Richard Lublin receives an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts

Richard Lublin, whose unconventional bridging of two disparate careers in Law and the Arts, was honored at the School of Fine Arts commencement ceremony on May 11, 2019, where he was also the commencement speaker.

During the ceremony, the Honorary Doctorate was conferred by Vice Provost Jeffrey Shoulson, who introduced Lublin with these remarks: “Today, we are privileged to honor you, Richard Lublin, as a representative of what can be achieved with drive, fortitude, and imagination. As an accomplished attorney and actor, your life’s work teaches us that with passion, there are no barriers to achievement.”

After earning his bachelor’s degree from Duke University and a law degree from Cornell Law School, Richard Lublin rose to success as one of Connecticut’s most renowned litigators. He was a founding partner of a prestigious Hartford area law firm for over 30 years.

After retiring from the practice of law in 1995, Lublin pursued his passion for the arts, building a second career as a television and film actor. His legal and acting careers ironically merged in 1998 when he landed roles as an attorney on both Ally McBeal and The Practice. He also played feature roles as a judge on Law & Order. Many other television roles followed: Married with Children, Chicago Hope, Frasier, Rescue Me and HBO’s Luck.

In his first movie role, Lublin acted alongside Oscar winners Philip Seymour Hoffman and Marissa Tomei in Sidney Lumet’s acclaimed melodrama, Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead. Last year, he appeared in the film, The Land of Steady Habits, starring Ben Mendelsohn and Edie Falco.

Throughout each of his careers, Richard Lublin has been a tireless advocate in the fight against cancer in Connecticut and beyond. In recognition of his extraordinary philanthropic contributions to UCONN Health, the University of Connecticut bestowed one of its highest awards to him — The Carole & Ray Neag Medal of Honor. He has also been recognized for his ongoing efforts by The Lahey Clinic, Cape Cod Hospital in Massachusetts and Hartford Hospital for his dedication to cancer and medical research. He continued his active involvement in this fight as Chairman of the 2018 American Cancer Society's (ACS) Naples, Florida Annual Bucket List Gala.

While Lublin’s advocacy efforts are commendable, it was his patient pursuit of his passion for the arts and his legal career that demonstrated to the UConn 2019 graduates that talent and success do not necessarily follow prescribed paths.

Lublin shared these closing words of encouragement with the graduates: “Wherever you land, remember there will be bumps along the way. Don’t be afraid to make your own opportunities. Keep using your creativity to find your path and hone your craft. Success will come.”