HOME

OUR FIRM

OUR ADVANTAGE

PRACTICE AREAS

ATTORNEYS

NEWS

CONTACT US

Computer Support   November, 2011
    Whitman Breed Partners have been named “ New England Super Lawyers” for 2011.
     
    Terry Coates (Estate Planning & Probate), Tony Macleod (Energy & Natural Resources), Charles Pieterse (Business Litigation) and Rod Saggese (Rising Star, General Litigation) were named New England Super Lawyers
     
Computer Support   July, 2011
    The Firm is pleased to announce that Lawrence S. Mannix has joined the Firm as a partner in the Trusts & Estates Department.
     
    Lawrence comes to the Firm with over 20 years of experience, most of it with the firm of Hawthorne Ackerly & Dorrance, in New Canaan, CT, where he was previously a partner.
     
Computer Support   April, 2011
    The Firm achieved early dismissal of a breach of contract action brought in Connecticut against an Ohio-based software company. The court found the contract at issue to be a"click-wrap" license agreement to which plaintiff assented on-line when installing the software. A forum selection clause in that agreement called for all claims to be brought in Ohio. The court found this clause to be enforceable and dismissed the action based on improper venue.
     
Computer Support   April, 2011
    Terry Coates has been selected as a Fellow of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. ACTEC is a national organization of approximately 2,600 lawyers selected to membership by demonstrating the highest level of integrity, commitment to the profession, competence, and experience as trust and estate counselors.
     
Computer Support   March, 2011
    The Firm prevailed on an appeal of a summary judgment in favor of a client who was sued by beneficiaries of an estate and a trust for which he was the fiduciary's attorney. The beneficiaries brought a tort action claiming the attorney assisted with the fiduciary's unlawful conversion of assets. The Connecticut Appellate Court affirmed the trial court's decision that the relevant statute of limitations had lapsed and was not tolled by the doctrines of continuing course of conduct or fraudulent concealment. The Connecticut Supreme Court denied the beneficiaries' petition for certification for appeal from the Appellate Court. Stuart v. Snyder, 125 Conn. App. 506 (2010), cert. denied, 300 Conn. 921 (2011).
     
Computer Support   March, 2011
    The Firm prevailed on an appeal of a summary judgment in favor of a client who was sued for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The Connecticut Appellate Court affirmed the trial court's decision that plaintiff failed to establish actual malice to overcome the qualified privilege from defamation claims for statements made to the police in connection with a criminal investigation. Mara v. Otto, 127 Conn. App. 404 (2011).
     
Computer Support   December, 2010
    CalPERS announced that it moved management of its $1.9 billion real estate portfolio to GI Partners. The Firm represented the indivdual brought in to lead the management of this portfolio and become a co-investor with GI Partners in that portfolio.
     
Computer Support   November, 2010
    John Shaban was elected to the Connecticut General Assembly for the 135th District (Weston, Easton and Redding). John will be sworn in on January 5, 2011, and then will serve a two-year term in the Assembly.
     
Computer Support   October, 2010
    Tom O'Connor has appointed Law Day Co-Chair of the Greenwich Bar Association.
     
Computer Support   August, 2010
    Jack Sousa has been named a member of the Board of Directors of At Home in Greenwich, Inc., which is an aging-in-place nonprofit organization that offers its Greenwich resident members preferred access to social and cultural activities, household and maintenance services, and transportation and shopping assistance, as well as health care services and assisted living at home through partnerships with proven providers of services.
     
Computer Support   August, 2010
    The Firm is pleased to announce that Thomas O'Connor has joined the Firm as an associate in the Litigation Department and Jack Sousa has joined the Firm as an associate in the Business Law Department.
     
    Tom joins the Firm from Winston & Strawn LLP, where he was an associate in its New York City office. Jack joins the Firm from Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP, where he was an associate in its New York City office.
     
Computer Support   June, 2010
    Rod Saggese has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Fairfield County Bar Association.
     
Computer Support   May, 2010
    John Shaban has been officially endorsed as the Republican Candidate for State Representative for Connecticut's 135th District at the May 11, 2010 Convention of delegates from Weston, Easton and Redding. The general election will be held in November.
     
Computer Support   March, 2010
    Tony Macleod represented The Avon Water Co. in its application to the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control for an increase in water rates. Based on a 10% return on equity, the highest retrun on equity awarded to a water company in the last two years, Avon received a 14.52% increase in rates on March 31, 2010. The proceeding also involved an innovative rate base true-up mechanism to address disparity between capital structure and rate base in a manner acceptable to both the company and its regulatory agency. DPUC Docket 09-10-08, Application of The Avon Water Co. to Increase Rates.
     
