How much does it cost to hire Robert for a general case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Robert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Robert offer a free consultation?

Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Robert'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. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Robert take my case if I'm outside New London?

Robert 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 — Robert 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 Robert?

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. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Robert accepting new general clients right now?

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

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Robert A. Avena, General Attorney in New London, Connecticut

Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on General, Probate, and Real Estate

DirectoratSuisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law

New London, CT

Practicing general in New London since 1980.

46+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Practices in

General Probate Real Estate Zoning

Are you Robert A. Avena?

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Quick answer

Robert A. Avena is a director based in New London, CT. The practice focuses on General, Probate, and Real Estate. Robert has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law.

Based in: New London, CT
Experience: over 46 years
Known for: General · Probate · Real Estate

Handles General, Probate, and Real Estate matters from New London, CT.
Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Robert A. Avena

Robert concentrates on general, probate, real estate, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

General cases in New London, Connecticut

Robert 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in New London, Connecticut

Robert takes probate 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in New London, Connecticut

Robert takes real estate 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Zoning cases in New London, Connecticut

Robert 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Robert A. Avena — Over 46 years of Connecticut general experience

Mr. Avena received his Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from the University of Connecticut in 1977, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut in 1980. He has practiced law in southeastern Connecticut for forty years and is pleased to bring his legal expertise to the firm as a Director in the areas of municipal, real estate, planning and zoning, and administrative law.

Mr. Avena is admitted to the bar of the State of Connecticut (1980), U.S. District Court (1981) and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court (1992). He is a member of the Connecticut and New London County Bar Associations, and was recently elected Treasurer of the Connecticut Association of Municipal Attorneys, and is a former member of the CBA Board of Governors and House of Delegates.

Mr. Avena’s practice focuses primarily on municipal and planning and zoning law. He has served as a Waterford town attorney for the past 19 years and has served as town attorney in numerous southeastern Connecticut towns throughout his legal practice. He has advised municipalities regarding aspects of municipal law and litigated substantial cases in the Superior and Appellate Court of Connecticut, principally representing Town tax assessors, planning and zoning commissions, wetlands commissions, and zoning boards of appeal. During his practice for individual clients, Mr. Avena was involved in the permitting process for the Pfizer Research Campus expansion and opening of the Mashantucket Pequot Casino.

A lifelong resident of southeastern Connecticut, he has served on local boards and commissions, and is presently on the Board of Pierce Care Nursing Facility (past president), Connecticut Baptist Homes, Groton Pequot Land Trust, and counsel to the Avalonia Land Conservancy and Colchester Land Trust. Outside of work, Mr. Avena enjoys hiking and swimming along the Connecticut shoreline with his four children and his wife Erica, all manner of sports, and leisure reading of historical non-fiction and biographies.

Working with Robert on a general matter

Clients Robert works with

Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, probate, and real estate matters in New London and the surrounding Connecticut area.

Credentials

Robert A. Avena's legal education and bar admissions

University of Connecticut
J.D. · 1980
University of Connecticut
B.A. History · 1977

Jurisdictions

Robert's state bar admissions

Connecticut
1980 · ACTIVE

Robert studied at J.D. in University of Connecticut and B.A. History in University of Connecticut.

Law school and academic background

Robert completed J.D. in University of Connecticut and B.A. History in University of Connecticut. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Robert runs in Connecticut is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Robert A. Avena's office in New London

Robert'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

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Robert A. Avena

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Hiring guide

How to hire Robert A. Avena — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Robert usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Robert charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert'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; Robert 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 Robert

Robert 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. Robert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Robert'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 Robert A. Avena

How much does it cost to hire Robert for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Robert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Robert offer a free consultation?
Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Robert'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. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Robert take my case if I'm outside New London?
Robert 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 — Robert 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 Robert?
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. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Robert accepting new general clients right now?
Robert'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

Robert 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 Robert'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.