Joanna M. Targonski

Andrew Garza is a co-founder and the lead trial attorney at Claggett, Sykes & Garza, LLC ("CSG"), in Connecticut. He grew up in public housing, bartended his way through college and law school, and opened his own law firm in 2013. He has tried cases to 7-, 8-, and 9-figure jury verdicts as lead counsel. In 2022, he obtained a $100 million verdict on behalf of a paralyzed man and his wife, which was the largest verdict in Connecticut history. Garza and his team speak nationally to plaintif...

Craig Raabe joined the partnership in 2016 from a large, regional law firm, where he previously served as the chair of the litigation department. Mr. Raabe has tried many complex civil and criminal cases. He is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America© since 2006 (Copyright by Woodward/White, Inc., Aiken, SC), most recently in six disciplines: Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Antitrust, Regulatory/Environmental...

Mike Spagnola focuses his practice on solving difficult and complicated labor and employment problems for management clients. Mike represents employers exclusively in connection with all aspects of labor and employment law, and in particular, litigation and preventive counsel. He has appeared on behalf of clients in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies, for cases relating to discrimination, retaliation, harassment, whistleblowing, wrongful discharge, wage and hour law, ...

Richard C. Robinson practices in the area of business litigation including the litigation of construction and employment disputes. He heads the firm’s Construction Law and Litigation Section. University of Pennsylvania, B.A. '67; University of Connecticut School of :Law, J.D. with honors, '71. Professional Affiliations American Bar Association - Litigation Section; Employment Law Section; Forum Committee on Construction Industry Connecticut Bar Association - Executive Committee, Construction ...

As chair of the firm’s Real Estate and Land Use Department, Gary B. O'Connor's practice focuses on real estate, land use and environmental matters. He has extensive experience in all aspects of complex industrial and commercial real estate transactions, particularly those impacted by environmental conditions. Gary is experienced in the fields of regulatory compliance and permitting. He has worked closely with regulators from DEEP, EPA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local agencies on ...

Mary Miller is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Copyright Law. Mary, who practices law in Hartford, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mary is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Based in Hartford, Connecticut, Michael Donnelly is dedicated to supporting both public and private entities in Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, and Litigation - Construction, proudly working with Harris Beach Murtha. Michael is involved in the drafting of contracts, addressing bid issues, and facilitating dispute resolution in diverse construction matters. A highlight of his career includes aiding a successful bidder in defending a public bid challenge, which resulted in a six-figure...

Larry Shipman has dedicated his career to providing thoughtful and thorough legal representation to his clients. He is a practicing attorney at Shipman, Shaiken & Schwefel, LLC, where he passionately handles cases involving real estate, land use matters and commercial transactions. Larry is committed to helping his clients navigate complex legal matters with clarity and resolve. Drawing from his extensive experience, Larry approaches each case with an individualized strategy that reflects...

Lorey Rives, based in Hartford, Connecticut, is a seasoned attorney at Harris Beach Murtha with over three decades of trial and appellate experience. She provides legal representation for corporate, municipal, and individual clients across multiple jurisdictions in Connecticut and New York. Her practice areas encompass commercial litigation, covering general commercial disputes, creditors' rights cases, complex contract matters, and more. Lorey has participated significantly in the courtroom,...

Jack G. Steigelfest is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Jack G., who practices law in Hartford, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jack G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.