James F. Early


Photo of Attorney James F. Early

In the 1980's, Attorney Early successfully undertook to represent thousands of workers who contracted diseases from occupational exposure to asbestos. He is the co-founder and president of Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen, with offices in New Haven, Connecticut and New York City.

Currently Attorney Early concentrates his practice in representing asbestos victims, particularly those diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. He represents thousands of asbestos victims nationwide. Also, he has represented hundreds of children afflicted with lead paint poisoning.

Attorney Early graduated from Harvard College and then from the Boston University School of Law. He is a member of the Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, and New Haven County Bar Associations; the American Association for Justice; and the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association. Attorney Early was admitted to the Bar, 1971, New Hampshire and U.S. District Court, District of New Hampshire; 1973, U.S. Court of Appeals, 1st Circuit; 1975, Connecticut and U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut; 1977 U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit; 1987 United States District Court, District of Rhode Island; and 2015 New York.

Attorney Early has been recognized by two of the best lawyer rating systems in the U.S. He has been selected for inclusion in the oldest lawyer rating publication, Best Lawyers, which is widely recognized for accuracy and integrity (Since 2007 — Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Plaintiffs; 2022 & 2024 — “Lawyer of the Year” Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Plaintiffs, New Haven; click here for selection criteria). He has also been named “Super Lawyer” by the Super Lawyers rating service in recognition of his professional achievement and the high degree of peer recognition that he has earned throughout his career (2007, 2009-2021 — Products Plaintiff; click here for selection criteria). No more than 5% of the lawyers in any given state are awarded this prestigious designation.

A Letter from James Amellin

After working in the construction trade for over 35 years I was dismayed when I heard that I was afflicted with a form of asbestosis. My family, as well as many of my coworkers were concerned about our health and our future. It was important to seek the legal assistance from a knowledgeable, reliable, expert firm in the asbestos litigation field. Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen was that firm.

I have known James Early for over 17 years. I was fortunate to have his firm represent my family and I in my asbestosis case. Since then, hundreds of my coworkers have sought the advice and services of Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen to represent them in their asbestos litigation cases.

We chose Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen because of their expertise and reliability in the asbestos litigation field. The staff at Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen is comprised of knowledgeable, compassionate, determined professionals from some of the most prestigious legal institutions in the country such as Yale, Trinity, and the University of Connecticut.

My coworkers and I were extremely grateful for the sensitivity displayed by the individuals at Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen. In many respects, mesothelioma clients were too ill to cope with administrative requirements such as interrogatories and other client information. The staff always accommodated the client's schedule. I am extremely grateful for the way Jim and his staff pursued the cases in behalf of the beneficiary. The families of many of my deceased friends are extremely grateful for their services.

If one were choosing legal assistance for their asbestos litigation case, I would strongly recommend that they contact Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen. I am fortunate to have had them represent my family and I with our asbestos cases and we are honored to have them as our friends.

Sincerely,

James "Two Toes" Amellin
IOHTLP International Vice President (retired)
NY/NE States Conference

Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen is honored to have its lead partner, James F. Early, recognized as a prominent leader in asbestos litigation in the February 27, 2012 edition of Newsweek featuring "Leaders in Asbestos Law". The firm, which has been representing mesothelioma victims for over 40 years, has also been given Martindale-Hubbell's highest rating and has consistently secured top settlement dollars for its asbestos clients.

James Early - Newsweek 2012 Leader in Asbestos Law


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