Samuel Schoonmaker IV

Thomas S. Lambert is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Thomas S., who practices law in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Eric D. Bernheim is one of Fairfield County’s most sought-after real estate attorneys. Eric represents prominent developers, landlords, tenants, and lenders in transactions of all kinds, including acquisitions, dispositions, leases, and financing. He also handles zoning and land use matters. Eric’s clients range from national hospitality groups to local businesses, developers, municipalities, and individuals, providing sound counsel for all of their real estate and business-relate...

JAMES D. FUNNELL, JR. is a principal of Brody Wilkinson and a member of the firm’s Trusts & Estates Group. His practice is limited to trusts and estates planning, special needs planning, and trusts and estates administration. Jim is widely known for helping clients use special needs trusts to create a financial safety net for a family member with a disability. Jim is admitted to practice in Connecticut and has practiced in Fairfield County for over thirty-five years. He is also admi...

Many lawyer biographies look the same or list out accomplishments, but it is hard to get to know the person or to get an idea what the person is like. I am an attorney who works hard for his clients and who loves the day-to-day interaction with them. I like to get to know my clients and learn about their lives. I enjoy a challenge and like to represent the "little guy" whether it is against car company that knowingly allowed a faulty part in a car to make more money, a hospital that did not f...

Stephen P. Fogerty is first and foremost a problem solver. For the last 35 years, he has zealously, ethically, and successfully represented hundreds of clients before judges and juries in every court in Connecticut, and successfully argued appeals in the Connecticut Appellate and Supreme Courts and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. That experience informs his unique, thoughtful, and effective approach to solving his clients’ problems. Whether those problems rela...

Michelle M. Zulawski is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Michelle M., who practices law in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michelle M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

BRIAN T. SILVESTRO serves as of counsel to Brody Wilkinson PC and is a member of the firm’s Real Estate Group. Brian practices in the areas of residential and commercial real estate, land use and zoning. In all his transactions, Brian makes a concerted effort of getting to know the physical characteristics of properties fully so he can make informed decisions for his clients. He represents builders, business owners and private clients in real estate purchases, sales, refinancing and thi...

Jane B. Emons is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Arbitration, Family Law and Mediation. Jane B., who practices law in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jane B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

RANDI R. NELSON is a partner at PARRINO|SHATTUCK, PC. She has worked strictly on matrimonial litigation since 2011 and is admitted to practice in Connecticut. She represents clients in all aspects of family law, including divorce, alimony, child support, child custody, property division, post-judgment modification, and post-judgment contempt. Nelson is a member of the American, Connecticut, Fairfield County, and Westport/Weston bar associations. In addition, she is a special master for family...

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...