(In memory of)
James T. Flaherty practiced law for over 45 years. After serving in Vietnam and at the Pentagon for the US Navy, he attended and graduated from SUNY Buffalo School of Law and was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1977. In 2010, Jim started Flaherty Legal Group, LLC with Attorneys Sandi Girolamo and Pamela Magnano.
He believed a team approach that drew upon the strengths of each attorney was the most effective way solve the problems created by divorce. In his practice, he handled family law trials often involving large marital estates, complex custody issues and post-judgment enforcement issues. He also frequently received referrals from other members of the family bar who requested that he try or co-chair their family cases that had little or no prospect of settlement.
Attorney Flaherty utilized private mediation to assist couples seeking to amicably end their marriages. He also provided legal counsel in family law matters involving paternity, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, gay and lesbian family law, father’s rights, restraining orders, spousal support, child support, separation agreements and uncontested divorce.
James T. Flaherty was selected to Connecticut Super Lawyers® in every year from 2009 until he passed away in 2023. Super Lawyers is a rating service of lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. Attorney Flaherty also maintained an “AV Preeminent rating” with Martindale-Hubbell and Lawyers.com for ethical standards and legal ability, and was well-reviewed and rated “Superb” on AVVO.com.
In the final decade of his career, Jim orchestrated his ideal vision for a firm. He built Flaherty Legal Group alongside his friends and partners, Sandi Girolamo and Pam Magnano. He was able to work with his long-time friend and colleague, Attorney Steve Sinatro. And he co-managed the business affairs of the firm with his son, Ethan Flaherty.
The following is an excerpt from James T. Flaherty’s Obituary
On an N.R.O.T.C scholarship, Jim attended Tufts University, where he played football and acquired the nickname “Flash,” as he is known by many friends.
Jim was in the Navy from 1968-1974. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam, and then as a Lieutenant, Jim worked at the Pentagon in the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs.
After the Navy, he graduated from SUNY Buffalo law school in the top ten percent of his class. In law school, he played for the Buffalo Rugby club. He played rugby for many years on teams in Boston, Washington D.C., Buffalo, and finally, with the Hartford Wanderers.
Jim practiced law in Connecticut for 45 years, most recently at Flaherty Legal Group, LLC, a family law firm that he founded in West Hartford. Jim was a wise and compassionate advocate for his clients. Unwavering in conflict, he brought to bear thorough preparation and unflappable determination when cases went to trial. His peers and former clients probably won’t forget him or his iconic mustache either.
Jim wasn’t a big talker. He helped many in legal and business trouble, and he held their confidence dear. A football- and rugby-playing veteran and litigator, he still called his adult sons “sweetie.” His family always knew how much he loved them, and how much he was loved, and always will be.
