James D. Funnell, Jr., Trusts Attorney in Southport, Connecticut
Over 38 years of legal practice · 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
PrincipalatBrody Wilkinson PC
Southport, CT
Practicing trusts in Southport since 1988.
- 38+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you James D. Funnell, Jr.?
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Quick answer
James D. Funnell, Jr. is a principal based in Southport, CT. The practice focuses on Trusts. James has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Brody Wilkinson PC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Southport, CT
- Experience
- over 38 years
- Known for
- Trusts
- Handles Trusts matters from Southport, CT.
- Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James D. Funnell, Jr.: James D. Funnell, Jr. is a principal based in Southport, CT. The practice focuses on Trusts. James has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Brody Wilkinson PC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Southport
James concentrates on trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Trusts cases in Southport, Connecticut
James takes trusts matters in Southport, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
James D. Funnell, Jr., trusts attorney serving Southport
James D. Funnell, Jr. is a principal based in Southport, CT. The practice focuses on Trusts. James has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Brody Wilkinson PC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews. James works from Southport, Connecticut and takes on trusts matters across the region.
JAMES D. FUNNELL, JR. is a principal of Brody Wilkinson and a member of the firm’s Trusts & Estates Group. His practice is limited to trusts and estates planning, special needs planning for family members with disabilities, and trusts and estates administration. Mr. Funnell is a Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated attorney.
Mr. Funnell is admitted to practice in Connecticut and has practiced in Fairfield County for over thirty years. He is also admitted to practice in Texas. Prior to joining the firm, he was a partner at the former law firm of Hermenze & Marcantonio LLC in Westport, Connecticut. Mr. Funnell is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Estates and Probate Section, and for over twenty years served as the editor in chief of the Estates and Probate Section Notes & Commentary, a continuing legal education publication for Connecticut attorneys.
Mr. Funnell has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the field of trusts and estates since 2018. He has also been recognized as a “Connecticut Super Lawyer” in the areas of estate planning and probate tax since 2006.
Mr. Funnell has written widely on special needs trust planning, including the “Special Needs Trusts” chapter in Irrevocable Trusts 4th published by Thompson Reuters. He has also spoken on special needs planning to audiences that include Connecticut Probate Court judges and clerks, Connecticut Bar Association, Fairfield County Bar Association, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, PLAN of CT, Giant Steps, Knights of Columbus, and the Fairfield School District.
Mr. Funnell received his B.S. from Oklahoma State University in 1983; J.D. from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1986; and LL.M. in Business and Taxation from McGeorge School of Law, Sacramento, California, in 1987.
Mr. Funnell serves on the Board of Directors of PLAN of Connecticut, a charitable organization that acts as trustee of special needs trusts for individuals with disabilities.
Mr. Funnell is originally from Oklahoma. Mr. Funnell and his wife Sally reside in Redding, Connecticut. They have two grown children.
Accreditations
Martindale-Hubbell AV-Rated
Connecticut Super Lawyers
Best Lawyers
Bar Associations
Connecticut Bar Association
State Bar of Texas
How James handles trusts matters
JAMES D. FUNNELL, JR. is a principal of Brody Wilkinson and a member of the firm’s Trusts & Estates Group. His practice is limited to trusts and estates planning, special needs planning for family members with disabilities, and trusts and estates administration. Mr. Funnell is a Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated attorney. Mr. Funnell is admitted to practice in Connecticut and has practiced in Fairfield…
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for trusts matters in Southport and the surrounding Connecticut area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
LL.M. Business · 1987
Oklahoma State University
B.S. · 1983
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Texas
2006 · ACTIVE
Connecticut
1988 · ACTIVE
James studied at LL.M. Business in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and B.S. in Oklahoma State University.
Law school and academic background
James completed LL.M. Business in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and B.S. in Oklahoma State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Connecticut is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
James's legal honors and published work
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (Member, Editorial Board, 1999—2009)
bar_fellowship
Locations
James D. Funnell, Jr.'s office in Southport
James's primary office is at 2507 Post Road, Southport, CT, 06890. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James D. Funnell, Jr. — 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing trusts attorneys in Southport.
5.0
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James D. Funnell, Jr. claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James D. Funnell, Jr. — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new trusts attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a trusts attorney in Southport, Connecticut
A short list to run through before you commit: How many trusts matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in trusts practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every trusts matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many trusts practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James D. Funnell, Jr.
How much does it cost to hire James for a trusts case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some trusts attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do trusts cases in Connecticut typically take?
Simple trusts matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Southport?
James is licensed in Connecticut. Matters governed by Connecticut law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new trusts clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Trusts attorneys serving Southport, Hartford and Stamford in Connecticut
James handles trusts matters throughout Connecticut. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified trusts attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these trusts attorneys in Southport handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
