Attorney Intel is pleased to announce The Top 50 Attorneys of Connecticut for 2022. Connecticut, known as the “Constitution State” as it was critical to the nation’s formation of the constitution, has a total of three law schools. Despite the number of schools, there is no shortage of accomplished individuals practicing law. Among all states, Connecticut ranks fifth of the number of lawyers per capita. This year’s awardees span across nearly all industries including healthcare, insurance, patents, engineering, finance, and more.
Among this year’s awardees is Kristen Marcroft, Attorney and Managing Co-Partner of Freed Marcroft, who devotes its practice exclusively to divorce and family law; Barbara Hennessy, Regional General Counsel of Aetna, who oversees legal and regulatory strategy, health business operations and board governance for the healthcare organization; and Marvin Bellis, Senior Counsel at Eversource Energy, who manages all legal issues for Connecticut’s privately operated association of cities and towns during critical transition periods.
The continuous support and knowledge from these individuals to their clients does not go unnoticed. Please join us in recognizing the achievement of The Top 50 Attorneys of Connecticut for 2022.
1. Mary Carey
Senior Counsel
Cigna
Mary Carey is the Senior Counsel of Cigna. She first joined the company in 2008. Cigna is a multinational managed healthcare and insurance company. Its insurance subsidiaries are major providers of medical, dental, disability, life and accident insurance and related products and services, the majority of which are offered through employers and other groups. All 74,000 in the company around the world work together to serve their customers, patients, clients, and communities. Most importantly, the company delivers on their mission together: To improve the health, well-being, and peace of mind of those they serve by making health care simple, affordable, and predictable.
Previously, Carey was a VP & Counsel at Webster Financial Corporation, and before that, an Associate General Counsel at MassMutual. Earlier in her career she worked with Squire Sanders as an Associate. Carey earned a JD in Banking, Corporate, Finance, and Securities Law from Boston University School of Law, and an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Sociology from Rutgers University.
2. Barbara Hennessy
Regional General Counsel
Aetna
Barbara Hennessy is the Regional General Counsel of Aetna. Since the founding of Aetna in 1853, the company has been committed to providing individuals, employers, health care professionals and producers with innovative benefits, products, and services. Today, the company is one of the nation's leading and diversified health care benefits companies providing people with information and resources to assist individuals to make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna’s health insurance products include medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health. Hennessy has 25 years of experience. She began her career in 1997.
Before joining Aetna, Hennessy was a Senior Associate at Shipman & Goodwin LLP. Hennessy graduated from UCONN Law School with a JD, and from Tufts University with an undergraduate degree in Political Science.
3. Christopher Signorello
Chief Compliance Officer and Deputy General Counsel
XPO Logistics
Christopher Signorello began his professional career nearly 24 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Compliance Officer and Deputy General Counsel of XPO Logistics. XPO Logistics primarily provides less-than-truckload and truck brokerage services, helping shippers manage their supply chains most efficiently, using the company’s advanced technology for the movement of goods. The company provides world-class transportation solutions to the most successful companies in the world, with a high-energy team in 731 locations around the globe focused on being the best in the industry.
Signorello first got his start in 1998 as a Counsel at Goodwin Procter LLP before eventually rising to VP and Associate General Counsel at Henkel. Signorello graduated from Georgetown University Law Center with a JD, and from The Johns Hopkins University with an undergraduate degree in Political Science.
4. Gregory Singer
Vice President and Senior Counsel
Charter Communications
Gregory Singer is the Vice President and Senior Counsel of Charter Communications, a telecommunications and mass media company with services branded as Spectrum. With over 26 million customers in 41 states, it is the second-largest cable operator in the United States by subscribers, and the fifth-largest telephone provider based on number of residential lines. The company also offers internet access, video and music entertainment services, and wireless backhaul. Singer has over 26 years of experience. He began his career in 1995.
Before joining Charter Communications, Singer was a Senior Counsel at Cablevision Systems Corporation, and before that, an Associate General Counsel at Intelsat Corporation. Earlier in his career he worked with Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP as a Real Estate Associate. Singer graduated from Southwestern Law School with a JD, and from the University of California, Santa Barbara with an undergraduate degree in Political Science.
