Shawn Smith

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...

James Aspell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants. James, who practices law in Farmington, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Patricia L. Boye-Williams is an attorney with Michaud Law Group LLC in Middletown, Connecticut, where she focuses her practice on Environmental Law . She has been recognized by Best Lawyers for her work in environmental law matters. Attorney Patricia Boye-Williams advises developers, corporations, municipalities, manufacturers, lenders, and property owners on a wide range of environmental and renewable energy matters. She works with clients to address environmental risks, navigate regulatory ...

For nearly three decades, the emphasis of Mr. Escalera’s practice has been labor and employment law and litigation. Initially, Mr. Escalera served with the Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps for nine years where he engaged in extensive criminal and civil litigation. Mr. Escalera was last stationed at the Pentagon where he acted as lead counsel for the Army Litigation Division defending the Department of the Army in employment discrimination suits brought by civilian employees in ...

James F. Shea is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. James F., who practices law in Hartford, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Richard A. Marone is acknowledged for his thoughtful approach in the area of Trusts and Estates, serving clients including individuals, families, private businesses, trustees, and tax-exempt organizations. With over 40 years of professional experience, Richard is certified by the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel as a probate and trust dispute mediator. He handles complex issues and understands family dynamics, offering solutions in estate planning and business succession planning....

Seth R. Klein is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - ERISA. Seth R., who practices law in West Hartford, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Seth R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Barbara A. Taylor is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Barbara A., who practices law in Hartford, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Barbara A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Megan Youngling Carannante is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Construction and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Megan Youngling, who practices law in Hartford, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Megan Youngling is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Paul L. Bourdeau is a Principal in Cummings & Lockwood's Private Clients Group and is based in the West Hartford office. He joined the Firm in 1980 and was the founder of the West Hartford office. Paul advises clients in the areas of estate planning, tax efficient wealth transfer, estate settlement, trust administration, business succession planning, taxation and charitable giving. In addition, he has extensive experience serving as an Executor and Trustee. His clients include corporate e...