John L. Boccalatte
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Attorney Boccalatte is an equity partner. He draws on his experiences in law and business to assist his many institutional and individual clients in all areas from complex business transactions to simple real estate purchases. John’s commitment to achieving timely and favorable results for his clients is well known and apparent in all aspects of his practice.
While he spends much of his professional time focused on commercial and residential real estate issues and transactions, commercial leasing agreements, formation of business organizations, business transfers and acquisitions, and landlord/tenant matters, John has also served as counsel to the Middletown Housing Authority since 1986.
John’s commitment to his clients, community and family is evident in all aspects of his very active lifestyle that successfully marries his profession, passion for travel and varied interests with intellectual curiosity and a desire to constantly enhance his skills as a lawyer.
John is on the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Middlesex County and the Chair of its Grants Committee and a member of the Governance Committee, a past Board member of the Middlesex Community College Foundation, and a past Chair of the Long Hill Estate Authority, which oversees Middletown’s Wadsworth Mansion. John also regularly serves as a Court-appointed trial referee and arbitrator in the Middlesex Judicial District. John is also a trained mediator.
A life-long resident of Connecticut, Attorney Boccalatte completed his undergraduate degree at Elmira College and received his juris doctorate degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1979. He was admitted to the Connecticut Bar that same year. Attorney Boccalatte is an active member of the Middlesex County and Connecticut Bar Associations.
Susan Perrin Geenty
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Attorney Geenty is an equity partner with the firm and an experienced lawyer who has earned the respect and admiration of her professional peers. As a result of her accomplishments and professional reputation, Susan has been designated a Connecticut Super Lawyer in family law by Connecticut Magazine in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 (for more information, seehttp://www.superlawyers.com/connecticut/selection_details.html). Susan regularly represents parties in divorce and custody matters where she draws on her substantial experience in real estate, complex financial matters and general civil litigation to successfully advocate for the interests of her clients.
Attorney Geenty is admitted to practice in both Connecticut and New York, and she is an active member of the Middlesex, Hartford, Connecticut and New York Bar Associations. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Middlesex County Bar Association. Attorney Geenty also serves as a court-appointed Special Master for family matters and for the regional family trial docket, which handles high conflict contested custody and visitation matters. She is a member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts and Collaborative Divorce Professionals and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. Susan has completed a Parenting Coordination training with the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. Susan is also a trained mediator and is an active member of both the Connecticut Collaborative Divorce Group and a board member of the Connecticut Council for Non-Adversarial Divorce (for more information, see http://www.ctcollaborativedivorce.com).
In the constantly evolving area of family law, Susan is committed to improving her knowledge and skills to remain pivotal in resolving issues that arise in divorce and custody cases. She regularly participates in training and continuing legal education programs and mentors other attorneys to develop their skills as advocates for children’s interests in litigated family matters. Susan’s dedication to improving the quality of the lawyers practicing family law statewide is evident in her personal and professional choices.
Attorney Geenty received her Associate’s degree from Rivier College and her Bachelor’s degree from State University of New York at Binghamton. She graduated Cum Laude from Pace University School of Law in 1986, where she was the recipient of the distinguished James. S. May Trusts and Estates Award. Attorney Geenty is admitted to the Connecticut, New York and Federal Bars.
Richard S. Sheeley
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Attorney Sheeley is the firm’s Managing Partner, an equity partner, and a trial lawyer with substantial experience earned over twenty-five (25) years of litigating civil claims stemming from contracts and commercial transactions, personal injuries caused by automobile and other accidents, and, perhaps most notably, divorce and child custody matters. Richard’s commitment to his clients and their goals is evident in the results of his efforts, whether he is representing business and institutional clients in financial disputes or individuals in the most sensitive and emotional issues affecting their family.
Richard has a deserved reputation for perseverance and enthusiastic representation in the face of seemingly overwhelming opposition. While committed to obtaining the best result for his clients, Richard is mindful of the shortcomings of the adversarial process and he values the opinion and unique perspective of his clients in shaping the outcome of each case. Through dedication and thoughtful analysis, Richard advocates from a perspective and with a thoroughness that keeps his clients, their families, friends, and business associates returning to seek his advice and counsel.
Though his busy practice often requires that he limit himself geographically to courts in Middlesex, New Haven, Hartford and New London Counties, Attorney Sheeley litigates in all Connecticut courts, including the U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut and various Probate Courts throughout the state, including Fairfield County. Attorney Sheeley has represented numerous clients in high-profile and significant cases throughout the state, and he regularly serves as a Special Master for family matters pending before the Connecticut Superior Court.