View the complete list of awardees.
5. Richard Rubin
Senior Counsel
Hartford Financial Services
Richard Rubin began his professional career 37 years ago. Today, he is a Senior Counsel of Hartford Financial Services, a Fortune 500 investment and insurance company, and the 13th-largest property and casualty insurance company in the United States. For more than 200 years, The Hartford has provided people and businesses with the support and protection they need to pursue their unique ambitions, seize opportunity, and prevail through unexpected challenges. The company aims to build resilience in its communities, empower personal and business success for its customers and create a culture where its employees can thrive. The company’s community engagement is focused on advancing social equity, addressing the critical needs of its neighbors, enabling human achievement, and supporting the causes that its employees care about most.
Rubin first got his start in 1985 as a Counsel at Travelers Insurance. Rubin graduated from Boston University School of Law with a JD, from New York University School of Law with an LLM in Tax, and from The Wharton School with an undergraduate degree in Economics, Accounting & Finance.
6. Katharine Timbers
Corporate Counsel
Gartner
Katharine Timbers is a Corporate Counsel of Gartner. She first joined the company in 2004. Gartner, Inc. delivers actionable, objective insight to executives and its teams. Their expert guidance and tools enable faster, smarter decisions and stronger performance on an organization's mission and critical priorities. Their unmatched combination of expert-led, practitioner-sourced, and data-driven research steers clients toward the right decisions on issues that matter most. Gartner is a trusted advisor and an objective resource for more than 14,000 enterprises in more than 100 countries—across all major functions, in every industry and enterprise size.
Previously, Timbers was an Associate at Shipman & Goodwin LLP, and before that, an Associate at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. Earlier in her career she worked with Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP as an Associate. Timbers earned a JD from Yale Law School, a Master of Philosophy in International Relations from the University of Cambridge, and an undergraduate degree in History from Dartmouth College.
8. Allen Roberts
Associate General Counsel & Director of Legal Affairs
United Rentals
Allen Roberts began his professional career over 28 years ago. Today, he is a Associate General Counsel & Director of Legal Affairs of United Rentals, Inc., the world's largest equipment rental company, with about 13 percent of the North American market share as of 2019. The company owns the largest rental fleet in the world with about 660,000 rental units. With 880+ stores in the United States and Canada, United Rentals serves construction and industrial companies, utilities, municipalities, homeowners, and communities, with the goal of fulfilling customer needs and surpassing expectations.
Roberts first got his start in 1994 as a Project Manager at Aquarion Water Company. From there, he went on to Day Pitney LLP (formerly Day, Berry & Howard) as an Associate. Roberts graduated from Quinnipiac University School of Law with a JD, and from Fairfield University with an undergraduate degree in Business.
10. Jonathan Mothner
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Synchrony Financial
Jonathan Mothner began his professional career nearly 32 years ago. Today, he is the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of Synchrony Financial. Synchrony is a consumer financial services company offering consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary. Synchrony is changing what’s possible for people and businesses every single day.
Mothner first got his start in 1990 as an Associate at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP. From there, he went on to the U.S. Attorney's Offices - Eastern District of New York, before eventually rising to General Counsel in Retail Finance at GE Capital. Mothner graduated from New York University School of Law with a JD, and from Hobart and William Smith Colleges with an undergraduate degree in Economics.
12. Nels Ylitalo
Corporate Attorney
FactSet
Nels Ylitalo is a Corporate Attorney of FactSet, a financial data and software company providing integrated data and software. FactSet also provides client support & learning, implementation services, business advisory, data delivery, index services, portfolio data management, and transition services. The company creates flexible, open data and software solutions for over 170,000 of investment professionals around the world, providing instant access to financial data and analytics that investors use to make crucial decisions. Ylitalo has nearly 15 years of experience. She began her career in 2007.
Before joining FactSet, Ylitalo was an Associate at Finn Dixon & Herling LLP. Ylitalo graduated from Yale Law School with a JD, and from St. John's University with an undergraduate degree in German Language and Literature.
