I was recommended to this law firm yesterday. I called for to make an appointment and sent a…read moremessage using their website. I did not receive any reply back from them. I stopped in on my way by and left a message with the receptionist. I received a call back later in the day from Dan Readyoff . I told him what my situation is and he responded to me in a extremely rude and unprofessional manner. I guess his apple didn't fall far from the Allingham Tree.

When my son needed legal representation, I called Allingham, Readyoff and Henry, and was connected…read moreto Dan Readyoff. I could tell immediately that was a great decision. Dan had a thorough command of the legal issues involved, and was able to guide us every step of the way. He's smart, he's compassionate, and he has an ability to communicate information very clearly. In the end, he worked out a deal much better than anything I had hoped for. I'm so glad we had Dan on our side.

Jeff was and is my daughters advocate. As her attorney, Jeff was diligent, understanding and…read morepresented to us what he could do for our daughter. He told us that this wasn't going to be easy as many potential discoveries could be forthcoming that no parent wants to hear. But not knowing is far worse in my opinion. So, we talked and we shared some background. He then became very active - very interested. It was like my daughter was his! I was so impressed by him for this fight he had. I could hear it. He wanted to help. So we hired him. So many medical diagnosis were discovered through this process. Things Dr.'s teachers, and administrators never took the initiative to investigate. Well her evaluations were performed and discovery was made. Then I ran with what the lawyer set up and had additional evaluations taken and more discovery was made. The entire time he was supportive as each evaluation regardless of under whose direction (from him with his assertive request and the schools approval or or my own) became a part of her PPT. Then I realized its not just about school - sure that is what Jeff was so educated and so supportive of, but the realization that when things get diagnosed it becomes REAL 24hours a day 7 days week. He has been my daughters Guardian through this process and I cant say enough kind words as to how I feel about him, his practice, his knowledge on the subject, and his conviction! A true champion. His staff was truly amazing. Easy to talk to. Getting information and ensuring we delivered our reports quickly so they could be reviewed in a timely manner. Setting up appointments - getting necessary referrals. Taking calls and addressing our concerns. I felt like I had hired the dream team! The quality of knowledge of her PPT and her diagnosis - her evaluations, the testing metrics he recommended were impeccable. At times I thought he knows more than anyone from the school system (even from her own special ed teachers, or how much detail he was looking for from the school system that was just missing) We her parents are hired problem solvers working at a prominent technology company and a designer of entertainment problems. We approached this issue like we do with any problem that we do not know or know fully. I get help. I asked lots of questions and made sure my questions were ready to be presented, I approached my conversations with Jeffrey Forte with clarity and directness. He responded with kindness and intellect. We had a growing working relationship that blossomed into something miraculous that only became more profound as I dealt with his staff. What lead me to getting an Attorney - the background I didn't know this type of service existed or was even needed. Not until I had conversations with family members outside of my daughter's home. They talked to others who talked to others and soon the advice was to reach out and get an advocate. Her school system is failing her. Going to PPT meetings and being told -= she doesn't test well, but some kids are just slow learners. Her parents stating things like - its like she isn't hearing right - but she past her hearing tests. But maybe its like she's hearing under-water. We questioned other issues that might be signs of what could be hindering our daughter. I stated flatly at times when I shared my thoughts that these are just gut feelings or intuitions that I do NOT know I am not a DR but something just seems different. I remember him telling us that we will find out and you will should you pursue even further - make additional discoveries and we have! When you have a child that is failing to learn, failing to be necessarily educated and you find someone, in fact you find an entire staff that can open a world of possibilities for your child. How much would you spend to get that in return? Its value is priceless. The money spent and the outcomes achieved and the ongoing outcomes still to be realized. So for those who are waiting for the negative - well here it is: I have two regrets: 1) Not knowing that when I suspected something wasn't right - I let other convince me to wait and see instead of looking for an educational advocate who would fight for the right to a Free Public Education that meets the needs and requirements for a child like my daughter 2) I didn't find my champion in Jeffrey Forte, Esquire, sooner I will live with those two regrets every day and every day I see my daughter - I see so much hope and so much possibility that I would never ever have achieved without him! If you need an attorney who will fight for your child's right. The Connecticut constitution guarantees every child the right to a free public elementary and secondary education. This fundamental right ensures substantially equal educational opportunities and resources suitable to participate in democratic institutions, attain productive employment, or progress to higher education. Then Jeffrey Forte and his staff will ensure those rights are met!

