Best Civil Lawyer in Connecticut
Robert A. Avena
Civil Lawyer
Mr. Avena received his Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from the University of Connecticut in 1977, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut in 1980. He has practiced law in southeastern Connecticut for forty years and is pleased to bring his legal expertise to the firm as a Director in the areas of municipal, real estate, planning and zoning, and administrative law.
Mr. Avena is admitted to the bar of the State of Connecticut (1980), U.S. District Court (1981) and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court (1992). He is a member of the Connecticut and New London County Bar Associations, and was recently elected Treasurer of the Connecticut Association of Municipal Attorneys, and is a former member of the CBA Board of Governors and House of Delegates.
Mr. Avena’s practice focuses primarily on municipal and planning and zoning law. He has served as a Waterford town attorney for the past 19 years and has served as town attorney in numerous southeastern Connecticut towns throughout his legal practice. He has advised municipalities regarding aspects of municipal law and litigated substantial cases in the Superior and Appellate Court of Connecticut, principally representing Town tax assessors, planning and zoning commissions, wetlands commissions, and zoning boards of appeal. During his practice for individual clients, Mr. Avena was involved in the permitting process for the Pfizer Research Campus expansion and opening of the Mashantucket Pequot Casino.
A lifelong resident of southeastern Connecticut, he has served on local boards and commissions, and is presently on the Board of Pierce Care Nursing Facility (past president), Connecticut Baptist Homes, Groton Pequot Land Trust, and counsel to the Avalonia Land Conservancy and Colchester Land Trust. Outside of work, Mr. Avena enjoys hiking and swimming along the Connecticut shoreline with his four children and his wife Erica, all manner of sports, and leisure reading of historical non-fiction and biographies
Areas of Practice
- Municipal
- Planning & Zoning
- Real Estate
- Administrative Law
Bar Admissions
- Connecticut, 1980
- U.S. District Court District of Connecticut, 1981
- Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court, 1992
Education
- University of Connecticut School of Law, Hartford, Connecticut
- University of Connecticut
- B.A.
- Honors: Honors
- Major: History
Professional Associations and Memberships
- New London County Bar Association
- Connecticut Bar Association
- Connecticut Association of Municipal Attorneys (Tresurer)
Pro Bono Activities
- Director, Groton Pequot Woods Land Trust
- Director, Pierce Care, Connecticut Baptist Homes
STEPHEN ANTHONY LEBEDEVITCH
Civil Lawyer
The legal process is often hard to understand, and in many cases seems like the cards are stacked against you. Fairfield attorney Stephen Lebedevitch brings nearly a decade of experience to his practice to ensure that you never feel like you are lost without answers. Stephen makes you feel like you are the only person in the room, even if you are in a crowd of hundreds. If you have concerns about your case, he will always take the time to talk to you and give you an honest assessment of where things stand.
Stephen focuses his practice on a full range of Connecticut criminal matters – including DUI offenses, drug cases, domestic violence offenses, and traffic violations. Stephen also provides legal services in civil matters – including automobile accidents, slip and falls, premises liability, and business matters.
Stephen has been intrigued by the law since he was very young, and this infatuation continues to this day. The desire to help those who are wrongfully accused, have made a mistake, or were injured by the negligence of another is why Stephen does what he does, and fights so hard for his clients. Too often lawyers promise outcomes to their clients that there is no basis for. Stephen strives to provide an honest and straightforward approach to the legal process that he knows can be overwhelming if you are not familiar with the process.
Stephen graduated from Providence College with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2006 and a master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University in political science in 2008. He then continued his education at Florida Coastal School of Law, earning his Juris Doctorate in 2011.
Stephen is a resident of Fairfield, where he resides with his wife and two sons . He enjoys staying active and can frequently be seen playing basketball, volleyball, golf, and cycling.
