Local Counsel: Your Partner in CT

Many companies headquartered outside of Connecticut have long-standing relationships with law firms in their home states. Those companies often prefer that their usual counsel represent them in Connecticut litigation. Under Connecticut's federal and state court system, however, attorneys not admitted in Connecticut, but seeking to represent their clients in litigation here, must secure a local counsel. Generally, local counsel must review or sign all pleadings, briefs, and other papers filed with the court. In federal court, the judge may waive the appearance of local counsel at certain proceedings. In state court, however, local counsel must appear at all proceedings. Mr. Minchella teaches the Connecticut Practice book as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Quinnipiac University School of Law, and brings his knowledge and experience of Connecticut Practice to his role as local counsel.

The Firm serves as local counsel to many Fortune 50 companies and financial institutions in Connecticut litigation. Consistent with our obligations under federal and state rules, we advise lead counsel concerning local rules and procedures, and provide substantive advice, while remaining sensitive to the established client relationship that lead counsel has with the mutual client.

Useful Information for Out-of-State Counsel

State of Connecticut Judicial Branch Website
http://jud.ct.gov

Federal Judiciary Website
www.uscourts.gov

Connecticut Bar Association
www.ctbar.org/

Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel
www.jud.state.ct.us/OCDC/

"We retained Tony and his firm to handle complex litigation with a competitor in Connecticut. His extraordinary efforts and skilled handling of the case enabled us to receive desirable results and we certainly would engage Tony again. We recommend him to others in need of a highly competent, qualified and diligent attorney."

Peter Battisti, Vice President
& Robert Wilson, General Counsel
Chemence, Inc.