Computer Support   March, 2010
    Tony Macleod represented ISO New England Inc. ("ISO"), the independent system operator of the electric power grid serving the New England region, as an intervenor before the Connecticut Siting Council in a proceeding initiated by the Connecticut Light & Power Co. for approval of the Connecticut portion of an interstate project, known as the Greater Springfield Reliability Project (the "GSRP"), involving high voltage transmission upgrades to the electric system in western Massachusetts and north central Connecticut. The Connecticut portion of the GSRP, which ISO supported in preference to a competing generation proposal, was approved on March 16, 2010. Connecticut Siting Council Docket 370, CL&P Application for Certificates of Environmental Compatability and Public Need for Connecticut Valley Electric Transmission Projects.
     
Computer Support   January, 2010
    The Business Law Department, led by Harry Peden III, represented Consumer Financial Services, LLC ("CFS") and its principals in Atlanta Equity Fund, LP's acquistion of CFS. Southport, Connecticut-based CFS is a leading provider of delinquent secured accounts receivable resolution services, providing both secured commercial lenders and original equipment manufacturers nationwide with a variety of highly tailored debtor identification, account negotiation, and collateral recovery services in connection with delinquent account debtors located throughout North America. The transaction was structured as an asset purchase with the seller obtaining an interest in the continuing company. The Firm provided a range of advice and services to the seller and its members in connection with the sale, covering employment, consulting, membership, and tax issues, as well as the negotiation and documentation of the sale of the business.
     
Computer Support   December, 2009
    The Firm represented claimants in an arbitration against a charter jet broker on claims of breach of contract, negligence and breach of fiduciary duty. The arbitrator awarded claimants compensatory damages and attorneys' fees. This award was confirmed by a decision of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, which awarded claimants additional attorneys' fees incurred in connection with the application to confirm the award and respondents' cross motion to vacate. Loeb v. Blue Star Jets, LLC, 2009 WL 4906538 (S.D.N.Y. Dec. 17, 2009).
     
Computer Support   October, 2009
    Margaret Conboy has been named Chairwoman of the Greenwich Service Unit of the Salvation Army.
     
Computer Support   September, 2009
    Rod Saggese has been elected President of the Greenwich Bar Association.
     
Computer Support   August, 2009
    The Firm successfully negotiated a tax certiorari settlement for an office park in excess of 750,000 square feet in Westchester County, New York, with an overall thirty percent reduction in taxes and a tax refund in excess of $800,000.
     
Computer Support   July, 2009
    The Firm obtained dismissal of all claims, which incuded breach of contract and related claims, brought by a purchaser of residential property against a relocation company. Schiff v. Van Wyk, 2009 WL 2450755 (Conn. Super. July 6, 2009).
     
Computer Support   June, 2009
    The Firm successfully represented a commercial real estate developer in two separate lawsuits, both of which derived from the collapse of a large commercial development. One lawsuit was a foreclosure action by a bridge financier on a loan in excess of $20 million, the other lawsuit was the foreclosure of a six-figure mechanic's lien. Over the plaintiffs' objections, the Firm consolidated the actions and transferred the matters into the complex litigation docket. The Firm then effected a settlement that transferred the property, released the liens and relieved the client of significant personal liability.
     
Computer Support   June, 2009
    The Business Law Department represents many nonprofit corporations and foundations. In particular, the Firm's attorneys work with "homeowner association" entities, including tax districts. Recently, Harry Peden III advised members of an historcially significant waterfront association with regard to expanding and updating use and other property restrictions for homeowners in the community, a measure designed to maintain the quality of life and ultimately the value of properties within the association.
     
Computer Support   June, 2009
    The Firm was recently engaged to represent a national commercial office portfolio valued in excess of $250,000,000 in connection with its lease and lease restructure transactions.
     
Computer Support   March, 2009
    The Firm represented an individual whose medical insurance company refused to cover his preferred treatment for prostate cancer. The firm filed an ERISA lawsuit in federal court to press for coverage of the treatment. The insurance company immediately requested settlement discussions, and the matter was resolved out of court with reimbursement to the client of a majority of his out-of-pocket expenses for the cancer treatment.
     
Computer Support   February, 2009
    Whitman Breed Partners have been named “ Connecticut Super Lawyers” for 2009.
     
    Super Lawyers, limited to five percent of Connecticut attorneys, are selected through peer nominations and independent research and evaluation by Law & Politics. Terry Coates (Estate Planning/Trusts) and Charles Pieterse (Business Litigation) were again named Super Lawyers as they were in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
     
Computer Support   January, 2009
    The Business Law Department, led by Tony Macleod, represented a Delaware corporation in a private placement under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, involving the issuance and sale of shares of convertible preferred stock and warrants to purchase common stock. The transaction also included amendments to various corporate documents, a shareholders agreement and executive employment agreements.
     