Education
- Florida Coastal School of Law, J.D., Pro Bono Honors (2011)
- Southern Connecticut State University, M.A. (2008)
- Providence College, B.A. (2006)
Bar and Court Admissions
- Connecticut – 2011
- United States Supreme Court – 2016
Professional Associations
- Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Fairfield County Bar Association
Honors and Awards
- New Leaders In Law – Law.com
N. KANE BENNETT
Civil Lawyer
Neyah Kane Bennett is the managing partner of Aeton Law Partners LLP. He is AV judged rated by Peers and Judges. The AV Rating is the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards. In 2014-2022, he was awarded the Super Lawyer designation for business litigation. He authored the business torts section of a book for ALM on the topic of civil discovery in Connecticut. He recently published “How to Bulletproof Your Business, Ten Tips from Ten Years of Business Disputes.” The book includes an easy to use checklist and features very practical advice on avoiding lawsuits for small to mid-sized business owners. Attorney Bennett is also the publisher of the Connecticut Business Litigation Blog. The blog is in its ninth year and covers a variety of legal topics impacting business in Connecticut.
Attorney Bennett’s practice at Aeton includes representation of individuals and businesses in a range of trial and transactional matters, such as business, employment, commercial law, technology, and complex personal injury. In addition, he provides general counsel services to individuals and businesses related to litigation, contracts, technology, employment matters, and risk management issues throughout Connecticut. He also regularly handles cases in Massachusetts and other states.
Attorney Bennett tried his first jury trial case on the day he passed the bar exam more than 20 years ago. He has been in and out of courtrooms ever since on all types of cases throughout Connecticut and in multiple states. He started his career as a prosecutor in a jurisdiction with significant levels of serious crime. He received training in trial practice and investigative tactics from senior trial attorneys both locally and nationally. He has tried numerous jury and non-jury cases to verdict and questioned hundreds of witnesses under oath in court proceedings.
Attorney Bennett moved on from his job as a prosecutor to join one of Connecticut’s largest litigation and trial firms. There, he gained extensive training and experience in civil litigation working alongside and under the supervision of notable veteran attorneys. After several years of practice and reaching the status of Partner, Attorney Bennett moved on to form his own law firm, Aeton Law Partners.
Attorney Bennett has represented several companies and business owners in matters involving breach of fiduciary duty lawsuits, employment claims, shareholder rights and protection of trade secrets. He has handled litigation and trial matters involving financial investors, minority and majority shareholders, dissolution proceedings, and shareholder disputes. He has acquired significant case handling experience in the area of shareholder rights, including both the defense and prosecution of claims for shareholder oppression, breach of fiduciary duty, and dissolution. He has also represented nurses, physicians, and other health care practitioners in all types of disputes concerning ownership rights and business matters as well as cases with employers involving compensation, termination, and medical staff privileges.
TRANSACTIONAL EXPERIENCE AND GENERAL COUNSEL SERVICES
Attorney Bennett’s transactional purchase and sale practice steadily increases each year as many of his clients either acquire a new business or sell the existing business. His more recent transactions include seller representation for the sale of a healthcare technology company to a strategic acquirer and buyer representation for purchase of an ambulatory surgery center. Attorney Bennett’s transactional practice developed after many years of representing small market businesses as outside general counsel. Attorney Bennett’s business, employment and commercial litigation cases frequently resulted in settlements or business deals that required transactional work. His clients requested representation on all transactional and litigation matters to include negotiating employment agreements, general terms of service, master services agreements, corporate governance, technology purchases, and risk management. Today, Attorney Bennett’s transactional practice continues to include general counsel services for small to mid-sized businesses, and transactional counsel for purchase and sale agreements. Attorney Bennett also frequently advises clients on new business startups from partnerships to more complex corporate structures
LAW FIRM MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
Early in his career, Attorney Bennett started to adopt new legal technologies to increase his service level to clients. He has continued to stay on the leading edge in the use of legal technology. Aeton Law Partners was one of the first firms to use only digital files and cloud based practice management. He also published a column for the Connecticut Law Tribune on various technology platforms to help attorneys deploy better methods of law firm practice and management. Attorney Bennet was an early adopter of Artificial Intelligence (AI) law in law firm management and practice. He has implemented several AI-driven solutions at Aeton for attorneys and staff with the goal of fully autonomous tasks and next generation employee self-help solutions.
INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE AND PUBLICATIONS
Attorney Bennett is the author of the recently published book “Bulletproof Your Business, Ten Tips from 10 Years of Business Disputes.” The book includes an easy to use checklist and features very practical advice on avoiding lawsuits for small to midsize business owners. Attorney Bennett is also the publisher of the Connecticut Business Litigation Blog. The blog is in its ninth year and covers a variety of legal topics impacting business in Connecticut. Attorney Bennett also has been featured on video or quoted in the news media on his own cases or for opinions on other legal matters.
EDUCATION
- J.D., Suffolk University Law School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Cum laude
- Honors: Law Review
- University of Connecticut
BAR ADMISSIONS
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- U.S. District Court District of Connecticut
- U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts
- U.S. Court of Appeals 2nd Circuit
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
- Connecticut Bar Association
- Vistage
James J. Ruane
Civil Lawyer
I believe that no matter who you are, you have the right to a fair trial, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
This belief is at the core of my philosophy as a lawyer, and it is the reason why I started Ruane Attorneys with my son.
It might seem like a no brainer that lawyers will take this stance, but you will be surprised to find that this is not always true. Just like police officers and other members of the judicial system, lawyers develop prejudices against their clients and don’t always listen to them. They put in minimal effort and move onto the next case, never stopping to think about the positive impact that they could have had on their clients if only they tried a little harder.
After devoting most of my life to the profession of law, I haven’t become this kind of lawyer. I still strive to do my best for every single client.
Philosophy
I do this by staying active in the law community. I am one of only a handful of attorneys that are Certified Criminal Defense Specialists in the State of Connecticut. I was also certified as a criminal trial specialist in 1985 by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. I am a member of the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Connecticut Law Tribune.
My career wasn’t always easy.
I worked my way through law school and began my career out in the Public Defender’s office as an investigator. After many years of hard work and eventually leading the Public Defenders office, I was recruited by a law firm, called Meehan & Meehan. This was rewarding work, but I eventually left Meehan & Meehan to form my own practice. Once my son, Jay, became a lawyer and finished his stint with the Public Defender’s office, we decided to open our own law firm together. Thus, Ruane Attorneys was born!
I love the fact that every day, I have a chance to make a difference in someone else’s life. Even though many joke about my retirement, I truly love what I do and have no plans to retire any time soon.
Steven Levy
Civil Lawyer
Attorney Levy earned his B.A. from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and his J.D. from Antioch School of Law. He was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1984 and the U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut in 1985.
Attorney Levy is a member of the Litchfield County Bar Association, Connecticut Bar Association, the American Bar Association (Family Law Section) and the American Association for Justice. An author of articles on various aspects of family law, Attorney Levy’s work has been published in the Connecticut Family Law Journal and the American Bar Association’s Family Advocate.
Attorney Levy has participated as a Special Master in the Litchfield, Waterbury and Hartford Judicial Districts as well as the Regional Family Trial Docket in Middletown, Connecticut. Attorney Levy has been responsible for the operation of the Special Masters Pretrial Program in the Litchfield Judicial District since 2005.
Attorney Levy has been in private practice since 1984, and his areas of practice include Family Law, Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate Transactions, Personal Injury and Probate Matters.
Areas of Practice
- Family Law (Divorce, Custody, Post-Judgement, Mediation, Collaborative Law) 70%
- Civil Litigation 10%
- Probate Litigation 10%
- Residential Real Estate 10%
Bar Admissions
Connecticut, 1984
- U.S. District Court District of Connecticut, 1985
Education
- Antioch School of Law, Washington, District of Columbia
- J.D. – 1984
- State University of New York College, Buffalo, New York
- B.A. – 1978
- Major: Political Science and Legal Studies
Published Works
- Contempt: An Overview in Domestic Relations, The Connecticut Family Journal Vol. 4, No.2, 1986
- The Pro Se Opponent Connecticut Family Lawyer
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Litchfield County Bar Association, Member
- Connecticut Bar Association, Member
- American Bar Association
- American Association of Justice
- Special Masters Pretrial Program, Litchfield Judicial District
Past Employment Positions
- State of Connecticut, Judicial Law Clerk, 1984 to 1985
- Litchfield Judicial District, Special Master
- Waterbury Judicial District, Special Master
- Hartford Judicial District, Special Master
- Regional Family Trial Docket in Middletown, Connecticut, Special Master
DAVID COMPAGNONE
Civil Lawyer
Attorney Compagnone practices mainly in the areas of Criminal Defense, Personal Injury and Real Estate law. He has tried numerous civil and criminal cases in both state and federal courts in Connecticut and Missouri. In a case that gain international attention, Attorney Compagnone was lead trial counsel for the criminal homicide jury trial in State v. Benedetto Cipriani which was tried in Hartford Superior Court. The entire three week trial was the first fully televised trial, broadcast throughout the State of Connecticut on CT-N.
