How much does it cost to hire James for a general 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 general attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.

How long do general cases in Connecticut typically take?

Simple general 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 New London?

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 general clients right now?

James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

James P. Berryman, General Attorney in New London, Connecticut

Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on General, Litigation, and SSD · 4.4/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Director/ShareholderatSuisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law

New London, CT

Practicing general in New London since 1983.

43+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 2 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

General Litigation SSD Workers Comp

Are you James P. Berryman?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

James P. Berryman is a director/shareholder based in New London, CT. The practice focuses on General, Litigation, and SSD. James has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in: New London, CT
Experience: over 43 years
Known for: General · Litigation · SSD

Handles General, Litigation, and SSD matters from New London, CT.
Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

James's practice areas in New London

James concentrates on general, litigation, ssd, and workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

General cases in New London, Connecticut

James takes general matters in New London, 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.

Litigation cases in New London, Connecticut

James takes litigation matters in New London, 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.

SSD cases in New London, Connecticut

James takes ssd matters in New London, 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.

Workers Comp cases in New London, Connecticut

James takes workers comp matters in New London, 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 P. Berryman, general attorney serving New London

Attorney James (Jay) Berryman is a Director who concentrates in Workers’ Compensation Law and Social Security Disability claims. He is a member of the Connecticut Bar and the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, and handles claims under both the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Act and the Federal Longshore Act. Mr. Berryman is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Columbus School of Law.

Attorney Berryman was named by “Benchmark Plaintiff” magazine as a Local Litigation Star, and his department at Suisman Shapiro was also selected by the 2013-14 Editions of U.S. News - Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” among all law firms in Connecticut for Workers’ Compensation — Claimants. The U.S. News — Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous national evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process.

Jay Berryman is a sustaining member of NOSSCR (National Association of Social Security Claimant’s Representatives), and has given numerous seminars throughout the years on issues in the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation forum. He has also appeared on the News Talk 104.7 FM WXLM’s Lee Elci Show as an expert on Workers’ Compensation issues.

As one example of his work, in the notable case of Brent Cugini v. Electric Boat, Attorney Berryman won a major claim for his client who was awarded total disability benefits continuing into the future as a result of harassment by co-workers.

Jay Berryman and his family reside in Old Lyme, Connecticut. In addition to serving as a spokesperson and volunteering for the Notre Dame Club of Southeastern Connecticut, he is actively involved in many community programs throughout the region. In 2011, the Lyme-Old Lyme Little League honored Jay Berryman with the prestigious Steve Shaw Award for his “Distinguished Service.” Every December, Jay and his staff “Adopt-A-Family” for The Neighborhood Alliance of New London. He has also represented the firm as a sponsor of the Healthy Habits Showcase held at Mohegan Sun to benefit the Gemma Moran United Way Food Center, among several other not-for-profit events and activities.

Areas of Practice

Workers' Compensation

Social Security Disability

Asbestos Litigation / Mesothelioma

Professional Associations and Memberships

New London County Bar Association, Member

Connecticut Bar Association, Member

American Bar Association, Member

Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, Member

Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Member

National Association of Social Security Claimants Representatives, Member

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member

Connecticut Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member

Working with James on a general matter

Who James represents

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, litigation, and ssd matters in New London and the surrounding Connecticut area.

Credentials

Credentials — where James studied and practices

Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law
J.D. · 1982
University of Notre Dame
B.A. · 1979

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

Connecticut
1983 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and B.A. in University of Notre Dame.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and B.A. in University of Notre Dame. 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.

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

James P. Berryman's office in New London

James's primary office is at 75 State Street, New London, CT, 06320. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law

75 State Street

New London, CT 06320

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James P. Berryman — 4.4/5 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 general attorneys in New London.

4.4

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James P. Berryman claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James P. Berryman — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general 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 general attorney in New London, Connecticut

A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 general practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every general 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 general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James P. Berryman

How much does it cost to hire James for a general 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 general attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Connecticut typically take?
Simple general 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 New London?
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 general 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

General attorneys serving New London, Hartford and Stamford in Connecticut

James handles general matters throughout Connecticut. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in New London handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.