Overview

Timothy M. Herbst practices in the areas of land use, zoning, and environmental law, municipal law and real estate law.

Tim represents international companies, developers, citizens, and civic organizations before land use boards throughout the State of Connecticut. Tim regularly appears before land use boards on a variety of applications that involve zone changes, special permits, site plan review, historic review, as well as environmental approvals from local wetland agencies. Tim has also been involved in numerous real estate transactions, both commercial and residential, representing both buyers and sellers. Tim also has experience advising municipalities and local first responders on laws that relate to emergency management and civil preparedness.

Tim brings to his practice 19 years of service in government, including being elected First Selectman of Trumbull, Connecticut at the age of 29. From 2009-2017, Tim served as the town’s chief executive officer, overseeing all municipal operations, managed a 180 million dollar budget and supervised 255 active employees. Tim’s administration strengthened the town’s financial position through comprehensive pension and debt reform and secured two tax cuts and two credit rating upgrades during his tenure. Tim was also responsible for negotiating multiple labor agreements, advanced long-term capital planning, and worked closely with regional and state partners to ensure responsible, transparent governance. During that time, Trumbull maintained a nationally ranked school system and earned national recognition.

On a regional basis, Tim previously served as the Chairman of the Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments (“METROCOG”), a multi-discipline regional planning organization representing six municipalities. This role included assisting in planning for transportation, land use, economic development, housing, and environmental needs, while promoting strategies that foster inter-municipal coordination, collaboration, and shared services.

Tim earned his B.A, with honors, from Trinity College in 2002, where he served as president of the student body. Thereafter, he earned his law degree from Pace University School of Law in 2007, where he was a member of the Pace Environmental Law Review.

In addition to being a lawyer, Tim is also a licensed realtor in the State of Connecticut.

Honors, Awards, and Community Service

  • Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation, Past Member, Board of Directors

  • Fairfield County Business Association, “40 Under 40” award, 2010

  • Metropolitan Council of Governments (“METROCOG”), Past Chairman

  • Pace Law Alumni Board of Directors, Past Member

  • Town of Trumbull, CT, First Selectman, 2009-2017

  • Trinity Club of Fairfield County

  • Trumbull Planning and Zoning Commission, Past Chairman and Member, 1998-2009

  • Trumbull Rotary Club, Past Member

Professional Affiliations

  • Connecticut Bar Association
    • Administrative Law Section
    • Planning and Zoning Law Section