Michael Koskoff - Renowned Attorney And Westport Resident - Dies

WESTPORT, CT — Michael Koskoff, one of Connecticut's most celebrated civil rights attorneys, died Wednesday morning at age 77. The Greenwich Time writes that the Westport resident died following a long illness and was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.

He was a senior partner at the Bridgeport law firm Koskoff, Koskoff and Bieder, which marked his passing with a tribute on the firm's website:

It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of a dear friend, colleague and mentor. Michael P. Koskoff spent his entire career working to thwart injustice, stop corporate and governmental abuse, and give a strong voice to the disenfranchised.

From his early days defending the Black Panthers alongside his father, the late Theodore Koskoff, to more recently representing victims of the Sandy Hook massacre with his son, Josh, Michael always put obtaining justice for his clients above all else.

A screenplay he wrote with his son, Jacob, became an acclaimed major motion picture. The movie, Marshall, revolved around a case early in the career of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and highlighted racial injustice.

Among many high-profile cases, Michael, a trial lawyer since 1966, worked with African-American police and fire organizations to increase representation of minorities in public safety. He was lead counsel in a class action against Connecticut for illegal wiretapping and won record-setting verdicts on behalf of victims of medical malpractice.

For those of us who were privileged to work with Michael on a daily basis, he was a constant source of inspiration – and creative approaches to complex issues. His energy, optimism, and courage will be missed by us all.

Arrangements are being handled by the Abraham L. Green and Son Funeral Home, and services are scheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday at Temple Israel in Westport.