Overview
A persuasive and successful litigator, Phil has handled a variety of litigation matters including complex commercial disputes, breach of fiduciary duty claims, partnership and shareholder disputes, adverse possession claims, prescriptive easement claims, quiet title actions, landlord/tenant cases, and collection actions. He frequently appears in the Connecticut Probate Court system representing beneficiaries, fiduciaries, and creditors in a variety of probate litigation matters, including contested conservatorships, trust and estate administration, will contests, contested accounting proceedings, and fiduciary removal proceedings.
In addition to litigation, Phil practices in the municipal and land use & zoning arena, regularly appearing before planning and zoning commissions, inland wetlands commissions, zoning boards of appeals, the Connecticut Siting Council, and other administrative agencies, advocating for applicants, developers, property owners, and neighborhood groups. He also regularly counsels municipalities and property owners in commercial and residential property tax appeals. As a former member of his hometown's governing board, Phil’s firsthand knowledge of the inner workings of town administration offers valuable insight to his clients. Phil presently serves as Town Attorney for the Town of Fairfield.
Phil prides himself on providing responsive, efficient service and practical advice.
Credentials
Education
University of Connecticut School of Law, J.D., Honors, 2008
• Connecticut Public Interest Law Journal, Executive Editor
• Connecticut Moot Court Board, Member
Haverford College, B.A., 2005
Admissions
- Connecticut
- U.S. District Court District of Connecticut
- U.S. District Court Southern District of New York
- U.S. Tax Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
Honors & Awards
Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation, 2021-2024
Connecticut Super Lawyers®"Rising Star", Business Litigation and State, Local & Municipal, 2012-2023
Benchmark Litigation, Future Star, 2023
Benchmark Litigation, "40 & Under Hot List," 2018-2022
Moffly Media's "Top Lawyers in Fairfield County", Commercial Litigation, 2023
Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals, "Millennial & Gen Z Award" Honoree, 2022
Martindale-Hubbell, AV Peer Review Rated, 2015-present
Moffly Media's "Top Lawyers in Fairfield County", Commercial Litigation, 2021
Fairfield County Business Journal, "40 Under Forty" Honoree, 2018
The 200 Outstanding Lawyers of Fairfield County, Fairfield Living Magazine, 2018
Fairfield Democratic Town Committee's Denise Dougiello "Young Turk" Award, 2017
Connecticut Law Tribune, "New Leader in the Law" Award, 2015
Connecticut Bar Association Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2014-2015
Newsroom
News
Speaking Engagements
Publications
Professional Affiliations
American Bar Association
• Litigation Section
• State and Local Government Section
Connecticut Bar Association
• Litigation Section
• Federal Practice Section
• Estates and Probate Section
• Planning and Zoning Section
• Former Executive Board Member of the Young Lawyers Section as Co-Chair of
its Municipal Practice Group, 2012-2014
Connecticut Association of Municipal Attorneys
Greater Bridgeport Bar Association
• Litigation Section
Support Staff
Lisa Poland
Litigation & Appellate Paralegal
203.337.4242
Patricia Iacozza
Legal Assistant
203.337.4150
Sheika A. Johnson
Legal Assistant
203.337.4225
Community Involvement
Fairfield’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM)
• Representative of District 4 (formerly District 7), 2013-2019
• Democratic Caucus Minority Leader, 2015-2017
• RTM Moderator, 2017-2019
• RTM’s Legislation & Administration Committee, member, 2015-2019
• RTM’s Education & Recreation Committee, member, 2013-2015
Fairfield Democratic Town Committee, 2011-2020, 2022-2023
Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District, Board of Commissioners
• Commissioner, 2016-present
• Treasurer, 2016-2017
• Vice Chairman, 2017-2018
• Chairman, 2018-present
Bridgeport Community Board of Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut, 2011-present
• Volunteer Teacher, 2013-present
The Pequot Running Club, Member and Volunteer, 2012-present
Weston Adult Soccer League, 2011-present