Ernest F. "Ernie" Teitell

Ernie Teitell's career is defined not just by verdicts and settlements, but by the lasting change his work has brought about. When he represented the family of a 6-year-old boy who drowned after becoming entrapped in a swimming pool drain, the family dedicated the proceeds to pool safety, leading to significant changes in state regulations for pools and equipment. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, Ernie volunteered his legal services to Connecticut families of victims. And his advocacy before the Connecticut Appellate Court resulted in the creation of the Baxter Rule, a legal doctrine called upon by Connecticut lawyers in nearly every multi-defendant medical-malpractice action that goes to court.

Ernie takes a humanistic approach to every case. No one understands the devastating impact of life-altering events better than an attorney who has spent 49 years standing alongside clients. Extended experience with medical malpractice, defective products, catastrophic vehicle collisions, and sexual and spousal abuse has made him a fierce advocate for those whose lives have been irretrievably altered. That passion fuels his drive for excellence and his commitment to truly listening to the victims of traumatic events.

In a case that drew national attention, Ernie represented a former attorney who was disabled by an attack by her husband, J. Michael Farren, a White House deputy counsel in both Bush administrations. A Connecticut jury awarded her $28.6 million in civil damages in 2013.

Among Ernie’s many awards, the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association (CTLA) honored him with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025, recognition of a career defined by fierce advocacy, compassion, and a commitment to the broader good. In 2004, the Connecticut Law Tribune presented him with a Pro Bono Award for his work for September 11 families. Best Lawyers has named Ernie Lawyer of the Year in Stamford, Connecticut, for Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Ernie has been an Adjunct Professor at Quinnipiac University School of Law for more than 30 years, currently teaching the course in medical malpractice, and donates his entire salary from the law school to a scholarship for first-year law students. The school awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2003.