James Ruane

I believe that no matter who you are, you have the right to a fair trial, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

This belief is at the core of my philosophy as a lawyer, and it is the reason why I started Ruane Attorneys with my son.

It might seem like a no brainer that lawyers will take this stance, but you will be surprised to find that this is not always true. Just like police officers and other members of the judicial system, lawyers develop prejudices against their clients and don’t always listen to them. They put in minimal effort and move onto the next case, never stopping to think about the positive impact that they could have had on their clients if only they tried a little harder.

After devoting most of my life to the profession of law, I haven’t become this kind of lawyer. I still strive to do my best for every single client.

Philosophy I do this by staying active in the law community. I am one of only a handful of attorneys that are Certified Criminal Defense Specialists in the State of Connecticut. I was also certified as a criminal trial specialist in 1985 by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. I am a member of the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Connecticut Law Tribune.

My career wasn’t always easy.

I worked my way through law school and began my career out in the Public Defender’s office as an investigator. After many years of hard work and eventually leading the Public Defenders office, I was recruited by a law firm, called Meehan & Meehan. This was rewarding work, but I eventually left Meehan & Meehan to form my own practice. Once my son, Jay, became a lawyer and finished his stint with the Public Defender’s office, we decided to open our own law firm together. Thus, Ruane Attorneys was born!

I love the fact that every day, I have a chance to make a difference in someone else’s life. Even though many joke about my retirement, I truly love what I do and have no plans to retire any time soon.

Education

• University of Connecticut - School of Law
  • Juris Doctorate Cum Laude - 1977
• Fairfield University
  • B.A. in Classics - 1971
• Saint Peter's Preparatory School

Bar Admissions

• Connecticut State Bar - 1977
• Second Circuit of Appeals in Southern District of New York - 1980
• United States Supreme Court - 1998
• Federal District of Connecticut - 1990

Awards & Certifications

• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Connecticut Law Tribune2015
• Certified Criminal Specialist
• Some Body1994

Memberships

• Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • President - 2004-2005
  • Vice President - 2002-2004
  • Treasurer - 2000-2002
  • Member Since - 1986
• Connecticut Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers
  • President - 1992
  • Treasurer - 1990
  • Member Since - 1980
• Greater Bridgeport Bar Association
  • Chairman - Criminal Law Committee - 1990
  • Member Since - 1980
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member Since - 1980

Member Since - 1980