
Michael P. Carey, Zoning Attorney in New London, Connecticut
Over 46 years of legal practice · 4.5/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
DirectoratSuisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law
New London, CT
Practicing zoning in New London since 1980.
- 46+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael P. Carey?
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Quick answer
Michael P. Carey is a director based in New London, CT. The practice focuses on Zoning. Michael has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- New London, CT
- Experience
- over 46 years
- Known for
- Zoning
- Handles Zoning matters from New London, CT.
- Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Michael P. Carey: Michael P. Carey is a director based in New London, CT. The practice focuses on Zoning. Michael has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Zoning cases in New London, Connecticut
Michael takes zoning 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michael P. Carey — zoning lawyer in New London
Michael P. Carey is a director based in New London, CT. The practice focuses on Zoning. Michael has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Mr. Carey graduated, cum laude, from the University of Rochester in 1977, and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1980. He is admitted to the bar of the State of Connecticut (1980) and the U.S. District Court for the State of Connecticut (1981), as well as to the bars of the Mashantucket and Mohegan tribes. Mr. Carey currently serves on the Board of Directors of Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (seCTer).
Attorney Carey joined Suisman Shapiro in July of 2000, after spending almost twelve years at the law firm of Brown, Jacobson in Norwich, Connecticut (the last seven as a partner). Since joining Suisman Shapiro, Attorney Carey’s practice has focused on municipal law, especially land use law and litigation. Attorney Carey has extensive experience in the interpretation and application of the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act.
Attorney Carey represents many municipalities and currently handles municipal and land use matters for the Town. Mr. Carey was for three years the in-house, assistant corporation counsel of the Town of West Hartford, where he advised the Town's elected and appointed officers and officials, boards, commissions and agencies, and handled all of the Town's land use litigation.
Mr. Carey has successfully argued before the Connecticut Supreme and Appellate Courts. Notable appellate cases he has argued and/or briefed include:
Groton v. Mardie Lane Homes (Connecticut Supreme Court 2008) (Briefing and argument of a matter where the court held that C.G.S. 8-26c(c) did not require the Town to call a bond to build infrastructure in a failed subdivision.)
Groton Police Department v. Freedom of Information Commission (Connecticut Appellate Court 10/9/07) (Resolved the question whether the statute exempting records of child abuse from public disclosure is applicable to records compiled by a municipal police department.)
Vitale v. Montville ZBA (Connecticut Supreme Court 8/29/06) (Decision helped clarify questions about how to serve process in municipal zoning appeals.)
How Michael handles zoning matters
Mr. Carey graduated, cum laude, from the University of Rochester in 1977, and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1980. He is admitted to the bar of the State of Connecticut (1980) and the U.S. District Court for the State of Connecticut (1981), as well as to the bars of the Mashantucket and Mohegan tribes. Mr. Carey currently serves on the Board of…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for zoning matters in New London and the surrounding Connecticut area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Connecticut School of Law
J.D. · 1980
University of Rochester
B.A. · 1977
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE
Connecticut
1980 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in University of Connecticut School of Law and B.A. in University of Rochester.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in University of Connecticut School of Law and B.A. in University of Rochester. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Connecticut is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Professional Associations and Memberships American Bar Association, Member Connecticut Bar Association, Member New London County Bar Association, Member Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, Member
membership
Locations
Michael P. Carey's office in New London
Michael's primary office is at 75 State Street, New London, CT, 06320. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael P. Carey — 4.5/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing zoning attorneys in New London.
4.5
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael P. Carey claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael P. Carey — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new zoning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a zoning attorney in New London, Connecticut
A short list to run through before you commit: How many zoning 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 Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in zoning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every zoning 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many zoning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael P. Carey
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a zoning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some zoning attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do zoning cases in Connecticut typically take?
Simple zoning 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside New London?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new zoning clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Zoning attorneys serving New London, Hartford and Stamford in Connecticut
Michael handles zoning matters throughout Connecticut. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified zoning attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated zoning attorneys in Connecticut
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these zoning attorneys in New London handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





