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Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & MeisenkothenFounder
James F. Early
Pro

James F. Early

5.0
1 review

265 Church Street, 11th Floor, New Haven, CT 06510 + 1 location

Asbestos Litigation and Mesothelioma

About James F. Early

Since the 1980s, Attorney Early has successfully represented thousands of workers who contracted diseases due to occupational asbestos exposure. He is the co-founder and president of Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen.

A graduate of Harvard College and the Boston University School of Law, Attorney Early is a member of the Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, and New Haven County Bar Associations, as well as the American Association for Justice and the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association.

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Plaintiffs since 2007, he was named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers® in 2022 and 2024. Additionally, from 2007, 2009 to 2021, he was recognized as a “Super Lawyer” by the Super Lawyers rating service—an honor awarded to no more than 5% of attorneys in each state in recognition of professional achievement and peer recognition.

 

James F. Early (New Haven, Connecticut) View website

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Rated
This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

James F. Early got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

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Services

Areas of Law

  • Toxic Torts 1
    • Asbestos Litigation
  • Mesothelioma

Practice Details

  • Payment Information
    Payment & Cost Features
    Free initial consultation
  • Video Calls
    Offers Video Calls
    Video Call Options
    Zoom
  • Firm Information
    Position
    Founder
    Firm Name
    Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen
  • Additional Links
    https://www.elslaw.com/

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1971, New Hampshire
    1973, U.S. Court of Appeals, 1st Circuit
    1975, Connecticut
    1977, U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit
    1987, Rhode Island
    1975, U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut
    1971, U.S. District Court, District of New Hampshire
    Memberships
    New Haven County, Connecticut, New Hampshire and American Bar Associations
    The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
    Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association (Member, Asbestos Litigation Group).
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    Boston University School of Law
    Class of 1971
    J.D.
    Other Education
    Harvard College
    Class of 1968
    A.B.

Activity

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Attorneys FAQs

  • Is this attorney admitted to practice in any U.S. Federal Courts?
    James F. Early is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, United States District Court for the District of Connecticut and United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire.
  • Does this attorney maintain a practice in more than one location?
    Yes, James F. Early has a presence in New York, NY.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    James F. Early attended Boston University School of Law.
  • Does this attorney maintain a presence in more than one law firm?
    James F. Early is affiliated with Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen; Gori Law Firm and Early & Strauss, LLC.

Attorney information displayed in this FAQ section is based upon information the lawyer has included on their profile, in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals.

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Martindale Peer Reviews

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What are the different Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings?*

• AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies that a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

• Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

• Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Lawyers who have received peer reviews after 2009 will display more detailed information, including practice areas, summary ratings, detailed numeric ratings and written feedback (if available). Details for individual reviews received before 2009 are not displayed.

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