Jim Bergenn's practice is comprised of complex criminal and civil litigation, including white collar crime and government investigations, personal injury and wrongful death cases, and other trials involving significant consequences. With more than 40 years trial lawyer experience and a trial skills teacher at UConn Law for over 35 years, other lawyers and clients call Jim regularly to seek his trial skills, and experience with investigations and experts, in many different kinds of contested cases. Jim’s wide range of criminal cases includes representing targets of investigations, criminal defendants, grand jury and other witnesses, and crime victims. Because he handles personal injuries, he often helps victims during and after criminal cases are brought to obtain the right compensation for their harm. He works in cases prosecuted by all the various federal, state and local authorities, such as the US Attorney’s Office, The Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, State and Federal Grand Juries, the FBI, the State Police, the SEC, the DEA, the ATF, the DOD, the IRS, the FDA, the FTC, the Office of Inspector General for various Federal Agencies, state regulators such as the Attorney General, the DEP, the DOH, the DMR, the DCF, and the Office of Consumer Protection, and local police.

Attorney Jason C. Goddard is an experienced criminal defense lawyer who has handles serious criminal cases in Connecticut, New York and CT District Court.

Deena R. Merlen is a Partner at the firm. She serves clients at both our New York and Stamford offices and heads the Connecticut practice. Her practice areas include intellectual property, employment and labor law, media and entertainment, general business law, commercial transactions and dispute resolution. In her employment practice, Ms. Merlen is a trusted “go to” problem solver and counsel to individuals, established name brand companies and startups alike. She has extensive experience representing clients in matters including general counseling, discrimination actions, mediations and dispute resolution, investigations by federal or state agencies, as well as wage and hour claims and other labor law matters. She also advises on and regularly negotiates employment and separation agreements, independent contractor arrangements and other services-related arrangements. Ms. Merlen also counsels clients on employment and business matters in response to a crisis or other unexpected business impact, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting business closures, including continuity plans, employee furloughs, reductions in force and other critical measures. In her intellectual property practice, Ms. Merlen helps her clients with the development, acquisition and protection of their valuable brands and other vital intellectual property assets. She manages and grows trademark portfolios in the U.S. and internationally; negotiates licensing, assignment, distribution and branding agreements; prosecutes trademark and copyright registrations; enforces intellectual property rights; and provides strategic counsel to safeguard brand platforms and expand the value of her clients’ intellectual property assets. Ms. Merlen’s media practice encompasses the development and protection of creative works in the fields of music, film, television, theatre, publishing, literary arts, performing arts, design and technology. She ran her own business in the entertainment industry for over a decade and brings that business experience and acumen to her legal practice. In addition, Ms. Merlen provides general business counsel and represents clients in company and transactional matters such as partnerships, joint ventures, licensing arrangements, the purchase or sale of businesses, and a wide range of other corporate matters, including company formation, capitalization and governance, compliance and contracts. Representative clients include technology companies, schools and other academic institutions, personal care and beauty companies, fashion and design companies, media, arts and entertainment companies, wholesalers, retailers and more. Prior to her work with RPJ, Ms. Merlen served as Law Clerk to The Honorable Roger J. Miner of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, after which she joined Debevoise & Plimpton, where she practiced for over five years in the areas of corporate law and intellectual property. Ms. Merlen is admitted to practice in Connecticut and New York.

Joseph C. Maya believes in providing large firm experience but with small firm communication and attention. His practice areas of the law include divorce, employment, personal injury, criminal and tax law. Joseph is a Managing Partner of Maya Murphy, the firm he established in 1993 located in New York, NY and Westport, CT.

Attorney Berman graduated from New York University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. He earned his Juris Doctorate, with honors, from the University of Connecticut Law School in 1979. He was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1979, and is a member as well of the Hartford County Bar Association, the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Association for Justice. Attorney Berman has served as legal counsel to the State Senate Democrats in the Connecticut General Assembly. He has served as a court appointed arbitrator and trial referee. Attorney Berman's practice consists primarily of matters in trial or litigation, particularly auto-accident injury claims.

