2 Fairfield Attorneys Nominated To Be CT Superior Court Judges

FAIRFIELD, CT — Two attorneys from Fairfield have been nominated to be Connecticut Superior Court judges, two of 20 jurists Gov. Ned Lamont this week named as his choices to serve on the bench.

Currently, the court has 40 judicial vacancies, and in addition to the Superior Court nominees, Lamont also nominated two jurists to become family support magistrates.

The Fairfield nominees are Vikki Cooper, who is Deputy Corporation Counsel in Stamford, and Thomas J. O'Neill, who is a partner at the law firm Day Pitney LLP.

"Selecting nominees to become judges is one of the most important duties that I have as governor because these individuals will become responsible for ensuring that justice is administered fairly and without prejudice, and that everyone who comes before the court is treated equally and with respect," Lamont said.

He added, "Our court system works best when it reflects the diversity, experience, and understanding of the people it serves. These individuals I am nominating have the qualifications that meet the high standards the residents of Connecticut deserve on the bench. Justice delayed is justice denied, and these new judges will help ensure the judicial branch is able to decide cases promptly and efficiently."

Below are brief bios of Cooper and O'Neill from the Governor's Office:

• Vikki Cooper, 52: Cooper graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from the Quinnipiac University School of Law. She is currently Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of Stamford. Prior to this, she was Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of New Haven and directed all litigation brought against the city. She also worked as a litigation associate at Carmody and Torrance, LLP and other private firms, and practiced in various areas, such as asbestos litigation, employment law, and commercial litigation.

• Thomas J. O'Neill, 57: O’Neill graduated from Stonehill College and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Suffolk University Law School. He is currently a partner at Day Pitney LLP and a member of the firm’s Finance Probate and Commercial Litigation Business Unit and Pro Bono Committee. His practice focuses on a wide range of commercial and civil litigation matters in both state and federal courts, including landlord tenant disputes, foreclosures, lender liability, corporate ownership disputes, tort claims, and alleged unfair trade practices. Prior to this, he was a Victim Compensation Commissioner presiding over appeals from denials of applications for victim compensation.