Admitted to the Connecticut and New York bars, attorney Jeffrey L. Ment has 26 years of experience helping injured clients, defending and representing police officers with virtually every legal issue that an officer may encounter, representing travel companies and hospitality groups, representing and defending insurers, companies and manufacturers of equipment in personal injury and civil litigation. He has tried more than 34 cases to verdict, and many more proceedings that were resolved in arbitration and/or mediation. He is passionate about his clients’ rights, and will fight to ensure that you are informed every step of the way. With an undergraduate degree in management from the University of Connecticut and a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law, attorney Ment is uniquely qualified to handle your legal needs. Attorney Ment has represented over 1,000 law enforcement officers in different parts of Connecticut, including Westport, West Hartford, Middletown, Coventry, New Britain, East Haven, UCONN, and more. He has defended members of the Connecticut State Police, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. With over 25 years of police practice, attorney Ment has assisted law enforcement officials involved in fatal shootings, providing thoughtful legal help to his clients.

Attorney Virginia Gillette is a member in good standing of the Connecticut State Bar and admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. Her practice includes matters related to criminal investigations, arrests, plea negotiations, trials, and post-conviction appeals for a variety of cases ranging from misdemeanor offenses, DWI, larcenies, and domestic violence to serious felony matters, assault, sexual assault, and homicide. Virginia joined Brown Paindiris & Scott in September 2024. Prior to BPS, she worked at two private firms, focusing on criminal defense and post-conviction proceedings.

Nicholas T. Kocian is the president and founder of the Kocian Law Group. Nick has practiced law for over thirty years focusing on personal injury matters, including but not limited to medical malpractice, motor vehicle, products liability, construction, premises liability and workers’ compensation claims. He has handled cases at all stages of litigation and trial, including civil jury trials, court/bench trials, formal hearings before the Workers’ Compensation Commission, and hearings at the CRB appellate level. Nick has also appeared before the Connecticut Supreme Court. Prior to establishing the Kocian Law Group, Nick was associated with a prominent New York Wall Street firm where he defended physicians and hospitals in medical malpractice claims throughout New York. In this position, Nick worked with leading trial lawyers, becoming skilled in litigating and preparing cases and gaining an extensive understanding of how insurance carriers defend medical malpractice claims. Nick initially opened his own solo attorney practice in Hartford, Connecticut. His firm was founded on the principle of providing professional, immediate and personalized legal representation to individuals who have been injured or harmed by the negligence of others. Nick’s philosophy is that the needs of the client come first and being a lawyer means always standing up for the rights of your clients, regarding significant events and issues that affect their lives, and fighting for truth and justice. Today, the Kocian Law Group has evolved into a multi-specialty practice committed to protecting the rights of individuals and families with attorneys working across four office locations in Connecticut and one office in New York.

With over four and a half decades of practicing law, Attorney Brian J. Woolf, Esq. brings a wealth of legal knowledge and vast experience to his practice, having advocated for countless defendants in criminal proceedings and assisted many individuals in securing compensation for significant and life-altering injuries. Brian offers comprehensive legal services across a broad spectrum of areas including criminal defense matters. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Brian moved on to complete his undergraduate studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, in 1972. He then furthered his education at the University of Pennsylvania, earning a master's degree in 1974, and achieved his law degree with honors from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1977. Throughout his distinguished career, Attorney Woolf has been acknowledged for his professionalism and dedication to the field of law. His accolades include being named a Top Attorney in North America and receiving the Outstanding Service to the Criminal Defense Bar Award from the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He actively participates in several key legal organizations, such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Connecticut Bar Association. Attorney Woolf's dedication to both the legal field and his clients is reflected in his continued commitment to justice and excellence in every aspect of his career and community contributions.