Computer Support   November, 2008
    The Firm prevailed on claims brought by the purchaser of residential property against the seller for fraud, breach of contract and related claims. The Firm obtained an award for the client that included compensatory damages and attorneys' fees. Failla v. Kripki, 2008 WL 5216298 (Conn. Super. Nov. 10, 2008).
     
Computer Support   November, 2008
    Whitman Breed Partners have been named “ New England Super Lawyers” for 2008.
     
    Terry Coates (Estate Planning/Trusts) and Charles Pieterse (Business Litigation) were named New England Super Lawyers in the same year that they were also named Connecticut Super Lawyers.
     
Computer Support   September, 2008
    Rod Saggese has been elected Vice President of the Greenwich Bar Association.
     
Computer Support   June, 2008
    The Firm represented a large Greenwich developer in a commercial loan transaction related to the redevelopment of a parcel of land in the Byram area of Greenwich from commercial use to residential condominiums. The Firm also represents the developer in the ongoing formation and development of the same residential condominium complex, which includes a marina and boardwalk.
     
Computer Support   June, 2008
    Kevin A. Walsh, a member of the Board of Directors of Family Centers, Inc., represented Family Centers on a pro bono basis in connection with the merger of HealthCare Connections, Inc. into Family Centers effective July 1, 2008.  Family Centers is a non-profit organization headquartered in Greenwich, CT offering education and human services to children, adults and families living in Lower Fairfield County. HealthCare Connections, a nonprofit organization based in Stamford, CT, maintains four programs – the School Based Health Centers, Stamford CARES, Care to Care and the TLC Health Center at Kids in Crisis – which will remain intact.  HealthCare Connections was represented on a pro bono basis by David Salm from Oracle Corp.
     
Computer Support   March, 2008
   

The Firm, led by Tony Macleod, successfully defended sellers of a payphone business against claims, arising out of the contract of sale, for damages and injunctive relief at the Connecticut state trial and appellate court levels. After trial, the Superior Court denied all of the plaintiff's claims and found that he had not tendered funds that would entitle him to a reduced payoff provision in the promissory note provided as part of the purchase price. The plaintiff was therefore found to not be entitled to damages or a judgment that he was no longer liable to defendants for further payments under the note. The Appellate Court affirmed this holding in a decision released March 11, 2008, thus enabling payment to the defendants of the balance due on the note plus accrued interest.
Curcio v. Bax, 106 Conn. App. 307 (2008).

     
Computer Support   February, 2008
    Whitman Breed Partners have been named “ Connecticut Super Lawyers” for 2008.
     
    Super Lawyers, limited to five percent of Connecticut attorneys, are selected through peer nominations and independent research and evaluation by Law & Politics. Terry Coates (Estate Planning/Trusts) and Charles Pieterse (Business Litigation) were again named Super Lawyers as they were in 2006 and 2007.
     
Computer Support   February, 2008
    John Shaban was appointed Chairman of the Redding Water Pollution Control Commission, which is currently overseeing the construction of a $12 million, 245,000 gallons per day plant being constructed as part of the Georgetown Wire Mill Redevelopment project headed by Greenwich developer Stephen Soler.
     
Computer Support   January, 2008
    The Firm is pleased to announce that Rod Saggese has been named a partner in the Litigation Department of the Firm.
     
    Rod joined the firm in 2004 as an associate, and he practices in the areas of commercial litigation, general civil litigation and intellectual property.
     
Computer Support   January, 2008
    The Firm represented a seller in a purchase and sale transaction of a $30 million residential property in Greenwich, which to that date was the highest priced sale of a single parcel of residential property in Greenwich.
     
Computer Support   September, 2007
    Rod Saggese has been elected Treasurer of the Greenwich Bar Association.
     
Computer Support   September, 2007

 

 

WHITMAN BREED HAS MOVED TO NEW OFFICES IN GREENWICH !

 

 

Please note that our Greenwich office is now located at 500 West Putnam Avenue. Whitman Breed has moved to newer and larger offices with more convenient client access. Please click for directions.

 

 

 

Computer Support

 

September, 2007

 

 

The Firm represented the owners of Public Energy Solutions (“PES”) in a sale of PES to Comverge, Inc., a public company involved in energy conservation and load management businesses.  Kevin Walsh was assisted by Katherine Dowd in closing the $13.4 million transaction, which also provides for further cash payments and stock distributions if future revenue and earnings targets are met.

 

 

 

Computer Support

 

February, 2007

 

 

Whitman Breed Partners have been named “ Connecticut Super Lawyers” for 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

Super Lawyers, limited to five percent of Connecticut attorneys, are selected through peer nominations and independent research and evaluation by Law & Politics. Terry Coates (Estate Planning/Trusts) and Charles Pieterse (Business Litigation), both of whom were also Super Lawyers in 2006, have repeated as Connecticut Super Lawyers for 2007, as listed in Connecticut Magazine.