James M. Harrington – Connecticut Personal Injury & Civil Trial Attorney
James M. Harrington is a Connecticut-based, board-certified civil trial attorney who has dedicated his career to fighting for those injured due to negligence. With a practice focused entirely on personal injury and wrongful death litigation across the state of Connecticut, James brings more than a decade of experience, a proven record in the courtroom, and deep local roots to every case he takes.
A Hometown Advocate for Southeastern Connecticut
Born and raised in southeastern Connecticut, James’s connection to the community runs deep. His father owned and operated The Wayfarer in New London for over 35 years, and James spent much of his youth in and around New London and Waterford. Today, James continues to serve his home state with pride, representing clients in towns and cities across eastern and central Connecticut.
Proven Results in Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Cases
James has recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients in cases involving:
James is known for his meticulous trial preparation, compelling courtroom advocacy, and relentless pursuit of justice for individuals and families whose lives have been upended by injury.
Recognized Leader in the Connecticut Legal Community
James’s work has earned recognition from some of the legal profession’s most prestigious organizations:
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Best Lawyers in America, 2023, 2024, 2025
- Selected through confidential peer review across Connecticut.
- Reflects professional excellence and consistently high ratings from colleagues.
- View Best Lawyers profile
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Super Lawyers, 2022–Present
- Peer nominations + independent research on verdicts, honors, and experience.
- Top 5% selection (varies by year and category).
- View Super Lawyers profile
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Rising Star by Super Lawyers, 2013–2018
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Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association, 2014–2019
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Professional Excellence Award, Connecticut Law Tribune, 2018
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New Leaders in the Law, Connecticut Law Tribune, 2015
- Recognized for leadership, innovation, and results in plaintiff’s trial practice.
- Coverage includes firm growth and community impact.
- Awarded Game Changer Award for winning U.S. Supreme Court case, Lewis v. Clark.
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“Ascending Alumni”, Western New England Law School, 2018
- Board Certification, National Board of Trial Advocacy — Civil Trial Law
- Validated trial experience, references, and continuing legal education.
- Signals courtroom readiness in complex injury litigation.
- NBTA verification
In 2018, James was elected to the Board of Governors for the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, reflecting his role as a respected voice within the state’s trial bar.
Why These Honors Matter for Injured Clients
Independent, peer‑driven recognitions help clients identify proven trial counsel. These honors reflect sustained results, courtroom advocacy, and service to the legal community.
James leverages that experience for clients in Waterford, New London, and across Eastern Connecticut.
Appellate and Tribal Law Experience
In addition to trial work, James has handled appeals before the Connecticut Supreme Court, Connecticut Appellate Court, and United States Supreme Court. His most notable case, Lewis v. Clarke, involved tribal sovereign immunity and resulted in a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision that reshaped tribal law nationwide—based on the arguments he advanced.
James continues to be a leading authority on tribal and casino injury law, representing clients injured at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods.
Legal Educator Committed to Community Advocacy
James has been invited to speak on legal issues for both the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association and the Connecticut Bar Association, leading CLE presentations on:
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Bicycle crash litigation
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Slip and fall trial strategies
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Use of social media at trial
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Tribal law in Connecticut
- Car accident litigation in Connecticut
James has also been a guest lecturer at the University of Connecticut School of Law on Trial Methods since 2014.
Driven to Go the Distance—for Clients and in Life
A dedicated triathlete and Ironman competitor, James brings the same endurance, preparation, and persistence to his legal practice that he brings to the race course. He lives in East Haddam, Connecticut with his wife, three sons and daughter and proudly serves clients across the state—especially those in southeastern Connecticut, including New London, Waterford, Groton, East Lyme, Montville, Salem, Colchester, Norwich, and surrounding communities.
Bar Admissions:
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- United States Supreme Court
- U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut
- Mohegan Tribal Court
- Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court at Foxwoods
Professional Associations and Memberships:
- Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association
- Board of Governors
- Member of the General Tort Committee
- Panelist: Preparing for your first trial; Deposition Tactics; Strategies for Trial Prep and several presentations before the Annual Meeting
- Connecticut Bar Association
- Connecticut Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division
- New London County Bar Association
Areas of Practice:
Litigation Percentage:
- 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Personal Injury Cases (CT):
Nursing Homes Injuries & Neglect Cases (CT):
- Bed sores
- Falls
- Infection
- Medication errors
- Elder abuse
- Misconduct with elders
Sexual Misconduct Cases (CT):
- Priests and Ministers
- School Teachers
- School Coaches
- Extended Statute of Limitations
Product Liability Cases (CT):
- Defective design
- Defects in manufacturing
- Failure to provide adequate guards
- Failure to warn of dangers and defects
Casino Accidents:
- Mohegan Sun Accident
- Foxwoods accident
- Tribal law
- Casino slip and fall
- Casino negligent security
- Casino car accidents
- Casino bus accidents
- Casino wrongful death
FAQs About Awards & How They Help Clients
Do these awards mean James will accept my case?
Each case is evaluated individually. Awards and peer recognition signal experience; eligibility is based on the facts, damages, and venue of your matter.
How are Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers selected?
Best Lawyers relies on confidential peer review. Super Lawyers combines peer nomination with independent research into verdicts, representative cases, and honors.
What does it mean to be a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer?
Board certification by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional skill, experience, and integrity in trial work. To qualify, a lawyer must complete at least 45 days of actual trial, over 100 contested matters, advanced continuing legal education, reviews by Judges and opposing lawyers, and a written examination. Certification is renewed every five years and signifies proven trial proficiency and commitment to the highest standards of advocacy.
Speak With James
Free consultation for injury cases in Waterford, New London, and across Eastern Connecticut.
Phone: (860) 854‑4262
Address: 567 Vauxhall St Ext, Waterford, CT 06385