14. James Celentano
Vice President and Deputy General Counsel
Terex Corporation
James Celentano is the Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Terex Corporation. He first joined the company in 1996. Terex is a global manufacturer of materials processing machinery and aerial work platforms. They design, build and support products used in construction, maintenance, manufacturing, energy, recycling, minerals, and materials management applications. Some Terex products and solutions enable customers to reduce their environmental impact including electric and hybrid offerings that deliver quiet and emission-free performance, products that support renewable energy, and products that aid in the recovery of useful materials from various types of waste.
Previously, Celentano was an Attorney at Halloran & Sage LLP. Celentano earned an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Connecticut.
16. Daniel Crisp
Senior Counsel
Avangrid
Daniel Crisp began his professional career 9 years ago. Today, he is a Senior Counsel of Avangrid, a leading sustainable energy company transitioning America toward a clean and connected future and has a footprint in 24 states with $40 billion in assets. Their primary businesses are Avangrid Networks, which serves 3.3 million electric and natural gas customers in the Northeast, and Avangrid Renewables, the third-largest renewable energy company in the U.S. with a diverse onshore and offshore renewable energy portfolio. With more than 7,000 employees, Avangrid has built a culture that blends diversity, equity and inclusion guided by the company’s ESG+F framework and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Crisp first got his start in 2013 as an Associate at Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC. Crisp graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Law with a JD, and from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with an undergraduate degree.
View the complete list of awardees.
19. Jennifer Hamilton
Deputy General Counsel and Vice President of Legal Affairs
Hartford HealthCare
Jennifer Hamilton is a Deputy General Counsel and Vice President of Legal Affairs of Hartford HealthCare. She first joined the company in 2017 as Associate General Counsel. Hartford HealthCare’s unified culture enhances access, affordability, equity, and expertise. With more than 400 locations serving 185 towns and cities, their care-delivery system includes two tertiary-level teaching hospitals, an acute-care hospital and trauma center, three community hospitals, a multispecialty physician group, an array of senior care services, a comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation network, and many more. The unique, system-wide Institute Model offers a unified high standard of care in crucial specialties at hospital and ambulatory sites across Connecticut offering unparalleled expertise at the most affordable cost.
Previously, Hamilton was an AVP of Employment Practices and Governmental Claims at Allied World Assurance Company, and before that, an Employment Attorney at Robinson & Cole LLP. Earlier in her career she worked with Jackson Lewis LLP, also as an Employment Attorney. Hamilton earned a JD from the University of Connecticut School of Law, and an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Arizona.
21. Robert Bienstock
Senior Associate General Counsel
Yale University
Robert Bienstock began his professional career nearly 37 years ago. Today, he is a Senior Associate General Counsel of Yale University, a private Ivy League research university founded in 1701. Yale is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and among one of the most prestigious in the world. A research university that focuses on students and encourages learning as an essential way of life, Yale is a place for connection, creativity, and innovation among cultures and across disciplines. Yale University is comprised of three major academic components: Yale College (the undergraduate program), the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the professional schools. In addition, the university encompasses a wide array of centers and programs, libraries, museums, and administrative support offices.
Bienstock first got his start in 1985 as a Deputy University Counsel at University of New Mexico. Bienstock graduated from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law with a JD, and from Stony Brook University with an undergraduate degree in Physics.
24. Kristen Marcroft
Attorney and Managing Co-Partner
Freed Marcroft
Kristen Marcroft is an Attorney and Managing Co-Partner of Freed Marcroft. She first joined the company in 2012. Freed Marcroft’s singular focus, without distractions, allows their attorneys to go “a mile deep” on all the highly evolving aspects of family law. These lawyers have the qualities expected from powerful litigators, including a deep bench, legal knowledge, and an aggressive approach. However, Freed’s legal team also has the compassion and conflict resolution skills necessary to provide non-adversarial resolutions for clients. It has extensive experience in all three family law options – litigation, mediation, and collaborative divorce – because what is most important to the firm is designing a divorce individualized to their clients.
Marcroft earned a JD from Quinnipiac University School of Law, and an undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut.