Thank you for replying, but your response doesn't address the specific issues I raised, so I want…read moreto clarify several points for accuracy. 1. Neither contract I signed authorizes absorbing my trust balance. I reviewed both the original hourly retainer and the later fixed‑fee agreement. There is no clause allowing my remaining trust funds to be "absorbed," "rolled into," or "applied toward" monthly installments. When I asked for clarification at the time, no section of the contract was cited, because none exists. 2. I was told to pay an additional $9,500 to replenish the trust. At that point, I still had $5,039.50 remaining. When I explained I couldn't pay another $9,500 upfront, the fixed‑fee monthly plan was then offered as an alternative. 3. I only learned I was being charged monthly regardless of contact after requesting an accounting twice. When I finally understood I had been paying for months of no work, I asked for the remaining trust balance to be returned. Only then was I told it had been "rolled into the installments," despite no such agreement appearing in either contract. 4. The fixed‑fee contract itself was contradictory. It used "installments" in one section and "monthly fee" in another, without clearly stating that I would be charged monthly whether or not any work was performed. That lack of clarity is exactly why I had to request an accounting multiple times. 5. I ultimately had to file a federal FERPA complaint myself. After spending six hours reviewing the records the district sent to your office, I identified multiple critical documents that were missing and brought those omissions to your attention several times. Because those issues remained unaddressed, I had to pursue a federal complaint on my own. That was not the outcome I expected after two years of paid representation. My review is based on contracts, billing statements, and written communication. Your reply does not dispute any of these facts.

I recently consulted with Alex Cuda regarding a child support enforcement matter -- a…read moremagistrate-level proceeding, not a complex litigation case, with a relatively limited procedural framework. I came prepared with documentation and ensured his office received my materials the day before the consultation. Throughout the meeting, he did not appear to refer to anything I had submitted, and based on the questions he asked, it did not seem that he had reviewed my materials or even looked up the docket number I had provided in advance. For someone billing $800 per hour, the lack of preparation was difficult to reconcile with the certainty with which he spoke. When discussing the case, he would isolate a single detail from its broader context and dwell on it at length despite having access to the full documentation. That isolated point would then become the basis for a sweeping and dismissive conclusion delivered with great confidence, though the actual record did not appear to support it. When I asked direct questions -- what does that mean, how does that fit into the case -- the responses often became more legal terminology rather than clearer explanation. The effect was less analytical than evasive. What was especially striking was the level of authority and detail he brought to describing the opposing party's supposed strengths while not appearing to have meaningfully reviewed the materials I had provided. The confidence with which he characterized a case he had not actually examined was itself notable. Throughout the consultation, his $20,000 retainer surfaced repeatedly and often unprompted -- not as a routine disclosure or in response to specific questions, but almost as a refrain. In the context of a child support enforcement matter in magistrate court, the repetition felt less informational than performative. There was also a persistent dismissiveness to his manner -- at times less like professional detachment and more like open condescension -- unlike anything I experienced with any other attorney I consulted. Most tellingly, after nearly an hour, I had to ask him myself whether I should request a continuance -- one of the most basic procedural considerations available under the circumstances. That it never arose independently during the consultation says a great deal about what the meeting actually produced. I left without a strategy, without a coherent framework, and without the level of guidance that should be the minimum expectation of a paid legal consultation.

