for now I'm happy with my rescue dog, Elliott.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective

No.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking this office because Wallingford needs a Probate Judge with proven, qualified experience in probate and related areas of the law. I currently manage the Probate, Trusts and Estate Planning practice at my firm in Hamden, and have a tremendous amount of experience practicing in probate courts throughout Connecticut.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The need for an impartial, unbiased Probate Judge with minimal conflicts of interest and relevant, qualified experience, and I intend to win this election to protect the rights and freedoms of Wallingford's most vulnerable residents.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have dedicated my legal career to probate and related areas of the law. I currently manage the Probate, Trusts, and Estate Planning practice at Gambardella, Cipriano, Gottlieb & Hathaway, have handled over $27 million in estates. Every day I help individuals, families, and small business owners protect what matters most, and plan for an uncertain future. I possess a tremendous amount of experience representing clients in a broad variety of matters in probate courts throughout the state.

My opponent is also an accomplished attorney, but focuses his practice on bankruptcy and business litigation. If my opponent doesn't handle probate or related matters in his private practice, why would you vote for him to be probate judge?

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Legal Partner - P.L.A.N. of CT (Planned Lifetime Assistance Network)

Former Board Member & Treasurer, Women & Families Center

Article 81 (NY) Certified Guardian

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Tell the truth, it's the easiest thing to remember.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

This is a non-partisan position, and Probate Court is no place for politics.