27. Umut Ergun
General Counsel
Bridgewater Associates
Umut Ergun is a General Counsel of Bridgewater Associates, a premier asset management firm, focused on delivering unique insight and partnership for the most sophisticated global institutional investors. Their investment process is driven by a tireless pursuit to understand how the world’s markets and economies work — using cutting edge technology to validate and execute on timeless and universal investment principles. Founded in 1975, Bridgewater is a community of independent thinkers who share a commitment for excellence. By fostering a culture of openness, transparency, and inclusion, the company strives to unlock the most complex questions in investment strategy, management, and corporate culture. Ergun has nearly 19 years of experience and began her career in 2003.
Before joining Bridgewater Associates, Ergun was a Counsel at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, and before that, a Corporate Counsel at Access Industries. Earlier in her career she worked with Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz as an Associate. Ergun graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Ph.D. in Philosophy, from Yale Law School with a JD, and from Yale University with an undergraduate degree in Philosophy.
30. Allison Fergus
General Counsel
Genesee & Wyoming
Allison Fergus is a General Counsel of Genesee & Wyoming. The company is North America’s largest owner of short line and regional freight railroads, running a business with $2 billion in revenues with 121 railroads in North America, Canada, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, and formerly Australia. Since 1985, the company has made 38 acquisitions including the 2012 acquisition of Rail America, previously their main competitor, which instantly doubled their headcount. Today, Genesee & Wyoming employs 7,500 people who serve more than 2,800 customers across 17,500 miles of track. Fergus has nearly 21 years of experience. She began her career in 2001.
Before joining Genesee & Wyoming, Fergus was an Associate at Shearman & Sterling LLP. Fergus graduated from Fordham University School of Law with a JD, and from Georgetown University with an undergraduate degree in Business Administration.
33. Karen Allison
Attorney
Ryan Ryan Deluca
Karen Allison began her professional career 28 years ago. Today, she is an Attorney of Ryan Ryan Deluca, a litigation law firm with over a 50-year history in Connecticut. The firm has grown to become one of the largest firms in Stamford and Fairfield County. The firm attributes their growth to the unwavering dedication to their clients’ litigation needs. Deluca’s focus is on insurance and business-related litigation. They serve as trial and local counsels in Connecticut for a few businesses and insurance carriers. Ryan Ryan Deluca is rated AV by Martindale Hubbell and is listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.
Allison first got her start in 1994 as an Associate at Cooper & Clough, PC. From there, she went on to Yu Stromberg Cleveland, before eventually rising to Compliance Counsel at MeadWestvaco. Allison graduated from Georgetown University Law Center with a JD, and from the University of California, Santa Barbara with an undergraduate degree in Political Science.
36. Frederik Erikson
Deputy General Counsel
Liberty Bank
Frederik Erikson is a Deputy General Counsel of Liberty Bank, the oldest mutual savings bank in the United States, as well as the third largest bank in Connecticut. Liberty Bank is headquartered in Middletown and has 62 banking offices throughout the state, and one in western Massachusetts. Liberty Bank offers consumer and commercial banking, home mortgages, insurance, and investment services. The company is owned and managed by people who know what consumers and business owners want and need from a bank. Every Liberty banker is accountable to his or her customers and empowered to be responsive and flexible. This entrepreneurial, bottom-up culture helps us attract and retain quality employees who excel at providing the exceptional personal service clients expect. Erikson has 22 years in the banking industry. He began his career in 2000.
Before joining Liberty Bank, Erikson was a Deputy General Counsel at Webster Bank. Earlier in his career he worked with Brown, Raysman, Millstein, Felder & Steiner as an Attorney. Erikson graduated from Albany Law School with a JD, and from the University at Albany - State University of New York with an undergraduate degree in English and Philosophy.
View the complete list of awardees.
38. James Antoszewski
Deputy General Counsel
Point72
James Antoszewski is a Deputy General Counsel of Point72. He first joined the company in 2014 as a Director and Legal Counsel. Point72 Asset Management is a global firm led by Steven Cohen that invests in multiple asset classes and strategies worldwide. Resting on more than a quarter-century of investing experience, Point72 seeks to be the industry’s premier asset manager through delivering superior risk-adjusted returns, adhering to the highest ethical standards, and offering the greatest opportunities to the industry’s brightest talent. The company is inventing the future of finance by revolutionizing how it develops its people and how it uses data to shape our thinking.
Antoszewski earned a JD from Brooklyn Law School, and an undergraduate degree in history from the University of Chicago.
