Business Details
Legal Defense for Public and Private Entities in Connecticut
Our firm specializes in litigation and trial practice across state and federal courts, representing public entities, officials, and private clients. With deep expertise in law enforcement liability, employment practices, and business litigation, we combine trial-ready advocacy with strategic negotiation. Our attorneys, including former police officers and municipal advisors, bring decades of experience defending complex civil rights and employment disputes.Recognized as panel counsel for national insurers and trusted advisors to Connecticut municipalities, we prioritize client interests through rigorous legal strategy and a commitment to courtroom excellence. Our teams accolades, including Super Lawyers recognition and board certifications, underscore our dedication to delivering results-driven legal defense.
Services
Public Entity Defense
Law Enforcement Liability
Employment Practices Liability
Business Litigation
Highlights and features
- We offer decades of trial experience in state and federal courts.
- Our team includes former police officers and municipal legal advisors.
- We are panel counsel for national insurers and claim professionals.
- Our attorneys hold board certifications in civil trial advocacy.
- We combine courtroom readiness with strategic negotiation expertise.
Associations and certifications
- National Board of Trial Advocacy
- American Board of Trial Advocates
Services
Public Entity Defense
We defend public entities and officials against civil claims in state and federal courts. Our practice covers professional liability, general torts, and administrative disputes. With representation of over 169 Connecticut municipalities, we provide tailored strategies for government agencies, school boards, and law enforcement.
Law Enforcement Liability
Our firm specializes in civil rights claims against law enforcement, including excessive force, false arrest, and TASER deployments. Led by a former police officer, we handle high-stakes cases from pre-trial negotiations to federal appeals, ensuring protection under qualified immunity and state statutes.
Employment Practices Liability
We counsel and litigate for employers facing discrimination, retaliation, and harassment claims. Our services span Title VII compliance, EEOC proceedings, and trial defense for both public and private sector clients, minimizing liability through proactive and reactive strategies.
Business Litigation
We resolve business conflicts including breach of contract, non-compete agreements, and fiduciary duty claims. Our litigation team represents corporations and individuals in state and federal courts, focusing on efficient resolutions through trial or negotiated settlements.
People
James N. Tallberg
Managing Partner
Board-certified civil trial attorney with 30+ years of experience defending public entities and law enforcement. Admitted to multiple federal courts and recognized by Super Lawyers for litigation excellence.
Dennis M. Durao
Partner
Employment law specialist with expertise in workplace liability and civil rights defense. Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and active in Connecticut municipal attorney associations.
Andrew J. Glass
Partner
Litigation attorney focusing on law enforcement liability and employment disputes. Experienced in federal appeals and member of the Connecticut Bar Associations Young Lawyers Committee.
Kimberly A. Bosse
Associate Attorney
Former Connecticut Appellate Court clerk with a focus on public entity defense. Recipient of ABA Urban Government Award and multiple CALI academic honors.
Keith T. Trumbo
Associate Attorney
Litigation associate with experience in civil and criminal law. Former paralegal with expertise in legal research and writing, admitted to Connecticut Bar since 2022.
Questions
What areas of law does Karsten & Tallberg specialize in?
We focus on public entity defense, law enforcement liability, employment practices liability, and business litigation in state and federal courts.
Do you represent both public and private sector clients?
Yes, we serve municipalities, government officials, law enforcement, and private businesses in Connecticut and nationally.
How experienced is your team in federal court cases?
Our attorneys have decades of combined experience in federal litigation, including civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. §1983 and appellate advocacy.
Can you handle complex employment law disputes?
We specialize in defending employment discrimination, retaliation, and workplace liability claims for public and private employers.
What sets your firm apart from other defense attorneys?
Our unique blend of trial experience, former law enforcement backgrounds, and municipal advisory roles provide strategic advantages in litigation outcomes.