Attorney Melissa Needle is a lifetime Connecticut resident. She was born in New Haven, raised in Fairfield, and now resides in Westport with her family. Attorney Needle is a third generation attorney with deep family roots in Connecticut. Her father, Attorney Charles Needle, was a founder of the Connecticut firm Zeldes, Needle & Cooper in 1971. Since her admission to the Connecticut Bar in 1990, Melissa has exclusively practiced divorce and family law. Melissa started Needle | Cuda: Divorce and Family Law in 2010. The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys named Needle | Cuda a Connecticut Top 10 Best Firm in Client Satisfaction in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Attorney Needle is an active litigator with an impressive track record. Many of the cases in which Melissa appears involve high net worth divorce property division, complex business valuations, highly contested custody, and petitions for child relocation. She is well-known in Connecticut courts as a forceful, but fair fighter; an attorney with great integrity; and as a worthy adversary who does not shy away from litigation if that path is the best opportunity for her client to reach an equitable solution. Melissa understands that divorce is not just about the dissolution of marriage or stop-gap solutions but helping clients develop and negotiate a comprehensive plan for the rest of their lives.

Alexander J. Cuda is a highly respected family and matrimonial law attorney. With numerous published articles and speaking engagements, Alex’s leadership in family law is well-known. He has been named one of the “Top 10 Family Law Attorneys in Southern Connecticut” by such organizations as the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys (2017). The Connecticut Law Tribune recognized him as a “New Leader in the Law,” in 2014. Attorney Cuda was recognized and rated as a SuperLawyers Honoree in both 2019 and 2020 was a SuperLawyers “Rising Star” from 2012 to 2018. The Connecticut Bar Association Family Law Section also recognized him as a “Rising Star” in 2010 and 2011. He was honored to receive the Connecticut Bar Association Pro Bono Award (2009) and has a 10 star “superb” featured attorney rating on Avvo. Alex is an experienced negotiator and advocate whether in litigation, mediation, or arbitration. He also provides skilled representation in family and matrimonial appeals. Alex is known for his forceful advocacy, responsiveness, and clear communication as well as his compassionate understanding of each client’s unique needs. He handles both custody and complex financial matters. Alex lives with his family in Fairfield County. Alex been extremely active with community service organizations focused on the prevension of Deomestic Violence, Spousal Abuuse, and Child Abuse. In October of 2020 Alex received the Purple Ribbon Award from the Greewich YWCA’s Center for Domestic Abuse Services for his outststanding commitment to the victims of dometic violence.

I opened Action Law Group after practicing law for close to 40 years. Throughout my career, I’ve represented a wide range of clients with different problems and concerns but have learned that they’re all ultimately seeking same thing – to get back to normal. Opening my own firm has been incredibly rewarding, as I genuinely enjoy helping people. I take pride in my balanced approach to law and my ability to put myself in my clients’ shoes to ensure their issues are resolved as quickly as possible. I am devoted to my family, clients and local community. I enjoy my role as a basketball and Little League coach, and believe these acts of volunteerism make me a more well-rounded person, and dedicated attorney at law.

Ryan P. Barry received his B.A., with honors, from the University of Connecticut and his J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law. During law school, Attorney Barry worked as a Judicial Extern for United States District Court Judge Dominic J. Squatrito. He was also selected to membership on The Connecticut Law Review and is the author of "ERISA's Purpose: The Conveyance of Information from Trustee to Beneficiary," 31 Conn. L. Rev. 735 (1999). Attorney Barry is admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut, the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit. He is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association, the Manchester Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the Connecticut Association of Municipal Attorneys. In July 2018, Attorney Barry was appointed by the judges of the Superior Court to serve for a 3-year term on the Statewide Grievance Committee. Attorney Barry is also a Life Fellow of the Connecticut Bar Foundation, membership for which is by invitation only, and is evidence of professional distinction. He has been named to Connecticut Super Lawyers List since 2020 for his work in personal injury.

Gerald C. Shea is an attorney specializing in Tax and Estate law, including Connecticut probate, IRS Defense and IRS Offshore Voluntary Disclosures.