41. James Bronsdon
Attorney
Talcott Resolution
James Bronsdon is an Attorney of Talcott Resolution. He first joined the company in 2018. Talcott Resolution is a life insurance and annuity company focused on customer and client needs. The company leverages their extensive product knowledge, robust risk and capital analytics, and experienced and execution-focused team, while operating in a flexible, cloud-based infrastructure. Their vision guides focus on the work that will make the company and their future business partners successful. Each day, Talcott’s work is done with integrity, passion, respect, and always with a focus on results and personal accountability.
Previously, Bronsdon was an Attorney in wealth management at The Hartford, and before that, an AVP in Product Development at Phoenix Life Insurance Company. Earlier in his career he worked with Byrne Slater Sandler Shulman & Rouse as an Associate Attorney. Bronsdon earned a JD from Suffolk University Law School.
44. David Bernard
Attorney
Koskoff Koskoff and Bieder
David Bernard is an Attorney of Koskoff Koskoff and Bieder. He first joined the company in 2010. Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder, PC, is a nationally recognized Connecticut law firm that has been serving the public for more than 75 years and is proud to stand among the top lawyers in Connecticut and New England. They represent people who have been catastrophically injured by negligence or harmed by medical malpractice, stand up for those whose civil rights have been violated, and advocate on behalf of businesses involved in commercial disputes. The firm’s philosophy is to provide quality legal representation, caring and responsive client service, and exceptional results to a limited number of clients.
Previously, Bernard was an Attorney at Day Pitney LLP. Earlier in his career he worked with Giuliano & Richardson P.C. as an Attorney. Bernard earned a JD from the University of Connecticut School of Law, and an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan.
46. Tim Bishop
General Counsel
ICR
Tim Bishop is a General Counsel of ICR. ICR partners with companies to develop and execute strategic communications programs that achieve business goals, build credibility, and enhance the long-term value of the enterprise. The firm’s highly differentiated service model, which pairs capital markets veterans with senior communications professionals, brings deep sector knowledge and relationships to clients in more than 20 industries. Today, they are one of the largest and most experienced independent advisory firms in North America, maintaining offices in Boston, Connecticut, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Beijing and Hong Kong. Bishop has over 6 years of experience. He began his career in 2015.
Bishop graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Law with a JD, and from the University of Connecticut with an undergraduate degree in English, History, Liberal Arts, Sciences, General studies and Humanities.
48. Brian Estep
Attorney at Law
Conway Londregan Sheehan & Monaco P.C.
Brian Estep began his professional career over 25 years ago. Today, he is an Attorney at Law of Conway Londregan Sheehan & Monaco P.C, a law practice opened by attorneys Kevin W. Conway and Francis T. Londregan six decades ago. Growing over the years, the firm has become a part of the community with a broad and extensive clientele base. Their attorneys dedicate themselves to providing exceptional legal services within a reasonable fee structure. They are among some of the most well-regarded in the Connecticut legal community and have successfully argued important legal issues before the Connecticut Supreme Court and Appellate Court as well. The firm has obtained significant awards for victims of motor vehicle accidents, product defects and medical negligence at trial.
Estep graduated from Penn State Dickinson Law with a JD, and from Allegheny College with an undergraduate degree in History.
49. Lisa Mainolfi
Attorney
Owens Schine & Nicola P.C.
Lisa Mainolfi is an Attorney of Owens Schine & Nicola P.C. With almost 100-year history in the practice of law in Connecticut, the firm has earned a strong reputation for reliability and effectiveness. The firm is proud to have developed long-lasting relationships, the result of having provided effective representation for people and organizations over several generations. They address multiple legal matters that sometimes overlap or intersect. Their varied practice areas and personalized approach to each client and legal matter has been the secret of their success for many decades. Mainolfi has over 18 years of experience. She began her career in 2003.
Before joining Owens Schine & Nicola P.C., Mainolfi was an Owner and Attorney at The Law Office of Lisa J. Mainolfi. Earlier in her career she worked with The Upton Law Firm, LLC as an Attorney. Mainolfi graduated from Quinnipiac University School of Law with a JD, and from Albertus Magnus College with an undergraduate degree.
View the complete list of awardees.
