JP

James P. "Jay" Berryman, Workers Comp Attorney in New London, Connecticut

Over 43 years of legal practice

Practicing workers comp in New London since 1983.

43+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

Practices in

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Quick answer

James P. "Jay" Berryman is an attorney based in New London, CONNECTICUT. The practice focuses on Workers Comp. James has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law.

Based in
New London, CONNECTICUT
Experience
over 43 years
Known for
Workers Comp
  • Handles Workers Comp matters from New London, CONNECTICUT.
  • Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants (2026).

About James P. "Jay" Berryman: James P. "Jay" Berryman is an attorney based in New London, CONNECTICUT. The practice focuses on Workers Comp. James has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law.

Areas of practice

Legal matters James takes on

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

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

Meet James P. "Jay" Berryman — workers comp lawyer in New London

James P. "Jay" Berryman is an attorney based in New London, CONNECTICUT. The practice focuses on Workers Comp. James has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law.

Attorney James (Jay) Berryman is a Director at Suisman Shapiro 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. He 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 resides 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. Jay is a Board Member for the Lyme Art Association and Friends of Lymes Senior Center. 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.

Working with James on a workers comp matter

Attorney James (Jay) Berryman is a Director at Suisman Shapiro 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…

Clients James works with

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for workers comp matters in New London and the surrounding Connecticut area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Catholic University of America

    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 and B.A. in University of Notre Dame.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Catholic University of America 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

Recognition and thought leadership

James has received 8 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Disability

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Social Security

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Named by “Benchmark Plaintiff” magazine as a Local Litigation Star

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Disability (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Social Security (2026).

Locations

James P. "Jay" Berryman's office in New London

James's primary office is at 75 State Street, New London, Connecticut, 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, Connecticut 06320

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James P. "Jay" Berryman

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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Hiring guide

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

Working with a new workers comp 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 workers comp attorney in New London, Connecticut

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every workers comp 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 workers comp practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James P. "Jay" Berryman

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

  • How long do workers comp cases in Connecticut typically take?

    Simple workers comp 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 workers comp 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

Workers Comp attorneys serving New London, Hartford and Stamford in Connecticut

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

More counsel

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