History of our Firm

Our law firm was established in 1966 by John O'Brien and Matthew Shafner. In the early days, John and Matt occupied a small second floor office in New London where they shared office space and one typewriter between them. The firm has grown considerably since that time. Now, over thirty-five years later, John and Matt are the senior members of a law firm that occupies three offices, one in Groton, one in Norwich and one in Old Lyme. We have grown from two to seventeen attorneys and currently employ over 40 staff members.

We take pride in the fact that despite our growth, we remain a law firm committed to zealous advocacy, prudent counseling, and genuine concern for the welfare of our clients and our community.

We apply a genuine team approach to legal problems. This team approach allows good ideas to surface and encourages the creative talents of our attorneys, legal assistants, and staff. Our attorneys and legal assistants concentrate their talents in one or more fields. Their shared experience allows us to provide legal services in many areas of law.

Our Mission Statement

PROFESSIONAL MISSION: To provide a high quality of legal services to our community using dedicated legal professionals, para-professionals and staff members.

ECONOMIC MISSION: To operate the firm on a sound financial basis of profitable growth and create career opportunities for all of the firm's employees.

SOCIAL MISSION: To operate the firm in a way that actively recognizes the central role that the legal profession plays in the structure of society by initiating innovative ways to improve the quality of life in our communities.

PERSONAL MISSION: To maintain an environment which fosters the personal development and goals of individuals.