Susman, Duffy & Segaloff is a full-service general practice law firm. It practices in the areas of litigation, bankruptcy, insurance defense, commercial lending, real estate development, creditors rights, foreclosures, land use and zoning, and estate planning and administration. The firm represents clients in issues related to municipal, health care and environmental law. Susman, Duffy & Segaloff also handles matters concerning financing, joint ventures, mortgage loans and environmental evaluations. In addition, it assists clients in various issues, such as nursing home negligence, will and trust preparation, and the acquisition and sale of properties. The firm s attorneys are members of the American Bar Association, Connecticut Bar Association and Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association. Susman, Duffy & Segaloff is located in New Haven, Conn.
Careful consideration of both tax and non-tax issues affecting individuals and families in the transfer of wealth are priorities when we advise clients in matters of estate planning. Our Estate Planning Practice Group handles all areas of personal and tax planning, from matters as straightforward as guardianships, to complex irrevocable trusts and family partnerships.
Karen has been practicing for over twenty-two years, and is a member of the Connecticut state and federal bars and New York state bar. Karen has argued before state appellate courts and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Before joining the firm, she prepared and argued criminal appeals in Hempstead, New York.
Since starting to practice law in 1960, Michael has had wide experience in almost all aspects of commercial and corporate law, but is especially well versed in real estate development. His depth of experience with
Business Disputes
We defend cases in both the federal and state courts. The litigation practice group defends professional malpractice claims, representing many professionals in the legal, medical, accounting, and design fields. The litigation practice group also defends public liability claims for municipalities throughout the State of Connecticut. In addition, we regularly represent a variety of commercial entities in liability cases, employment matters, contract disputes and landlord/tenant litigation.
Our representation of municipalities links together several practice areas of our firm. Contract negotiations, financing techniques and litigation strategies all play a key role in the ability to offer the wide range of legal services which may be required by a municipality. We have acted as bond and underwriter’s counsel, represented downtown development authorities in various projects, assisted municipal authorities engaged in privatization efforts, and acted as general counsel to economic development commissions in various municipal development projects. We regularly represent municipalities in various types of litigation matters, including constitutional and employment claims, contract disputes, tax lien foreclosures, tax assessment appeals, and Freedom of Information disputes.
Jim has been managing partner of Susman, Duffy & Segaloff since joining the firm in 1985. He is a graduate of Syracuse University and the University of Connecticut School of Law. Jim practiced with United States Senator Joseph Lieberman from 1972 until 1985.
Premises Liability
Karen also represents municipalities in a variety of matters including general advice, contract administration, litigation and land use and tax assessment appeals. Karen has represented elected and appointed officials, police officers and educators in defense of constitutional and statutory claims, defamation actions and wrongful death claims. In addition, she has defended attorneys and nursing care facilities against claims of professional negligence and commercial property owners in premises liability and security claims. Her experience in these matters has contributed to the Litigation Practice Group’s successful defense of a number of high exposure cases in both state and federal trial and appellate courts.
Construction Litigation
Real Estate Transactions
Our goal is to produce timely and cost effective results by combining our extensive experience in the business challenges facing developers with a thorough knowledge of the legal issues which impact our clients’ real estate transactions.
Land Use and Zoning
Joe resides in Northford and serves as an elected member of the North Branford Town Council. He has previously served on the North Branford Planning & Zoning Commission, where he acted as Chairman for five years and the Rural Preservation Committee. He has also served as a member of the North Branford Inland Wetlands Commission and served as a member of the Committee on Professional Grievances for the Waterbury Judicial District from 1998 to 2004.
As head of the firm’s Litigation Department, Tom brings over twenty years of litigation experience to Susman, Duffy & Segaloff in both the state and federal courts. Tom’s primary areas of concentration are professional liability and municipal defense. He has defended public liability claims ranging from police misconduct and civil rights violations to competitive bidding disputes and personal injury suits arising from automobile accidents and defective roadways. Tom also focuses on corporate and commercial litigation particularly claims of unfair trade practices, as well as the representation of financial institutions in defensive lender liability matters. He has personally represented Connecticut manufacturers in the defense of products liability claims and has participated with other members of the Litigation Practice Group in the defense of mass tort claims.
Medical Malpractice
Phil has since represented private and institutional clients in a wide variety of commercial, employment, housing, bankruptcy, medical malpractice, personal injury, family and criminal matters, including representing clients in pro bono cases through Lawyers For Children America and Statewide Legal Services. He has also successfully argued before the Connecticut Appellate Court. Phil currently practices in the areas of commercial and civil litigation, including employment law, contract and complex business litigation, and creditor’s rights; as well as, housing, personal injury, insurance defense and a variety of other matters.
The laws affecting estate planning and the transfer of personal wealth are constantly changing. We keep our clients abreast of changes which present valuable opportunities.
Our group works closely with our clients in the ongoing planning, documentation and practical implementation of their operational needs.
Foreclosure
Our attorneys have represented creditors in many of the high-profile Chapter 11 bankruptcies and workouts experienced by regional lenders in recent years. We are well-versed in all aspects of insolvency law, including contested adversary proceedings and cram-down issues. We have represented numerous creditors in bankruptcies and foreclosures involving receivers, environmental issues, and multi-jurisdictional security issues.