Marisa A. Bellair | Attorney

Marisa joined Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante, P.C. in 2002 and was named a partner in 2008. Marisa is an experienced litigator and appellate attorney, who primarily focuses on complex civil litigation in both state and federal state courts.

Marisa's strong academic background and legal scholarship have been instrumental in many of the firm's courtroom and appellate successes. Marisa was an integral part of the firm's victory in the precedent setting appellate case of Ahern v. Kappalumakkel, 97 Conn. App. 189 (2006) - a case which defined for the first time what was required in Connecticut to establish a fiduciary relationship between a clergy member and a parishioner. Other reported appellate cases which Marisa has successfully handled include: Edgewood Village Inc., et al. v. Housing Authority for the City of New Haven, 265 Conn. 280 (2003) and Cusick v. City of New Haven, 145 Fed.Appx. 701 (2d Cir. 2005).

Marisa, a vigilant and dedicated worker, pays particular attention to even the smallest details in her cases. Her unique ability to command both the facts and the legal principles of cases form the cornerstone of both her and the firm's numerous successes. Marisa's ability to handle complex scientific and legal principles and her analytical skills are valuable assets to her clients and the firm.

Marisa received her Juris Doctorate Degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Syracuse University. Throughout law school, Marisa received several awards, including the esteemed Dean's Award. In addition, she received the Outstanding Legal Scholarship Award, several Distinguished Academic Achievement Awards and a Service to the Law School Award. Marisa has also received numerous awards related to her stellar oral advocacy skills, including the Marci Karbane Moot Court Award. Moreover, she has competed in several Moot Court Competitions during law school and received awards for the Best Brief, Best Oral Advocate and Best Overall Advocate. She was also named a Regional Quarterfinalist at the 2000 National Appellate Advocacy Competition and served as President of the Moot Court Honor Society in 2000. In addition, she was a member of the Mock Trial Society and, in 1999, was named the Mock Trial Society Intramural Competition Winner. In 2007, Marisa was featured in a cover story in Quinnipiac Law Magazine in an article related to work-life balance.

Marisa is admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut, State of New York, the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

In her spare time, Marisa often serves as a judge for local Moot Court Competitions and has acted as a brief judge for the National Appellate Advocacy Competition. In addition, she is a member of the New Haven County Bar Association Public Service Committee and previously served as the Vice-President of the New Haven County Bar Association Young Lawyers' Division. She is also a member of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice, and the Connecticut and American Bar Associations.  In addition, she has been named a Super Lawyer Rising Star by Connecticut Magazine.