Since joining The Kaloidis Law Firm, Attorney Compagnone has been assigned to lead the Personal Injury division. His extensive litigation experience and proven record of success makes him the personal injury powerhouse that every injury plaintiff deserves on their side. Attorney Compagnone’s two most recent trials, a Slip & Fall and an Auto Accident case, resulted in Plaintiff’s verdicts for our clients, the latter of which was a substantial verdict with non-economic recovery in excess of 15 times the medical bills. Additional recent results include:
- Won jury verdict in the amount of $262,618.90 on a personal injury (car accident case). During the settlement negotiations they offered $15,000. Attorney Compagnone would have settled for $25,000.00 but since they did not match the demand, the case went to trial, resulting in a substantially larger amount than originally anticipated.
- Negotiated a $1 million settlement for a Motorcycle Biker who was hit by a drunk driver and sustained extensive injuries to his leg.
- Settled a car accident case for $756,000.00 for a client who sustained traumatic brain injury as a result of the accident.
Attorney Compagnone prepares every case as if it were going to trial. His hard work and preparation put into each case has gained him a reputation as a no nonsense personal injury litigator; a fact well known to defense attorneys and insurance adjusters alike.
Prior to joining The Kaloidis Law Firm, Attorney Compagnone worked at various other law firms in Connecticut that concentrated on Plaintiff’s Personal Injury, Family Law and Criminal Defense. Attorney Compagnone has combined all of the knowledge he has gained throughout the years to create a systematic approach to successfully navigating both Personal Injury and Criminal Defense cases, from initial client contact through highly contentious courtside and jury trials.
Prior to practicing law in Connecticut, Attorney Compagnone worked in Missouri and Pro Hac Vice in Kansas. Attorney Compagnone’s trial work in the Midwest included contested Family Law cases as well as lead plaintiff’s counsel for the first jury trial in the U. S. on the Federal Employee Polygraph Protection Act, and as defense co-trial counsel on a Capital Murder-For-Hire case. While in Missouri, Attorney Compagnone also did appellate work, taking a Divorce case to the Missouri Supreme Court.
Attorney Compagnone has a Bachelors Degree in Marketing & Management from Missouri Southern State University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Quinnipiac University. He is licensed to practice law in; Connecticut, Missouri, Federal District Court in the Western District of Missouri, Federal District Court in Connecticut.
Results are based on the merits of each case; there is no guarantee or promise of similar success in other cases.
Professional Affiliations
· Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association
· Missouri Bar Association
Alan J. Rome
Civil Lawyer
Partner Alan J. Rome has been practicing law since 1989. His extensive litigation practice includes Personal Injury, Family Law and Divorce Litigation, Criminal Law and Workers’ Compensation matters.
Attorney Rome is originally from West Hartford, Connecticut. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut in 1985 and a Juris Doctorate Degree from Western New England College School of Law.
Attorney Rome is licensed to practice law in Connecticut, in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut, and also in the United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit.
He is a member of the Hartford County Bar Association, the Connecticut Bar Association, the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Association for Justice.
Attorney Rome was named to the 2022 Connecticut Super Lawyers list in the Personal Injury General: Plaintiff category, representing the fourth consecutive year he was honored by Super Lawyers for his thriving personal injury practice.
He is also a presenter for the continuing legal education series of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, most recently speaking at the Autopalooza seminar held in early December at Mohegan Sun casino.
Attorney Rome is married with two daughters and enjoys golfing. Originally from Bloomfield, Attorney Rome has lived in West Hartford for the past 30 years.
