Attorneys Ellen R. Sutliffe Hain and Michelle M. Zulawski Named Principals

Cohen and Wolf, P.C. is pleased to announce that Attorneys Ellen R. Sutliffe Hain and Michelle M. Zulawski have become Principals of the firm, effective January 1, 2026. Ellen is a member of Cohen and Wolf’s Elder Law, Tax, and Trusts & Estates Groups and Michelle is a member of the firm’s Family Law Group.

Ellen R. Sutliffe Hain focuses her practice on elder law and trusts and estates. She assists her clients in meeting their estate planning goals and protecting their assets for their loved ones. Ellen has significant experience in navigating the complicated long-term care system and preparing for and filing Medicaid long-term care applications. She regularly works with clients who are able to plan for asset preservation, as well as those who must act immediately to access public benefits systems.

Ellen is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), the Fairfield County Bar Association, and the Connecticut Bar Association. Ellen is a graduate of Class II of the New England Fellows Institute of the American College of Trusts and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). She currently serves on the Board of Directors of MoCA CT (Museum of Contemporary Art).

ALM and Law.com recognized Ellen as a 2024 “New Leader in the Law” for her outstanding legal work, service to the bar, and service to her community. She has been named to Best Lawyers in America^®, “Ones to Watch,” for Elder Law (2022-2026) and Trusts and Estates (2026) and recognized as a “Rising Star” by Connecticut Super Lawyers for Estate and Probate (2023-2025). Ellen earned her B.A. from Hofstra University, Honors College, magna cum laude and her J.D. from Quinnipiac School of Law, magna cum laude.

Ellen is based in the Bridgeport office but meets with her clients in the firm’s Danbury and Westport offices as well.

Michelle M. Zulawski’s practice has been dedicated to family law for over a decade. She has litigated divorce and custody matters in various judicial districts throughout Connecticut. Michelle is certified as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and Attorney for the Minor Child (AMC) for the State of Connecticut. Since 2025, she has served on the Fairfield County Bar Association Family Law Committee. Michelle is also a member of the American Bar Association, Connecticut Bar Association, Greater Bridgeport Bar Association, and Milford Bar Association.  

In her matrimonial practice, Michelle provides legal counsel tailored to her clients’ unique set of circumstances and ensures that clients receive the emotional support needed during litigation. She prides herself on her reputation in and out of the courtroom and is committed to achieving fair results for the families involved. Michelle is available for her clients, works cooperatively and honestly with them, and maintains professional and long-lasting relationships with all she serves. She attempts to work through issues with all parties and opposing counsel to obviate the need for litigation.

In recognition of her achievements, Michelle has been named to Best Lawyers in America^® for Family Law (2026) and recognized as a “Rising Star” by Connecticut Super Lawyers for Family Law (2018-2025). Michelle earned her J.D. from Quinnipiac School of Law and her B.S., summa cum laude, from Quinnipiac University.

Michelle is resident in the firm’s Bridgeport office.

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