I contacted Needle & Cuda seeking legal help for a serious and urgent matter specifically because…read morethe firm handles domestic violence cases. I was honestly appalled by how I was treated, particularly by an intake staff member named Allison. I was initially told twice that someone would call me back, and no one ever did. When I called a third time, I spoke with Allison and she told me the reason she didn't return either call was because their "system was messed up because of the snow." I explained my situation and, toward the end of the call, mentioned that my prior attorney was requiring me to sign an appearance form before returning my retainer. I told her I was seeking legal advice about how to handle this because I didn't know whether I should sign the form or whether new counsel would file their own appearance. I made it clear that this was something I intended to discuss during the paid consultation, which I understood would cost between $650 and $1,300. Allison responded in a rude and dismissive tone: "We don't do that. Get your retainer back and then we'll schedule a consultation." I explained that I did not need my previous retainer returned in order to retain the firm and that I was prepared to pay their $25,000 retainer if I decided to move forward after the consultation. She then said she would call or email me to schedule it. I waited a couple of days and never heard back. Because I urgently needed legal assistance, I called Needle & Cuda again. During that call, I was told the firm likely could not take me as a client "because of the retainer issue," even though I had already clarified that I was prepared to pay their retainer. Despite reiterating that, I was told to call back later to schedule the consultation instead of simply scheduling it while I was already on the phone. When I followed those instructions and called back later that day, someone answered the phone and immediately hung up on me. I waited to see if it was a mistake and called back a few minutes later, but the phone just rang with no answer. The entire interaction was extremely disrespectful and unprofessional, especially given the seriousness of a domestic violence-related custody matter. Respectful communication during intake should be the bare minimum, and I do not understand why I was given the runaround instead of a clear answer. I cannot speak for the attorneys themselves, but based on my experience with the intake staff, I would strongly recommend looking elsewhere if you are seeking responsiveness, professionalism, or even basic courtesy. If this experience does not reflect how Needle & Cuda intends to treat potential clients in serious legal situations, I hope the partners review how intake calls are being handled.

I am unable to give this individual even a star. The interaction with this attorney was…read moreuncomfortable to say the least. Absolutely, unprofessional and outdated. He toyed with us from the start and did NOT represent us in the manner that he is required under oath to do so. He would state he'd follow up on something and then wouldn't. He'd cancel appointments last minute and then accused his clients of not being transparent. He did not take feedback well. He also judged us rather than asked questions to determine next steps. He was unfamiliar with a real estate transaction that nowadays has become popular and due to his lack of knowledge and inability to actively listen made many poor assumptions. His actions during an experience such as selling a house which is already stressful are incomprehensible and lacks integrity. I would NOT recommend Gary Seymour to anyone. It is time he retire.

Real Estate. Estate planning. Probate and fiduciary processes. (They've done that for me, but they…read moredo a lot more too). Gary, Fern and Nancy have become trusted partners to our family. Not only do I recommend their team, but I literally have come to consider them among my most trusted partners.

excellent quality handling of my house closing. I called attorney on Friday night and he answered…read morecall and assisted. A true professional will use him again.

Anthony and his team recently handled our home acquisition, from contract to closing. The closing…read morewent smoothly (better than expected) and the firm was very competitively priced. Anthony did a great job helping us to understand all of the closing documents and financial information. Highly recommend.

Sadly, a member of my family was served a restraining order, which was an over-reaction to a…read morepersonal disagreement. We were concerned that if a breach of this order occurred (even accidentally) it would result in a felony offense. With only 2 days notice, Attorney Anthony met with us for background on our situation, made himself available for court and systematically dismantled the complaint and made the plaintiff look ridiculous. Very professional, knowledgeable and made us feel prepared and well represented!

There are no words to adequately express my gratitude to Attorney Fred Anthony and his paralegal…read moreTerri for all their hard work and support during my very difficult and drawn out divorce battle. From our initial meeting to our final day in court, I never felt alone. Their caring, for me as a person as well as a client, was always evident and I knew they always had my best interests at heart. Fred instilled in me the trust that helped me have the courage to move forward and not give up, even when I was scared and things seemed impossible. Fred is passionate in what he does, he is kind but firm and tough when he needs to be. His legal expertise and attention to detail was quite impressive. I was in awe of his performance in court and thrilled when judgment was in my favor. I wouldn't be where I am today without him and I can not thank him enough. Attorney Anthony is the best and he has my highest recommendation.

My experience with this office was outstanding. Jennifer and Beth were extremely pleasant to work…read morewith. I was extremely anxious and had a lot of questions. They were both very patient, answered emails quickly, were always available to schedule a phone call, and answered all my questions very thoroughly and in a way that was easy to understand. They were the bright spot in what was a very stressful situation for me. I highly recommend working with them!

I only had a consultation with the attorney but she was patient while I nervously explained my…read moresituation and made some very helpful recommendations. If she had taken my case(s) I'm sure she would've handled them skillfully and would have represented me fairly.

Mr. Land was extremely kind when I called from out of town trying to find a lawyer. He made plenty…read moreof time to listen to my convoluted story even though I had called out of the blue. Although he personally could not help me, he went above and beyond by emailing me referrals of someone who could. He would be the first person I'd call for family law in CT. Thanks!