Born and raised in New Haven, Attorney Sheeley completed his undergraduate studies at Hofstra University in 1989 graduating from the Honors Program with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude. In 1993, he received his juris doctorate degree from George Washington University’s National Law Center in Washington, D.C., where he was the recipient of the Samuel Green Scholarship awarded in recognition of academic achievement and demonstrated leadership qualities. Attorney Sheeley was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1993 and the U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut in 1994. He is an active member of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association and the Connecticut and Middlesex County Bar Associations. Richard is active in the local business communities of Middletown and Old Saybrook where the firm has offices.
Kelly S. Therrien
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Attorney Therrien is a partner and a family lawyer with an intense focus on achieving optimum results for her clients and protecting the interests of children. In her practice, she promotes her clients’ interests with enthusiasm and practicality, and ensures that her clients have all the information necessary to make the tough decisions required in contemporary domestic litigation. She makes every effort to provide her clients the opportunity to resolve disputes outside the courtroom, but is prepared to litigate when compromise fails.
Kelly has developed the skills required to pursue and achieve the most favorable results for the firm’s clients. She regularly undertakes representation of clients in contested divorces, post-judgment custody matters, child support and alimony motions, child custody actions between unmarried parents, and matters related to guardianship of minors in Connecticut Probate Courts and involving the Department of Children and Families. Having completed the GAL/AMC Comprehensive Basic Training, Kelly has also been appointed by Connecticut Superior Courts to act as a guardian ad litem in various family and juvenile law matters.
Born in Middletown, Connecticut and raised in Middlesex County, Attorney Therrien received a bachelor’s degree from Stonehill College in 1997 and her juris doctor from Suffolk University Law School in 2001. She has served as a Special Master for family matters pending in numerous Connecticut Superior Courts. She is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association and the Middlesex County Bar Association. Attorney Therrien is also a past President of the Coginchaug Regional High School Scholarship Fund. She is also significantly involved with the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce as a member of their Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Strategic Planning Committee as well as the Chair for LEAD CT (Leadership Empowerment and Development in Connecticut), a Co-chair of the Ambassador Program, and a past Chair for the Young Professionals Alliance.
Howard M. Gould
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Attorney Gould is FGSB’s Resident Partner in Old Saybrook. Having handled a wide spectrum of legal matters throughout the State of Connecticut for over thirty-five years, Howard has a well-earned reputation for obtaining optimal results for his clients. Historically, a substantial part of his practice has been devoted to real estate transactions, business matters, estate/probate matters and/or family law matters. He has litigated such actions at the Probate, Superior Court and Appellate levels.
Howard currently acts as a Trial Referee, holding hearings and making factual determinations in civil matters, at the Superior Court level. He also currently acts as an Arbitrator in matters involving fee disputes between attorneys’ and their clients for the Connecticut Bar Association. A trained Arbitrator and Mediator, Howard has worked tirelessly with private counsel and self-represented individuals alike to resolve their issues privately without costly Court intervention.
Howard is a past President of the Middlesex County Bar Association as well as a former member of the Board of Governor’s of the Connecticut Bar Association. He is also a former member of the Statewide Grievance Committee and has served as an expert witness in Professional Ethics matters before the Superior Court.
A resident of Connecticut’s shoreline, Attorney Gould completed his undergraduate degree at Brown University and received his juris doctorate degree from Boston University Law School in 1976. He is an active member of the Middlesex, Connecticut and American Bar Associations.
Elizabeth N. Byrne
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Attorney Byrne concentrates her practice in the areas of Wills and Trusts, Elder Law, Conservatorships, and Probate Law. She regularly represents clients in the preparation of their Last Will and Testaments, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, Health Care Proxies, Trusts, and in the estate settlement practice. Liz received the Outstanding Member award from the Connecticut Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (CT NAELA) in 2008 and 2009 and the CT NAELA President’s Award in 2015. Dedicated to providing education to the public regarding elder issues, Liz is a frequent speaker for the AARP and the Alzheimer’s Organization among other community professional organizations, local nursing homes and health care facilities. In 2017, she was honored to partner with the Honorable Joseph D. Marino in speaking on the topic of the Uniform Adult Guardianship Laws at the Probate Court Assembly/Connecticut Bar Association’s joint estates and probate seminar.
Seeing an increasing need for Connecticut based clients who divide their time between their homes in Florida and Connecticut, Attorney Byrne was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2018 with an intent to expand her Connecticut based practice to include Florida estate planning documents and probate matters.
