Hartford Trial Attorneys

John F. Rooney, III, who joined the firm in 1986, has successfully tried over 300 cases in both state and federal court. His practice focuses on toxic torts, complex products liability, environmental damage, utility companies, fire and explosion cases, aviation law, contract actions, insurance fraud, sexual abuse matters, premises liability, and criminal law.

Robert has extensive experience in the litigation, trial, and appeal of a broad spectrum of cases on behalf of businesses and individuals in the state and federal courts throughout Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Robert serves as counsel for insurers and insured in state and federal courts in connection with claims for coverage on general liability, property, products liability, labor and employment, and umbrella and excess policies.

Holly is a partner in the firm’s Connecticut and New York offices. Her practice focuses on all facets of employment law, and the areas of professional liability and general liability. Holly represents clients in both federal and state courts in Connecticut and New York, as well as before federal and state agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New York State Division of Human Rights.

Christopher is a graduate of Denison University, and received his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in 2009. Prior to joining Melick & Porter, Christopher practiced with several boutique and regional defense firms in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He has trial experience in Connecticut and Rhode Island Superior Courts.

Alex is an associate in our Connecticut office. He graduated summa cum laude from Quinnipiac University School of Law. He has a B.A. degree in English from Gettysburg College. Alex was an Associate Editor of the Quinnipiac Law Review and received awards for Academic Excellence and Outstanding Performance in Oral Advocacy.

Kaitlin is a Colorado native. She received a B.S. in Psychology from Colorado State and earned her J.D. at the University of Connecticut School of Law. During her time at UConn, Kaitlin served as an Executive Editor of the Connecticut Public Interest Law Journal and was involved in the mediation and criminal law clinics. Kaitlin began her practice working with a national insurer where she gained valuable exposure to insurance defense.

Steve studied business and psychology at Indiana University where he earned a bachelor’s degree. He then attended Quinnipiac University School of Law and was honored with the Dean's Scholarship award. Following graduation from law school, Steve joined a small law firm in Danbury, Connecticut where he grew his practice for eleven years before joining Melick & Porter.

Mathew is an associate in our Connecticut office. He is a graduate of New York Law School and has a B.A. degree in History from Western Connecticut State University. During Law school, Mathew gained experience in employment law by working closely with the Staff Attorneys at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Mathew handles cases extensively in both state and federal court with a focus on employment law.

Jacqueline is an associate in the Providence office. Her practice focuses on toxic torts, products liability, and premises liability. Jacqueline represents manufacturers of a variety of products including valves, pumps, boilers, furnaces, and water heaters. She also handles general liability matters. Jacqueline is a cum laude graduate of Salve Regina University, and Roger Williams University School of Law.

Charlie is an associate in the firm’s Southbury, Connecticut office. His practice focuses on the defense of general liability, professional liability and product liability matters before the Connecticut and New York state courts. Previously, he represented defendants in medical malpractice and personal injury cases with a law firm based in Stamford. He also has experience representing clients in administrative hearings and at arbitrations.

Johnathan graduated magna cum laude from Quinnipiac University School of Law in 2018. During law school, he won the Connecticut Judges Association Memorial Award and was named Student Leader of the Year in 2018.