Richard M. Dighello
Shareholder, Hartford
Richard M. Dighello, Jr. is a Shareholder in the Firm’s Litigation Department and Chair of the Product Liability and Toxic Tort Practice Group. Since joining the Firm, Mr. Dighello has focused his practice in the areas of product liability, asbestos defense, toxic tort, construction law, professional defense and commercial litigation.
In product liability, asbestos and toxic tort matters, Mr. Dighello represents several manufacturers with headquarters throughout the country in litigation in Connecticut and Rhode Island. These companies manufacture products ranging from construction materials such as paints and finishes to naval and industrial equipment such as steam turbines, pumps and valves, to friction products such as brakes, clutches and transmission components. As local counsel for these companies, Mr. Dighello has worked closely with national and in-house legal teams, as well as insurance company representatives, to develop strategies for defending cases and achieving favorable results through settlement or trial.
In construction matters, Mr. Dighello’s practice involves the representation of design professionals, owners, contractors and subcontractors in all aspects and stages of construction projects from initial conception and contract negotiation to construction and final completion. In addition, his practice includes resolution of any disputes that may arise relating to a project through negotiation, mediation, arbitration and/or litigation.
Mr. Dighello also represents attorneys and accountants in the defense of professional malpractice claims.
Mr. Dighello is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association, Defense Research Institute and Connecticut Defense Lawyers Association. Mr. Dighello also serves as a Board Member and Chair of the Greater New Britain Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Dighello graduated from Xavier High School in Middletown, CT. He graduated magna cum laude from Quinnipiac College in Hamden, Connecticut in 1993 with a B.A. in History. In 1996, Mr. Dighello received his J.D. from Boston University School of Law.
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J.D., Boston University School of Law, Boston, MA 1996
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B. A., magna cum laude, History, Quinnipiac College, Hamden, CT 1993
– Honors: Alfred P. Stiernotte Memorial Prize in Philosophy
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Defense Research Institute
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Connecticut Bar Association
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Greater New Britain Chamber of Commerce
Board Member
Chair -
Community Foundation Greater New Britain - Member, Board of Directors and Catalyst Foundation
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Saint Paul Church, Kensington, CT – Member of Finance Council
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Friendship Service Center, New Britain, CT – Member, Board of Directors
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New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain, CT – Member, Facilities Committee
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City of New Britain Board of Ethics, Chairperson
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Central Connecticut State University Community Advisory Board - Member
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State of Connecticut
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State of Rhode Island
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U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut
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U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island
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Author, “Expert Witnesses: Critical Components of a Successful Litigation Plan”, Construct! Construction Litigation Committee Newsletter, American Bar Association, Winter 2005
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Author, “The Government Made Me Do It - Vietnam, Agent Orange and The Government Contractor Defense,” Mass Torts Litigation Newsletter, Vol 3, No. 1, Mass Torts Litigation Committee, American Bar Association, 2005
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Speaker: “How Design Documents Can Prevent or Cause Construction Claims in Connecticut”, Lorman Education Services Seminar, January 2007
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Speaker: “Product Liability: Practical Strategies and Tips for Avoiding and Defending Lawsuits”, Alliance for Technology Day and Dinner, Mini Medi 2006, October 2006