About

Lawyers seem to fall into two categories: those who like their job and those who don’t. I like my job. I believe I can help people solve their legal problems.  My philosophy is based on the long-term view of someone whose livelihood depends on referrals and repeat business: solve each client’s legal problem as quickly and inexpensively as possible. It’s as simple as that.   I’m currently a widower who has gone on with his life.  I am blessed with two grown children who are married and raising children of their own. I’m high energy but low key. Perhaps that’s an odd combination, but that’s me.  My philosophy: solve each client’s legal problem as quickly and inexpensively as possible. It's as simple as that.   I earned my undergraduate degree at U of Penn, where I graduated early. In law school at Rutgers I won my moot court jury trial against the class valedictorian. I passed the Connecticut bar in 1976, and I’ve been privileged to practice law in Westport ever since.   I served for 12 years on my local Planning and Zoning Commission, served on two Charter Revision Commissions, and chaired the initial Land Acquisition Committee, where I drafted legislation enabling Fairfield to acquire over 100 acres of land, most of it open space. I also had the pleasure and distinction of serving Fairfield as its Town Attorney for a dozen years.   My clients come from all over Fairfield County, including: Westport; Weston; Fairfield; Easton; Redding; Trumbull; Norwalk; Darien; New Canaan; Stamford and Greenwich. I’ve represented everyone from the rich and famous, to the downtrodden who had nowhere else to turn.  Frankly, I’m good at my job. I've won cases in the Connecticut Superior Courts, the Connecticut Appellate Court and the Connecticut Supreme Court. Some of my land use cases resulted in favorable landmark decisions.  I have: taught Probate Administration at Fairfield University; have been a speaker for the bar association and other groups; served as a judge in law school moot court competitions; acted as a magistrate for the Connecticut Courts; and have a member of the board of directors of the Connecticut Association of Municipal Attorneys.  I have authored Connecticut Estates Planning, Probate and Taxes: Simplified.   I have been chosen as one of the Connecticut Super Lawyers® in 2016 and for several years before this year.  This is an honor reserved for lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. *   I am a Preeminent Lawyer rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell®.  This is the highest rating available for both legal ability and ethical standards in this peer-review rating system which is based on evaluations by judges and other lawyers. ** One judge wrote to Martindale-Hubbell®: “He was the best town attorney that appeared in front of me.”  I seek to attain a similar response on every file I handle.   Bottom line: I’m experienced and accomplished, easy to work with and enjoy advocating for my clients. I’m in a service business. I’ll even meet with a client on a weekend if necessary—provided they don’t expect me to wear a suit and tie.   Of course, no lawyer is right for every situation. In this small part of the world lawyers know other lawyers. If your need for legal assistance is in an area I don’t focus on, there’s an excellent chance I know an attorney who can assist you. Should you need experienced counsel in a personal injury or serious criminal law matter, I can steer you in the right direction. Just call me at (203) 222-8422 for a free referral.*see: superlawyers.com/connecticut/selection_details.html. ** for further information see: martindale.com or lawyers.com.

Practices Areas

Estate Planning

Litigation

Probate

Language

English

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