Business Details
Trusted Legal Representation in Connecticut
Established in 1786, Howard Kohn Sprague Fitzgerald is one of the oldest continuously operating law firms in the United States. Our attorneys are recognized as leading trial lawyers with extensive experience in civil litigation, including pretrial, trial, and appellate work in state and federal courts. We prioritize client needs by providing tailored legal resources while maintaining cost-effectiveness through minimized overhead and advanced technological systems. Our firm combines a 225-year legacy of excellence with modern capabilities, including state-of-the-art legal research tools and customized billing solutions. We specialize in diverse practice areas such as negligence, product liability, professional malpractice, insurance law, and commercial litigation.Our reputation for aggressive, creative problem-solving has earned us recognition throughout Connecticut. We serve corporations, small businesses, and individuals with a commitment to resolving cases efficiently while preserving quality. Our history of shaping Connecticut law through appellate advocacy underscores our expertise. Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to addressing 21st-century legal challenges with the same integrity that has defined our practice for over two centuries. Howard Kohn Sprague Fitzgerald balances the wisdom to negotiate with the ability to litigate, ensuring optimal outcomes for every client.
Services
Appeals
Civil Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Personal Injury
Medical Malpractice
Workers Compensation
Real Estate
Wills & Estates
Premises Liability
Business Torts
Highlights and features
- We offer 225+ years of continuous legal expertise in Connecticut courts.
- Our attorneys maintain a distinguished trial and appellate track record.
- We specialize in complex litigation including product liability and medical malpractice.
- We minimize overhead costs while preserving state-of-the-art legal resources.
- Our firm combines historical reputation with modern, client-centered billing practices.
What people say
225-year legacy
Cost-effective solutions
Aggressive representation
Statewide recognition
Appellate expertise
Services
Appeals
Our attorneys specialize in civil appeals before Connecticut state and federal appellate courts. We analyze trial court decisions for legal errors, ensuring outcomes align with evidence and statutory requirements. With decades of experience, we shape Connecticut law through strategic appellate advocacy.
Civil Litigation
We represent clients in state and federal civil litigation matters, including pretrial preparation, courtroom advocacy, and administrative hearings. Our team has resolved thousands of cases involving disputes over contracts, torts, and other civil matters with proven success.
Medical Malpractice
We handle complex medical malpractice cases involving misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and inadequate patient care. Our attorneys leverage deep industry knowledge to challenge aggressive defenses from healthcare providers and secure compensation for lifelong injuries.
Workers Compensation
Since 1913, we've represented injured workers and defended employers under Connecticut's Workers Compensation Act. Our expertise covers claims involving serious injuries, fatalities, and employer liability disputes across diverse industries.
Commercial Litigation
We resolve business-related legal conflicts including contract breaches, employment disputes, and commercial torts. Our attorneys provide strategic counsel for corporations navigating complex litigation in state and federal courts with a focus on protecting financial interests.
People
John Stephen Papa
Partner
Experienced trial attorney specializing in civil litigation with a focus on complex commercial disputes and appellate advocacy. Active member of Connecticut's legal community for over 25 years.
Thomas P. Cella
Partner
Recognized expert in medical malpractice defense and insurance law. Handles high-stakes cases involving catastrophic injuries and professional liability claims.
Keith R. Rudzik
Managing Partner
Leads firm operations with expertise in appellate law and workers compensation. Known for strategic oversight of complex litigation teams and client relations.
Savannah Crigler
Associate
Emerging talent in personal injury cases, focusing on motor vehicle accidents and premises liability. Brings modern legal research techniques to support trial teams.
James M. Moher
Of Counsel
Senior advisor specializing in real estate litigation and estate disputes. Provides strategic guidance based on 40+ years of Connecticut legal practice.
Questions
What areas of law does Howard, Kohn, Sprague & FitzGerald specialize in?
We focus on appeals, civil litigation, commercial disputes, personal injury, medical malpractice, workers compensation, and real estate matters across Connecticut.
How long has the firm been in operation?
Established in 1786 by Enoch Perkins, we are one of the oldest continuously operating law firms in the United States.
Does the firm handle both plaintiff and defense cases?
Yes, we represent injured individuals in personal injury claims and defend employers in workers compensation cases, maintaining balanced expertise.
What makes the firm different from larger downtown firms?
We offer comparable legal resources at lower costs by minimizing overhead while maintaining state-of-the-art technology and billing flexibility.
Are the attorneys experienced in appellate courts?
Our team has argued numerous cases before Connecticut state and federal appellate courts, shaping legal precedents through strategic advocacy.
