Murtha Cullina LLP

Murtha Cullina is pleased to announce the promotion of Joseph Szerejko from associate to counsel. His promotion will be effective January 1, 2025. An attorney in Murtha Cullina's Hartford office, Joe is a litigator who represents municipalities, government officials, corporations and individuals in matters ranging from real estate, land use and zoning, to property tax and foreclosure. “This well-deserved elevation reflects Joe's hard work and accomplishments as well as the firm’s dedication to developing our roster of talented attorneys to meet client needs. Joe earned this promotion with his professional accomplishments as well as his service to the firm and community. We look forward to his future achievements as he takes the next step in his career with us," said Managing Partner Andy Corea. Learn more about Joe’s practice: https://lnkd.in/exf6RVkb

All of us at Murtha Cullina LLP and our colleagues at Harris Beach PLLC wish our clients and community partners the best this holiday season and always. We look forward to partnering with you in 2025, when we are officially Harris Beach Murtha!

Murtha Cullina recently secured a victory involving a lengthy and complicated dispute over easement and other property rights in and to a client’s property. The dispute over the 10 named parties’ use of easement areas and other deeded obligations related thereto resulted in two lawsuits, which were ultimately consolidated, and more than 10 substantive claims and counterclaims and multiple special defenses. After years of trial preparation and a bench trial lasting 12 days over the span of months, the Court found in favor of Murtha Cullina’s client on each critical issue. This win has not only significantly increased the value of the client’s property but has given them peace of mind regarding the sanctity of their home. Municipal Law attorneys Kari Olson and Joseph Szerejko fought diligently on behalf of the client and were supported by Litigation attorneys Jaimie Russell and Lorey Rives Leddy along with the following staff members: Susan Stokes, Keith Sullivan, Derek McKinnis, Mustapha Houssein, Jason DeSimone and Laura Clark.

A group of our Business Law attorneys joined members of Harris Beach PLLC’s Corporate Practice Group for an evening of camaraderie, food and holiday fun at the Rivers Casino and Resort in Schenectady, NY. The teams are already collaborating in preparation for January 2025 when the two firms will combine to become Harris Beach Murtha! 

As an exciting year comes to a close, we want to express our gratitude for the trust and partnership of our clients and colleagues. From everyone at Murtha Cullina, we wish you and all of your loved ones a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year! View Our Holiday Card: https://lnkd.in/eCr6634y

We will soon combine with Harris Beach PLLC to become Harris Beach Murtha. Follow Harris Beach Murtha so you continue to receive our updates in 2025!

Suzanne Walsh, chair of Murtha Cullina’s Trusts & Estates practice, was recently quoted by The Wall Street Journal in an article titled, “Yes to Text Messages, No to Video: What Counts as a Will.” As more and more processes become digitized, estate law still favors physical, pen-on-paper wills. In the article, Suzy emphasizes that almost half of Americans do not have wills at all, but that the process could be made much simpler through the expansion of e-wills, which are only recognized in a dozen or so states. The caveat, according to Suzy, is that while e-wills would make estate planning more accessible, the prevalence of AI and deepfakes could set back the progress of digitizing estate planning. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/ewvNC6wZ #MurthaLaw #ConnecticutLawFirm #TrustAndEstateLaw #ElectronicWills

The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled against two Massachusetts Volvo dealerships that sued Volvo Car USA for underpaying them for services under prepaid maintenance contracts, claiming entitlement to statutory reimbursement rates. The court held that servicing the prepaid maintenance contracts was not a “franchise obligation” under Chapter 93B and was therefore not subject to statutory reimbursement rates. Boston commercial litigator James Radke weighed in on the case, noting that the decision is a disappointing one for dealers. “Dealers face real pressure from Volvo and also from their customers to sell and service these prepaid maintenance plans. The dealers were arguing that they were under pressure to do this. But as the 1st Circuit dug into that, they concluded that the commercial pressure the dealers may be feeling from Volvo or from their customers doesn’t make it an actual contractual obligation.” Read the full article (subscription may be required): https://lnkd.in/g8tHKNnK #MurthaCullina #BostonLawFirm #AutomotiveIndustry #CommercialLitigation

We are proud to be the exclusive Member firm in Connecticut for Lex Mundi – the world’s leading network of independent law firms with in-depth experience in 125+ countries worldwide. As part of the Lex Mundi global network, we can provide our clients with preferred access to more than 22,000 lawyers around the world – all from a single point of contact. 

Last week, Municipal Law practice chair Kari Olson spoke at the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM)’s Annual Expo. Alongside Tom Gerarde, managing partner of Howd & Ludorf LLC, Kari presented, “Municipal Liability For the Acts of Public Officials: The Fair Housing Act and Beyond.” Kari and Tom discussed recent court cases involving municipal areas of law and other cases that may impact housing and liability for towns and cities. Kari regularly represents municipalities and individuals in a variety of matters including property tax appeals, land use approval and litigation, public health issues and others. She is frequently invited to speak on concerns that uniquely affect Connecticut municipalities. Joseph Szerejko and Nan Birdwhistell also attended CCM’s Annual Expo and spoke with attendees about the services offered by our Municipal Law practice. Murtha Cullina currently serves as general counsel to CCM. Thank you to all who stopped by our booth at the Expo! Learn more about Murtha Cullina’s Municipal Law practice: https://lnkd.in/eVX4TXFt #MurthaCullina #ConnecticutLawFirm #MunicipalLaw