Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C.

05/15/2026

Attorney Jane Ballerini and Nicole Alvarado, who is currently interning with our firm, had a wonderful evening celebrating the work of Dress for Success, which is empowering women to achieve economic mobility by providing a global network of support, workplace attire, and development tools for success. The food was delicious and the company great!

05/12/2026

Attorneys Sarah N. Smeriglio and Michael J. O’Sullivan recently obtained judgement in a matter involving the breach of a home improvement contract. Two residential homeowners were wronged by a contractor hired to complete home improvements at their residences. The homeowners provided the contractor with significant down payments and advances before the contractor absconded with their funds, leaving the job unfinished.

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Attorneys Sarah N. Smeriglio and Michael J. O'Sullivan obtained judgement in a matter involving the breach of a home improvement contract.

05/07/2026

Jane E. Ballerini, principal with the firm, just started her tenure as Regional/State Chair for the American College of Mortgage Attorneys (ACMA). She attended ACMA’s Spring Meeting in The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This working conference brought together leading professionals in mortgage law to discuss key issues for the practice of mortgage law and initiatives for the organization. During the event, Jane also met up with Greg Cava, principal with the Cava Law Firm, LLC, where they joined other colleagues to network and share best practices.

05/07/2026

Teamwork makes the dream work. Attorneys Greg Pepe, Marc Miller, Derek Mello, and Bill Sherman joined colleagues at the firm to serve a luncheon catered by Nica's Market LLC in our New Haven Office and Emily’s Catering Group in Hartford, thanking team members for their hard work.

05/05/2026

Attorney James S. Brownstein recently completed closings for two properties, each case demonstrating his ability to address complex legal issues while balancing the needs of all parties involved to achieve results that pleased both of his clients.

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Attorney James S. Brownstein demonstrated his ability to address complex legal issues while balancing the needs of all parties involved to achieve results that pleased his clients.

04/28/2026

Looking forward to Attorney Chris Picard’s participation on ALFN’s upcoming panel discussion, exploring how to effectively defend against Fair Debt Collection Practices Act claims from both law firm and servicer perspectives, while breaking down relevant case law from across the country and its practical application. Chris and his fellow panelists will review the fundamentals of the act before exchanging views on key provisions, common violations, and best practices for maintaining compliance.

Registration is available on the event calendar at www.alfn.org.

03/13/2026

Recently, Connecticut College hosted 26 teams from 15 regional colleges in four rounds of oral advocacy competition during one of 23 American Mock Trial Association (AMTA)-sponsored Regional Competitions. By the end of the weekend, the top six teams earned bids to advance to the next tournament round. Connecticut College Mock Trial reports that the number of judges and teams competing made this year’s event the most successful yet for Connecticut College.

Among the more than 60 judges volunteering to support the students were Attorneys Derek Mello and Amy Smith from Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C., who were both impressed and inspired by the skills demonstrated by the students.

“As members of the Bar, we are committed to supporting the civic education of our next generation of attorneys and leaders. Derek and I enjoyed encouraging and mentoring the students as they demonstrated critical thinking and public speaking skills that will contribute to their success, whether they become lawyers or choose another profession.”

For approximately 700 mock trial teams each year, the Regional Competitions across the United States are the student advocates’ first stop on the way to the AMTA’s Annual National Championship Tournament, to be held this year in Washington, D.C. in April. The American Mock Trial Association serves as the governing body for intercollegiate mock trial competition.

02/06/2026

As tools like online meetings empower us with new ways of working together, it’s important to recognize the value of traditional tools, including in-person networking events. Attorney Greg Pepe supported VCF’s inaugural Valley Professional Advisors Network dinner at Il Palio Restaurant in Shelton as co-host and member of the Valley Community Foundation board.

“Nights like this remind you why community matters. Advisors who might not otherwise cross paths were sitting together, talking shop, sharing ideas, and all agreeing on one thing -- that a Valley-based professional advisor network is long overdue.”

Read more in the current issue of Legacy Matters, the VCF’s newsletter. https://stdidcfgnhprod.blob.core.windows.net/valleyfoundation/documents/newsletters/VCF_Newsletter_Winter_2025-FINAL-stacked.pdf

01/20/2026

Attorney Chris Picard will join fellow speakers in the ALFN Advocacy Committee Webinar: Navigating CFPB Changes: State Responses and Industry Impact, taking place on Thursday, January 22.

The webinar discussion will focus on the rapidly evolving financial landscape and the regulations shaping it to equip participants with the knowledge and strategies needed to stay ahead in a time of transition.

With ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)—including reduced funding and workforce reductions—states are stepping in to “fill the gaps” left by a diminished federal presence. This session will explore:

• State-level responses to CFPB changes and their regulatory impact
• Implications for the default servicing industry
• Practical insights for legal professionals, servicers, and regulators navigating this shifting terrain

12/31/2025

Wishing everyone a healthy and happy 2026!