Deborah J. "Deb" Tedford
About Deborah J. Tedford
Deborah J. Tedford is a lawyer based in Mystic, CT and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2006. Deborah J. Tedford is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Mystic, Connecticut
- Elder Law
- Trusts and Estates
Current Firm: Tedford Law Firm PC
Education: Boston University School of Law, J.D., graduated 1976
Location: Mystic, CT
Nearby Lawyers
Many years selected by her peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers In Connecticut, Connecticut Superlawyers, Best Law Firm, Best Lawyers in the New York area, Best Lawyers in New England. Awarded Connecticut Magazine "Top 25 Women Attorneys" as recognized for excellence by peers in the legal community for professional achievement and high ethical standards.. Attorney Mariani is board certified as a Family Law Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, an American Bar Association accr...
Mr. Tobin joined the Firm in 1968 and became a partner in 1970. His involvement in a number of prominent cases at both the state and federal level during this time helped to expand the Firm’s litigation practice. Today, he practices extensively in the areas of corporate, commercial, gaming and Indian law, appellate, personal injury and wrongful death and general litigation. Mr. Tobin has lectured before the Connecticut Bar Association and is a Connecticut Superior Court Trial Referee.
Prior to joining the firm in 1986, Tom served as a trial attorney in the Land and Natural Resources Division of the United States Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., and as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut. He has handled numerous employment matters before the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and before both the State and Federal Departments of Labor. He has als...
Attorney Theodore (Ted) Heiser is a Director in the firm’s civil litigation department, practicing in the areas of personal injury and employment law. Prior to joining Suisman Shapiro, Ted was a founding member of Sullivan Heiser in Clinton, CT. He has tried numerous matters to verdict in the state and federal courts of Connecticut, Maryland and New Jersey. Ted’s extensive trial experience includes cases of wrongful death, personal injury, employment discrimination, sexual harassm...
William R. Sweeney is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law. William R., who practices law in New London, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Dale Faulkner is recognized as one of Connecticut's premier trial lawyers as a result of his trial successes, his genuine commitment to his clients and his visible and infectious enthusiasm for the practice of law. Additionally, he holds the distinction of being board certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy . Faulkner's consistent success and high standards have placed him among the select few lawyers in the State chosen for all editions of The Best Lawyers...
Attorney Kelly E. Reardon spent several years as a television reporter before finding her true calling in representing victims of negligence. As a television reporter in Burlington, Vermont and Hartford, Connecticut, Attorney Reardon earned praise for her empathy and integrity. News directors turned to her first when reaching out to the family of a soldier killed in Iraq or Afghanistan because of her ability to connect with those in need. This ability won her two Associated Press Awards for h...
James M. Harrington is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. James M., who practices law in Waterford, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Jonathan T. Lane is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Collaborative Law: Family Law and Family Law. Jonathan T., who practices law in New London, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jonathan T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
John A. Collins, III, is a Director/Shareholder who concentrates in the areas of Personal Injury Law and Criminal Law. He is a member of the Connecticut Bar. Mr. Collins received his B.A. from the College of the Holy Cross (1978) and his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law (1981) where he was a member and Notes Editor of the Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law. Attorney Collins is a member of the American, Connecticut and New London County Bar Associations. H...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
Build Your Legal Practice with Effective Online Networking
by Jamilla Tabbara
How thoughtful online networking supports sustained legal practice growth.
Blogging for Law Firms: Turning Content into Client Connections
by Jamilla Tabbara
How law firms use blogs to earn trust and win clients.
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer