James J. "Jim" Ruane

Attorney Meisenkothen graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1996 with a bachelor of arts in history and sociology with distinction in history. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1999 and joined ELSM in August of that year. Attorney Meisenkothen has focused his efforts on representing people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. He has personally handled hundreds of mesothelioma cases in the Connecticut court system. Attorney Meisenkothen co-chaired...

Karen is a partner in the Trust, Estates and Charitable Planning team. Karen’s practice is focused on wealth planning. She works with individuals, families and family offices providing legal advice on wealth transfer tax planning and fiduciary administration. As part of the wealth planning process, Karen regularly advises on business succession, charitable giving, and income tax planning for individuals, estates, trusts and business entities, including family offices and private trust c...

George E. O'Brien represents and counsels employers on a wide variety of labor matters, including: Collective bargaining Unfair labor practice proceedings Labor representation cases and elections Grievances Injunction proceedings Arbitrations Mediation Union relationships Wrongful discharge Breach of contract Discrimination claims Jury trials He appears in state and federal courts and represents management before the National Labor Relations Board and other administrative agencies, including ...

Mitchell S. Jaffe is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Mitchell S., who practices law in New Haven, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mitchell S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Clifford A. Merin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Clifford A., who practices law in New Haven, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Clifford A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

One of the founding partners of the firm, Tom currently concentrates his practice in the area of personal injury . After litigating in matrimonial law and personal injury matters for more than 25 years, Tom decided to transition exclusively into personal injury. He represents clients in all types of personal injury, as well as nursing home negligence and medical malpractice matters . Legal Career He is a member of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association for Just...

Eric J. Stockman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Eric J., who practices law in Shelton, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Eric J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jane Elaine Ballerini practices in the areas of commercial real estate law, commercial finance and general commercial and business law. She represents local and national banks in the extension of asset-based, mortgage and construction loans to commercial borrowers. Attorney Ballerini is one of a few practicing U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Designated Attorneys in the State. Her sub-specialty is representing traditional lenders and Certified Development Companies in transactions inv...

Douglas S. Skalka graduated from Cornell University in 1982 and received his law degree from Boston University School of Law in 1985, where he was the Editor-in-Chief of the Probate Law Journal. Prior to joining Neubert, Pepe & Monteith in 1995, Attorney Skalka was a partner with the firm of Whitman, Breed, Abbott & Morgan, where he was responsible for the firm's business reorganization practice in its Greenwich, Connecticut office. Attorney Skalka has represented secured and unsecure...

Lori B. Alexander has extensive experience representing companies throughout Connecticut in a range of labor and employment matters, including: Complex employment litigation Discrimination claims Wrongful discharge Retaliation cases Labor arbitrations Administrative charges Employee Retirement Income Security Act benefits litigation Employment arbitrations Other disputes between employers and employees She represents clients in state and federal courts and before the Equal Employment Opportun...