James P. "Jay" Berryman, Workers Comp Attorney in New London, Connecticut
Over 43 years of legal practice
Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law
New London, CT
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.
Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law
75 State Street
New London, Connecticut 06320
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Schedule your consultationHiring 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
Other top-rated workers comp attorneys in Connecticut
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.





