McCarter & English today announced that James Budinetz and Peter J. Zarella have joined the firm’s Business Litigation group as partners, expanding its Hartford, CT office. Both Budinetz and Zarella have extensive experience in complex civil and commercial litigation matters, intra-company disputes and corporate divorce, and have represented high-profile celebrities and personalities. Budinetz and Zarella join McCarter & English from McElroy Deutsch, where Budinetz served as that firm’s Managing Partner for its New England offices.
“Adding Jim and Peter builds on McCarter’s strength in the Connecticut market and New England as a whole and expands the firm’s capabilities across practice areas,” said Moy Ogilvie, McCarter’s Hartford Office Managing Partner. “Both have a proven track record of vigorously representing the interests of their clients and we are excited to welcome them to our growing office.”
Budinetz practices in a variety of complex litigation areas including business torts, bet-the-company matters, commercial disputes, and business divorces. He also handles real estate disputes and insurance coverage matters. Budinetz is a James W. Cooper Fellow of the Connecticut Bar Foundation, which recognizes lawyers and others in Connecticut who devote their time and talent to programs that address matters concerning the legal profession, the administration of justice, and the rule of law. He recently received Connecticut Law Tribune’s 2024 award for New England Distinguished Leader, and is a past Chair of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Litigation Section.
“In my opinion McCarter is absolutely one of the finest firms in the US with some of the finest lawyers, many of whom I’ve worked with and am excited to be working with again,” said Budinetz. “McCarter’s strong presence in New England will allow me to offer my clients a broader range of legal expertise.”
Zarella’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation matters involving breaches of contract, business torts, fiduciary duty claims, business divorces, and intra-company and contract disputes. He has represented a broad range of clients including closely held businesses, hedge fund partners, REITs, energy companies, and estate fiduciaries. Zarella has an active appellate practice, regularly representing high net worth individuals in divorce appeals involving complicated financial issues. He has successfully argued at the Connecticut Supreme and Appellate Courts. Zarella is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Litigation and Appellate Sections, and previously served on the Young Lawyers Section Executive Committee and the Pro Bono and Membership Committees.
“McCarter combines extensive practice areas, a broad geographic reach, and the talent and capabilities to deliver the results its clients need,” said Zarella. “I have also seen firsthand the caliber of litigators in the New England offices, which made it an easy decision to join McCarter.”