I am a counselor, in every sense of the word. Family Law is a unique area of practice where clients are best served if their lawyer has legal knowledge and expertise as well as exceptional interpersonal skills. I am proud of the connections and interactions that I have had with clients and colleagues throughout my career. I believe that my ability to relate and empathize with clients, while still maintaining compassion and awareness for their spouse or children is an asset. During difficult times, it is hard for a client to envision their future, and they tend to become stuck in the past or the present. It is my job to look past that to the big picture and counsel them based on what is the best for the future of their family.
Becoming a parent made me a better lawyer. I have an appreciation for the painstaking process of determining custody and parenting plans. I understand the practical details that make a parenting plan work throughout the years. I frequently handle sensitive parenting issues such as psychological and psychiatric evaluations, child abuse, restraining orders. I have experience with the subtle dynamics involved in domestic violence situations and I take great pride in assisting my clients create a new normal for their family. I am trained and certified by the Connecticut Judicial Branch to serve as a Guardian Ad Litem and Attorney for Minor Children and feel honored to work with children and families in that capacity.
I love a challenge, which is part of the reason I tend to focus on complex cases. I have found that a complex case is not necessarily defined by the amount of assets at play. I have experience with the complicated work of valuing and dividing property and determining support in cases with a wide range of financial and income structures, such as private equity, carried interest, deferred compensation, equity awards and stock, real estate investments, business valuations, trusts and pensions. I am adept at litigating and settling these cases, and I have the acumen to know when and how to pursue each route.
I am a team player. I have always thrived in being a part of a team, whether sports, academic pursuits or charity work. I bring that love of collaboration into my practice, by bringing together professionals best fit to assist my clients. It may include experts, business valuators, therapists, financial planners, parenting coaches or appraisers. It is my job to identify areas where my client or their case needs support and then build a team to assist in accomplishing their goals.
It is common for people to feel lost when they are faced with a divorce, custody or modification proceeding. It is overwhelming to make major life decisions without a true understanding of the process. I strive to empower clients by providing them with the information and context they need to make rational choices. The most rewarding part of practicing family law is after a meeting or phone call, when a client says to me "I feel so much better now." At the Family Law Firm, it is our goal to provide you with more of those moments.
Distinctions, Honors and Awards
• Martindale-Hubbell®AV Preeminent™ rating 2019, 2020
• Connecticut Super Lawyers®as listed in New England Super Lawyers®, 2019, 2020
• Connecticut Rising Stars®as listed in New England Super Lawyers®, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
• New Leader in the Law as selected by the Connecticut Law Tribune, 2013
Publications and Presentations
• “Conversations with Catamount” Spring Seminar presenter, May 18, 2017
• Marist College Pre-Law Panel, Featured Alumni, April 26, 2017
• National Business Institute, Guest Lecturer, “Family Law from A to Z” March 4, 2017
• “Locating Hidden Assets in a Divorce”, Connecticut Law Tribune, October 10, 2016
• Connecticut Bar Association “Practice Tips” video presentation March, 2016
• National Business Institute, Guest Speaker, National Teleconference: Motions in Divorce with Examples, September, 2015
• Second Saturday Workshop, Guest Speaker, September, 2015
Pro Bono Activities
• Stamford Superior Court Special Master, 2012 – Present
• Bridgeport Superior Court Special Master, 2012 – Present
• Quinnipiac University School of Law Mentor, 2013- 2016
• Near and Fair Aid, Gala Co-Chair 2018
• Near and Far Aid, Annual Golf Classic Co-Chair 2017
• Stamford Superior Court Volunteer Attorney Program
Professional Associations and Memberships
• Fairfield County Bar Association, Secretary
- Board of Directors, 2012 – Present
- Family Law Section member, 2007 – Present
- Connecticut Bar Association Professionalism Symposium, committee member 2016
- Young Lawyers Section, Co-Chair, 2010 – 2012
• Fairfield County Bar Foundation, Board of Directors, 2019, 2020
• Family Law Section, Member 2014 – Present
• The Greater Bridgeport Bar Association
- Family Law Section, Member 2014 – Present
- Young Lawyers Section, Member 2014 – Present
• Connecticut Bar Association, Member, 2009 – Present
• New York State Bar Association, Member, 2009 – Present
• National Association of Divorce Professionals, Member 2016- 2018