Attorney Byrne is on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), a Corporator of Middlesex Hospital, an active member of the Middlesex Hospital Ethics Committee, Middlesex County Bar Association, Elder Law and Estates and Probate Sections of the Connecticut Bar Association, Probate and Real Property Section of the American Bar Association, and member of the Florida Bar Real Property, Probate and Trust Law and Out-of-Staters sections. Liz is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Connecticut Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorney’s Practice Update. Her own articles include: “A to Z (Zoe) of Household Employees,” “Understanding the Medicare Hospice Benefit,” “A Review of VA Benefits,” “Medicaid Rules Regarding Liens on Home Property,” “Practitioners Should Prepare Principals and Attorneys-in-fact for the Increased Likelihood of Fiduciary Accountings After Bachand Decision,” “How to Select a Nursing Home,” and “New Federal Tax Basis and Reporting Rules Apply to Certain Decedents’ Estates.”
Born in Hartford, Connecticut and raised in Schenectady, New York, Attorney Byrne received her bachelor’s degree from Siena College and her law degree from Pace University School of Law in 1985. She was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1985 and to the New York and U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut in 1986. Attorney Byrne is also an accredited VA Claims Attorney.
Jason J. Lewellyn
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Attorney Lewellyn, an associate with the firm, is a trial lawyer, concentrating in the areas of civil litigation, family law, housing and criminal matters. Attorney Lewellyn has an earned reputation of achieving exceptional results for his clients. Attorney Lewellyn takes a practical approach to the cases he is involved in, while assuring his clients’ interests are promoted and protected. With the opening of the firm’s Old Saybrook office, Attorney Lewellyn assures the firm maintains a strong shoreline presence. Prior to joining FGSB, Attorney Lewellyn worked as a Temporary Assistant Clerk for the Regional Family Trial Docket in Middlesex County.
Attorney Lewellyn graduated from Roger Williams University School of Law, Cum Laude, in 2012 and Fairfield University in 2009. During his time at Roger Williams, he was the recipient of the Law Dean’s Achievement Award and a member of Phi Alpha Delta. While attending law school he worked as a Student Attorney at the Roger Williams Criminal Defense clinic as an Intern with the State of Connecticut, Division of Criminal Justice.
Jason is admitted to practice in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, having been admitted to Rhode Island and Massachusetts Bars in 2012 and the Connecticut Bar in 2013. He is an active member of the Middlesex Bar Association, Rhode Island Bar Association and Connecticut Bar Association. Jason has completed the State of Connecticut Comprehensive GAL/AMC Training.
Jason is a resident of Clinton. Jason’s dedication to his community is evident through his activities outside of work. He has responded to hundreds of emergency calls as a firefighter/EMT for the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department and currently serves as Deputy Chief – EMS. Jason is also an active member of the Board of Directors for the Valley Shore YMCA. Jason looks forward to building his law practice in his home state and in the county in which he currently resides.
Brittany Wyman
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Attorney Wyman is the newest addition to FGSB. She has previously worked as a Temporary Assistant Clerk for the Civil Clerk’s office in the Middlesex Superior Court where she became familiar with our firm and the lawyers of FGSB. Attorney Wyman’s practice focus is in the areas of real estate, business transactions, estate planning and probate, though she skilled in a variety of areas. While attending Florida Coastal School of Law, Attorney Wyman qualified as a certified legal intern with the law school’s Family Law Clinic, allowing her to represent certain litigants in court and administrative proceedings in Florida. She regularly worked with those who could not afford an attorney and assisted Veterans as part of a Military Pro Bono program. She graduated from Florida Coastal School of Law with Pro Bono honors. While attending Florida Coastal she was a Dean’s Scholar and received the Governor’s Merit Scholarship. She was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 2015 and is a Member of the Connecticut and Middlesex Bar Associations.
Deborah Thiede
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Having been employed with FGSB for well over thirty (30) years, Ms. Thiede has risen through the ranks and earned her position as FGSB’s Office Administrator. A faithful and loyal employee, Debbie began her career at FGSB as a litigation paralegal, later moving into a position of family paralegal before becoming the firm’s first Office Administrator. Ms. Thiede successfully tackles all tasks associated with managing two very busy offices located in Middletown and Old Saybrook. Debbie is a lifelong resident of Meriden, where she lives with her husband, William.
Peter M. Sipples
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Retired, Attorney Sipples was FGSB’s resident Clinton Partner for many years. Prior to his retirement, he was actively involved in the shoreline community including his involvement with Clinton Chamber of Commerce and the CBA Planning and Zoning.
Patricia C. Farrell
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Retired, Attorney Farrell established her own general private practice firm in Middletown, which firm ultimately grew to become Farrell, Geenty, Sheeley, Boccalatte & Guarino, P.C. She was also a founding member of Resolution Through Mediation, LLC with offices in Middletown and Clinton.