Education
- Western New England College School of Law, Springfield, Massachusetts
- J.D. – 1989
- University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
- B.S. – 1985
- Major: Biology
Bar Admissions
- Connecticut, 1989
- U.S. District Court District of Connecticut, 1990
- U.S. Court of Appeals 2nd Circuit
Professional Associations
- Hartford County Bar Association, Member
- Connecticut Bar Association, Member
- Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, Member
- American Association for Justice, Member
Past Positions
- Rome & Katz, LLC, Partner, 2000 to 2005
Current Employment Position
- Partner
Benjamin W. Silvanic
Civil Lawyer
Attorney Silvanic received his Juris Doctor cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law in 2011 and Bachelor’s Degree from Trinity College located in Hartford, CT in 2008. His practice focuses on Probate, Real Estate, and Family Law. He is licensed to practice law in Connecticut, Massachusetts as well as Florida.
Attorney Silvanic grew up in Connecticut and currently resides in Simsbury with his wife, four children, and dog. In his free time, he enjoys running, golf, and coaching youth sports.
Nutmeg State Navigation: Why You Need a Top Civil Lawyer in Connecticut
Connecticut, known for its charming towns and historic landmarks, can also be the scene of complex legal issues. If you’re facing a civil lawsuit, navigating the legal system can feel like traversing the winding roads of Litchfield Hills – beautiful but potentially confusing, demanding a skilled guide. Here’s why securing a top-notch civil lawyer in Connecticut is crucial for protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome:
1. Masters of the Constitution State’s Legal Maze:
Connecticut has its own distinct set of civil laws, statutes, and court decisions. A top-tier civil lawyer licensed in Connecticut possesses an in-depth understanding of these nuances:
- Decoding Legal Complexities: They can meticulously analyze your case within the framework of the Connecticut General Statutes, interpreting key court rulings that may influence the case and identify the best path forward.
- Expert Legal Guidance: Their knowledge of Connecticut’s civil law allows them to provide accurate legal advice and craft effective strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of your case. (CT.gov)
2. Your Champion in Connecticut Courtrooms:
The best civil lawyers are your fiercest advocates:
- Skilled Representation: They will represent your interests effectively throughout the legal process, leveraging their experience and legal knowledge to develop a strong legal argument and present evidence persuasively.
3. Building a Strong Case from the Ground Up:
A skilled civil lawyer in Connecticut takes a proactive approach:
- Strengths and Weaknesses Assessment: They will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case, meticulously analyzing evidence, contracts, and witness statements. This deep dive allows them to identify strengths, weaknesses, and potential claims, crafting a strategic plan to maximize your chances of success.
4. Streamlining the Legal Labyrinth:
Civil litigation can be a complex maze:
- Efficient Legal Navigation: A skilled attorney knows how to navigate the Connecticut legal system efficiently, ensuring that all necessary documents are filed correctly and deadlines are met. They can save you valuable time and reduce the stress associated with legal proceedings.
5. Unearthing Evidence to Strengthen Your Case:
Building a strong case requires a thorough investigation:
- Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering: A top civil attorney will have the resources and contacts to conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, and interview witnesses if needed. This can be crucial in building a strong case and presenting compelling evidence to support your claims.
6. Negotiation Expertise to Secure Favorable Settlements:
Many Connecticut civil cases are resolved outside of court:
- Skilled Negotiation: A proficient civil attorney will be an effective negotiator, working to secure a favorable settlement that meets your interests while avoiding the need for a protracted trial.
7. Courtroom Confidence and Advocacy:
When litigation is unavoidable:
- Trial-Ready Representation: In the event your case goes to trial, having the best civil attorney by your side is invaluable. They will present your case in court, cross-examine witnesses, and argue persuasively on your behalf. Their experience and courtroom presence can significantly enhance your chances of success.
8. Legal Strategy and Risk Management:
- Guiding You Through the Legal Maze: A knowledgeable civil attorney will help you develop a sound legal strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. They will also provide an objective assessment of the potential risks and rewards associated with your case, allowing you to make informed decisions about the best course of action.