Respected. Responsive. Results.

At Zabel Schellenberg, we are seasoned litigators who represent individuals, businesses, municipalities, and other public and private entities in a wide range of civil and commercial disputes. Our attorneys regularly appear in Connecticut’s state and federal courts, as well as before administrative tribunals and in arbitration, mediation, and other alternative dispute resolution proceedings.

We understand that litigation is not an end in itself. Every dispute presents different legal, financial, operational, and personal considerations, and the right strategy depends on the client’s objectives and circumstances. We combine vigorous advocacy with practical problem-solving, always seeking the most effective and efficient path forward, whether that means pursuing a favorable judgment, negotiating a strategic resolution, or avoiding litigation altogether.

Strategic Advocacy at Every Stage

Our litigation attorneys handle matters from the earliest stages of a dispute through trial and, when necessary, appeal. Early involvement allows us to assess potential claims and defenses, identify legal and factual issues, preserve important evidence, evaluate risk, and develop a strategy before positions become entrenched or unnecessary costs are incurred.

When litigation is necessary, we approach every matter with thorough preparation and a clear understanding of what is at stake for the client. Our attorneys are experienced in motion practice, discovery, depositions, evidentiary proceedings, hearings, trials, and post-judgment matters, and we continually evaluate strategy as a case develops.

We are also skilled negotiators who recognize that the strongest litigation strategy does not always require a courtroom resolution. Where appropriate, we use negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution to pursue outcomes that protect our clients’ interests while limiting unnecessary expense, delay, and disruption.

A Multidisciplinary Litigation Practice

Our litigation team draws on experience across the firm’s substantive practice areas, including commercial and business law, municipal and government law, labor and employment, land use and zoning, real estate, and appellate advocacy. That breadth allows us to approach disputes with an understanding not only of litigation procedure, but also of the underlying legal, regulatory, governmental, and business issues that often determine the course of a case.

This multidisciplinary perspective is particularly valuable in complex matters that do not fit neatly within a single area of law. Our attorneys collaborate across practices when necessary, bringing together the experience most relevant to the dispute while maintaining a coordinated strategy and a consistent understanding of the client’s objectives.

From disputes involving individuals and closely held businesses to sophisticated commercial, municipal, employment, land use, and regulatory matters, we work closely with our clients to understand what a successful outcome means to them and to develop a strategy tailored to achieving it.

Recognized Experience

Zabel Schellenberg is proud to have David B. Zabel recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation. David has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2018 and has also been selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers® list for Business Litigation in 2009 and annually from 2013 through 2026. He was recognized by Benchmark Litigation as a Local Litigation Star from 2011 through 2019.

The depth of the firm’s litigation practice is also reflected in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, which recognized Zabel Schellenberg attorneys in Litigation – Labor and Employment, Litigation – Insurance, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, Litigation – Environmental, and Litigation – Municipal.

Owen T. Weaver, who was recognized in the 2027 edition for Litigation – Municipal, is also a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America and has been selected to the Super Lawyers® Rising Stars lists in Connecticut and New Jersey over multiple years.

Zabel Schellenberg was also named a Regional Tier 2 firm in New Haven for both Commercial Litigation and Litigation – Insurance in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®. The firm received Regional Tier 2 recognition in both practice areas in the 2025 edition as well, demonstrating consistent recognition of Zabel Schellenberg’s litigation capabilities since the firm was founded.

Practical, Results-Oriented Representation

We recognize that litigation can impose significant demands on a client’s time, resources, and operations. Throughout every matter, we emphasize clear communication, responsiveness, and practical advice so that our clients understand their options and can make informed decisions as circumstances evolve.

Our attorneys pride themselves on being prepared, adaptable, and focused on the issues that matter most. We do not pursue litigation for litigation’s sake; instead, we continually assess the costs, risks, and potential benefits of available strategies and work with our clients to determine the most effective path toward resolution.

Whether a matter calls for early negotiation, aggressive motion practice, a negotiated settlement, trial, or appellate review, Zabel Schellenberg brings sophisticated legal analysis, disciplined preparation, and practical judgment to protecting our clients’ interests and pursuing their objectives.

For More Information

For more information about our complex civil and commercial litigation services, schedule a consultation today.