James M. Harrington is an associate at the law firm of Polito & Associates, LLC in Waterford, Connecticut. A native of Clinton, Connecticut, James attended The Morgan High School. James graduated from Boston College with a degree in political science and cum laude from Western New England College School of Law.
From 2013-2016, James’ work in personal injury law garnered him recognition as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine, an honor given to only 2.5% of the lawyers in the state. In 2014 and 2015, James was listed by the National Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Connecticut list. In 2015, James was also recognized by the Connecticut Law Tribune as one of the “New Leaders in Law.” The award is given to attorneys under 40 who demonstrate traits and achievements which rise above their peers.
During his career James has tried personal injury cases in the Connecticut Superior Court, as well as handled appeals before the United States Supreme Court, Connecticut Supreme Court, and Connecticut Appellate Court. James has been a guest lecturer on the topic of trial methods at the University of Connecticut Law School since 2012 and has been a panelist for several legal education programs on trial advocacy before the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association. In addition to handling claims for personal injury in the State of Connecticut, James also practices tribal law, representing clients whose injuries occurred at either of Connecticut’s two casinos, Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods. James is licensed to practice in, and has successfully tried cases before both the Mohegan Gaming Disputes Court and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court at Foxwoods. James argued before the Connecticut Supreme Court on the issue of tribal sovereign immunity in Lewis v. Clarke. The case was ultimately appealed to the United States Supreme Court. More on the Lewis v. Clarke case.
James is on the board of directors for Bike Walk CT, a non-profit organization which seeks to reduce bike accidents and increase pedestrian safety through awareness and legislation. In his spare time he is an avid endurance athlete and triathlete, having competed in numerous iron distance triathlons. James also previously served in the Army National Guard.
From 2013-2016, James’ work in personal injury law garnered him recognition as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine, an honor given to only 2.5% of the lawyers in the state. In 2014 and 2015, James was listed by the National Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Connecticut list. In 2015, James was also recognized by the Connecticut Law Tribune as one of the “New Leaders in Law.” The award is given to attorneys under 40 who demonstrate traits and achievements which rise above their peers.
During his career James has tried personal injury cases in the Connecticut Superior Court, as well as handled appeals before the United States Supreme Court, Connecticut Supreme Court, and Connecticut Appellate Court. James has been a guest lecturer on the topic of trial methods at the University of Connecticut Law School since 2012 and has been a panelist for several legal education programs on trial advocacy before the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association. In addition to handling claims for personal injury in the State of Connecticut, James also practices tribal law, representing clients whose injuries occurred at either of Connecticut’s two casinos, Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods. James is licensed to practice in, and has successfully tried cases before both the Mohegan Gaming Disputes Court and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court at Foxwoods. James argued before the Connecticut Supreme Court on the issue of tribal sovereign immunity in Lewis v. Clarke. The case was ultimately appealed to the United States Supreme Court. More on the Lewis v. Clarke case.
James is on the board of directors for Bike Walk CT, a non-profit organization which seeks to reduce bike accidents and increase pedestrian safety through awareness and legislation. In his spare time he is an avid endurance athlete and triathlete, having competed in numerous iron distance triathlons. James also previously served in the Army National Guard.
BAR ADMISSIONS:
- United States Supreme Court
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Mohegan Tribe Gaming Disputes Court
- Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court
- US District Court of Connecticut
EDUCATION:
Western New England College School of Law
- Honors: Cum Laude
- Honors: Book Awards in Civil Procedure, Federal Indian Law, Property, Trusts and Estates and
- Employment Discrimination
- Honors: Katherine M. Connell Scholarship for outstanding academics, WNEC Merit Scholarship recipient
- Honors: Law Review, Production Editor
- Honors: Alpha Lamda Delta, National Freshman Honors Society
WORK EXPERIENCE:
- Polito and Associates, LLC (Trial Attorney) 2011 - Present
ASSOCIATIONS:
- Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association (N/A)
- Connecticut Bar Association (N/A)
- Connecticut Bar Association (Young Lawyers Division)
- New London County Bar Association (N/A)
AWARDS:
- Connecticut Rising Star (Super Lawyers Magazine) 2015
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers- CT (National Trial Lawyers Association) 2015
- New Leader in Law (Connecticut Law Tribune) 2015
- Member of Litigation Department of the Year (Connecticut Law Tribune) 2014
- Law Review (Western New England College) N/A
Areas of Practice:
Personal Injury
Litigation Percentage:
100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Personal Injury Cases (CT):
- Car accident injuries
- Slip and fall injuries
- Injuries caused by dogs and other animals, dog bites
- Truck and tractor trailer accident injuries
- Motorcycle accident injuries
- Traumatic brain injury, mild TBI
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bicycle accident injuries
Medical Malpractice Cases (CT):
- Surgical errors
- Birth injuries
- Failure to diagnose
- Infections, MRSA
- Medication errors
Nursing Homes Injuries & Neglect Cases (CT):
- Bed sores
- Falls
- Infection
- Medication errors
- Elder abuse
- Misconduct with elders
Sexual Misconduct Cases (CT):
- Priests and Ministers
- School Teachers
- School Coaches
- Extended Statute of Limitations
Product Liability Cases (CT):
- Defective design
- Defects in manufacturing
- Failure to provide adequate guards
- Failure to warn of dangers and defects
Business Litigation Cases (CT):
- CUTPA (Connecticut Unfair Trade Practice)
- Breach of Contract
- Tortious Interference with business and contracts
- Connecticut Trade Secrets
CONTACT:
Polito & Associates LLC
567 Vauxhall Street Ext. Suite 230
Waterford, CT 06385
Phone: (860) 447-3300
