James "Jim" Berman, Bankruptcy Attorney in Bridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport, CT
Trusted bankruptcy attorney serving Bridgeport.
Practices in
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Quick answer
James "Jim" Berman is an attorney based in Bridgeport, CONNECTICUT. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy.
- Based in
- Bridgeport, CONNECTICUT
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Bankruptcy
- Handles Bankruptcy matters from Bridgeport, CONNECTICUT.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Stamford) (2023).
About James "Jim" Berman: James "Jim" Berman is an attorney based in Bridgeport, CONNECTICUT. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Bridgeport
James concentrates on bankruptcy. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy cases in Bridgeport, Connecticut
James takes bankruptcy matters in Bridgeport, 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 "Jim" Berman, bankruptcy attorney serving Bridgeport
James "Jim" Berman is an attorney based in Bridgeport, CONNECTICUT. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy. James works from Bridgeport, Connecticut and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.
James Berman is a partner with Zeisler & Zeisler. During his over 30 years of experience, he has represented a wide array of parties in workouts and bankruptcy proceedings. These include public and private companies, creditors’ committees, buyers and sellers of assets, investors, and high net worth individuals.
Jim’s most recent Chapter 11 cases include: Derecktor Shipyards, LLC; The Fletcher-Terry Company; Pratt-Read Corp; Technipower Systems, Inc., the SageCrest hedge funds, and Halo Technologies. He also represented Waterworks Inc and the creditors’ committees in the bankruptcy cases of Johnson Memorial Hospital and the Marathon group of nursing homes.
He also serves as an independent fiduciary in the investigation and pursuit of recoveries for investors and other victims of fraud. He is currently the Chapter 7 Trustee for the bankruptcy estates of the Michael Goldberg Ponzi scheme.
Jim was the law clerk to the Hon. Alan H.W. Shiff, United States Bankruptcy Judge for the District of Connecticut. He is past Chairman of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section. He served as Counsel to Committee for Revision of Connecticut Bankruptcy Rules and has been a frequent lecturer to groups such as the American Bankruptcy Institute.
James's approach to bankruptcy cases
James Berman is a partner with Zeisler & Zeisler. During his over 30 years of experience, he has represented a wide array of parties in workouts and bankruptcy proceedings. These include public and private companies, creditors’ committees, buyers and sellers of assets, investors, and high net worth individuals. Jim’s most recent Chapter 11 cases include: Derecktor Shipyards, LLC; The…
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy matters in Bridgeport and the surrounding Connecticut area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
University of Connecticut
J.D. · 1981
James studied at J.D. in University of Connecticut.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Connecticut. 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 13 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Stamford)
2023
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Stamford)
2021
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Stamford)
2020
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Stamford)
2019
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Stamford)
2018
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Stamford)
2017
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Stamford)
2016
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Stamford)
2015
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Stamford)
2013
Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Stamford) (2023). Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Stamford) (2021). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Stamford) (2020). Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Stamford) (2019). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Stamford) (2018). Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Stamford) (2017).
Locations
James "Jim" Berman's office in Bridgeport
James's primary office is at 10 Middle Street, 15th Floor, Bridgeport, Connecticut, 06604. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James "Jim" Berman
James has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire James "Jim" Berman — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorney in Bridgeport, Connecticut
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James "Jim" Berman
How much does it cost to hire James for a bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Connecticut typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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 Bridgeport?
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 bankruptcy 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
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Bridgeport, Hartford and Stamford in Connecticut
James handles bankruptcy matters throughout Connecticut. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Connecticut
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Bridgeport handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





