James K. Robertson Jr.

Partner

Waterbury
[email protected]

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Legal Services

Education

University of Connecticut School of Law, J.D., 1974 ~ with honors
Yale University, B.A., 1970 ~ cum laude
Hartford Seminary, M.A., 1998

Admissions

Bar Admissions

Connecticut

Court Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
U.S. Federal Circuit

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Home » Our Team » James K. Robertson Jr.

James (Jim) has been first chair in over 50 jury trials and 100 court trials in state and federal courts. He serves as national coordinating counsel of product liability claims for numerous manufacturers, and is frequently selected as a special master, arbitrator and mediator. Jim has served as a Superior Court judge and as the firm’s Managing Partner. He is an ordained Congregational Minister and serves as the Associate Minister of the Watertown Congregational Church.

Affiliations

Connecticut Defense Lawyers Association: past Board member and President
Connecticut Bar Foundation: past Chairman, Kravitz Symposium on the Vanishing Trial
Connecticut Judicial Selection Commission: past Commissioner and Chairman
Connecticut Bar Association: past Co-Chairman, Committee to Establish Lawyer Assistance Program

Distinctions

Top tier Senior Statespeople ranking, Chambers USA Guide - Litigation: General Commercial, 2023-2026
Legal 500, Connecticut Commercial Disputes Guide, 2026
Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers® in New Haven, Connecticut – Arbitration, 2025
Best Lawyers®, 1995-present
Litigation Star, Benchmark Litigation, 2008-2015, 2019-2026
2011 Distinguished Graduate Award from the University of Connecticut School of Law
Connecticut Super Lawyers® - Civil Litigation Defense, 2006-2025; Top 10 Connecticut Super Lawyers®, 2009; Connecticut Top 50 Super Lawyers®, 2006-2011, 2018, 2020-2022
New England Super Lawyers® - Civil Litigation Defense, 2007-2016; New England Top 100 Super Lawyers®, 2007-2012, 2016
S. District Court, District of Connecticut Special Master, 1997-present

Community

Chair of the Board of Trustees, The Hartford Seminary
Board of the Connecticut Junior Republic Association, Inc.
The Hartford Seminary: service as Board Vice Chairman and Treasurer; taught graduate courses on The Causes and Origin of Evil and Systematic Theology
The University of Connecticut School of Law: past President of the University of Connecticut School of Law Foundation; taught course on The Legislative Process for several years; recipient of the Distinguished Graduate Award
Connecticut Humanities Counsel, past Board member and Chairman
United Church of Christ, past Moderator of the local, Connecticut and national settings
Connecticut Junior Republic, Board member
Board Membership: past service on boards of Mattatuck Museum, Waterbury Symphony, Visiting Nurses Association

Experience

Lead trial counsel in a federal jury trial involving antitrust violations, trade secret misappropriation and computer crimes. Client prevailed on all claims, resulting in a judgement of nearly $65 million.
Secured what is believed to be the largest punitive damage award (over $27 million) in the history of the State of Connecticut.
Secured a $25 million settlement in a trade secrets and unfair trade practices case.
Lead trial counsel defending a trailer manufacturer accused of causing the deaths and serious injuries of eight Yale students riding in an SUV that struck a disabled trailer while returning from a fraternity initiation. After a five-week trial in federal court, the jury returned within one hour with a defense verdict.
Part of a small team of the firm’s lawyers that defended a national gas transmission pipeline company that provided gas to a major plant being constructed in Connecticut. Several workers were killed, and many were injured when the plant exploded.
Lead counsel defending gas company that was sued when gas leaked into a restaurant, causing it to explode, resulting in deaths and serious injuries.
Represented Connecticut’s governor in lawsuits brought by major media and employee unions.
Represented Connecticut’s Chief Court Administrator and Chief Justice in lawsuits brought by major media and others arising from judicial confidentiality disputes.
Lead counsel representing major train manufacturers in cases arising from train derailment and explosion in Canada that resulted in deaths of 49 residents and the destruction of a village.
Served as Guardian Ad Litem for beneficiaries in dispute over multi-million trust.
Served as lead Special State’s Attorney representing State in several appeals of criminal cases.
Lead trial counsel successfully representing franchisees in their claim of unfair trade practices against national franchisor, resulting in award of $1.8 million.
Lead counsel representing wholesalers in their claims against State for unconstitutional retroactive imposition of escheat law.
Lead counsel representing racetrack in its claims of unlawful zoning regulations by town, and in defense of injunctive actions brought by town residents.
Served as court-appointed Special Master in action between government contractors and in numerous tort claims against hospital alleging sexual abuse by doctor.

Carmody Ranked Among Leading Connecticut Law Firms in Chambers USA 2026

June 04, 2026

Carmody has been recognized by Chambers USA 2026 as a leading Connecticut law firm in Immigration, Labor & Employment, Commercial Litigation, Real Estate and Land Use. Chambers also ranked seven Carmody attorneys among Connecticut's leading lawyers in their respective practice areas. Chambers USA 2026 Ranked Practice Areas Energy & Natural
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Carmody Recognized by Legal 500 in its inaugural Connecticut Guide

February 25, 2026

Carmody is pleased to be ranked by Legal 500 in their 2026 Connecticut Guides for Commercial Disputes and Corporate and M&A. Lawyers ranked individually in Connecticut for 2026 include: Fatima Lahnin - 2026 Connecticut Commercial Disputes Guide Managing partner Fatima Lahnin is an intellectual property trial lawyer with significant experience
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Watertown Resident and Senior Attorney James K. Robertson Jr. Named Benchmark Litigation Star

November 03, 2025

Carmody partner James K. Robertson Jr. was named a Benchmark Litigation Star for 2026, as featured in Town Times.

Carmody Recognized in Benchmark Litigation 2026

October 28, 2025

Carmody’s Litigation lawyers have been recognized in the 2026 edition of Benchmark Litigation for Connecticut. A total of 19 lawyers were honored for their work across many specialty areas, including product liability, intellectual property and real estate. 40 & Under List Douglas A. Balko Future Star Damian K. Gunningsmith Tamara M. Nyce
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Carmody Lawyers Named to the 2025 Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars Lists

October 21, 2025

Carmody is pleased to announce that 36 of its lawyers have been selected for inclusion on the Connecticut Super Lawyers® and Connecticut Rising Stars lists for 2025. Super Lawyers recognizes lawyers who have distinguished themselves in their legal practice. Please visit www.SuperLawyers.com/SelectionProcess to learn more information on the selection process.
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2025 Professionalism Boot Camp

December 12, 2025

Carmody partner James K. Robertson Jr. will be moderating four hours of ethics education. Lawyers will learn essential skills needed to practice professionally, effectively, and ethically, and hear about the following topics: The dual identity of attorneys and lawyers - advocates in the courtroom and counselors in society, and how
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