Hartford is home to a wide array of prominent employers, offering extensive opportunities for legal professionals. Known as the “Insurance Capital of the World,” the city is a hub for major insurance companies, law firms, and corporations that demand specialized legal expertise. In addition to the insurance sector, Hartford’s economy includes robust healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing industries, all of which provide substantial legal opportunities. For lawyers looking to secure positions with top employers, working with a legal recruiter can enhance their chances of finding the right fit in this competitive market.
Biggest Law Firms in Hartford
- Day Pitney LLP: Founded in 2007 through the merger of two historic firms—Day, Berry & Howard and Pitney Hardin—Day Pitney LLP is a prominent Am Law 200 firm with over 300 attorneys across multiple offices. The firm is well-known for its work in estate planning, corporate law, and complex litigation, serving a range of clients from Fortune 500 companies to high-net-worth individuals. With a strong focus on client service, Day Pitney has been recognized for its deep industry knowledge in energy, healthcare, and insurance.
- Robinson & Cole LLP: Established in 1845, Robinson & Cole LLP is one of Hartford’s oldest and most respected law firms. With over 200 attorneys, the firm has a broad reach across the East Coast, focusing on areas like environmental law, insurance, real estate, and business litigation. The firm is known for representing large corporations and government entities, including notable work on public infrastructure projects. Robinson & Cole is highly regarded for its commitment to diversity and inclusion within the legal industry.
- Shipman & Goodwin LLP: Shipman & Goodwin LLP has been a staple in Hartford since its founding in 1919. The firm employs over 170 attorneys, offering a full spectrum of legal services with a focus on education, healthcare, and public sector law. They have worked on high-profile cases for public institutions and private companies alike. Shipman & Goodwin is also recognized for its strong litigation practice and its role in shaping educational policy across Connecticut.
- Halloran & Sage LLP: Founded in 1935, Halloran & Sage LLP is a full-service law firm with around 100 attorneys spread across multiple offices in Connecticut and Washington, D.C. Known for its litigation expertise, the firm also provides comprehensive services in corporate law, insurance defense, and healthcare. Halloran & Sage has built a solid reputation for handling complex cases involving governmental entities, including significant municipal and land-use cases.
- Murtha Cullina LLP: Since its founding in 1936, Murtha Cullina LLP has grown to become one of the most prominent law firms in Hartford, with over 100 attorneys across six offices in the Northeast. The firm is known for its work in healthcare, environmental law, and commercial litigation. Murtha Cullina has a strong corporate practice, representing businesses in mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, and labor and employment law. They are also recognized for their pro bono work and commitment to the community.
- Pullman & Comley LLC: Established in 1919, Pullman & Comley LLC is a leading Connecticut firm with a team of more than 90 attorneys across several locations. The firm has notable expertise in areas like real estate, corporate law, and public finance. Pullman & Comley is well-regarded for its work with municipalities, handling cases involving environmental issues, labor relations, and bond issuances. The firm’s litigation group is known for its success in complex commercial disputes and insurance defense.
- McCarter & English LLP: Although based in Newark, New Jersey, McCarter & English LLP has a significant presence in Hartford. Founded in 1844, this Am Law 200 firm employs over 400 attorneys across its regional offices. The Hartford office focuses on intellectual property, product liability, and insurance law, representing a wide range of clients from Fortune 500 companies to emerging startups. The firm’s long-standing history includes landmark cases in patent law and large-scale commercial litigation.
- Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP: Formed through the merger of two historic Connecticut firms, Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP operates with over 75 attorneys across several offices. The firm is known for its work in business law, labor and employment, and litigation. Carmody has represented clients in high-profile construction disputes and corporate transactions. The firm is also recognized for its strong ties to the local business community and involvement in various civic and charitable organizations.
- Brown Rudnick LLP: Brown Rudnick LLP is an Am Law 200 firm with more than 250 attorneys spread across the U.S. and Europe. Known for its high-stakes litigation, bankruptcy, and corporate practice, Brown Rudnick has represented clients in some of the most complex cases, including significant international arbitrations and corporate restructurings. With its Hartford office, the firm leverages its global reach to serve clients in industries like energy, healthcare, and technology. The firm’s commitment to innovation and client-focused solutions has earned it multiple accolades.
- Hinckley Allen & Snyder LLP: Established in 1906, Hinckley Allen & Snyder LLP is a full-service law firm with a strong presence in Hartford. With over 150 attorneys, the firm has a notable focus on construction law, healthcare, and litigation. Hinckley Allen has represented clients in large-scale infrastructure projects, government contracts, and complex commercial disputes. The firm’s collaborative culture and client-first approach have led to its recognition as one of the top regional law firms in the Northeast.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Hartford is home to several large companies that employ in-house legal teams, offering diverse opportunities for attorneys. Navigating these competitive roles often requires working with a legal recruiter, as these positions are highly sought after and may not always be publicly advertised. Below are some of the biggest companies employing lawyers in Hartford, each with unique legal needs tied to their respective industries.
- The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.: Founded in 1810, The Hartford is a Fortune 500 company and a major player in the insurance and financial services industries. Employing over 18,000 people, the company requires significant legal support to handle regulatory compliance, litigation, and corporate transactions. Its legal team works on high-profile insurance cases and corporate governance matters, making it one of the largest employers of legal professionals in the region.
- Aetna Inc.: Founded in 1853, Aetna, now a subsidiary of CVS Health, employs a large team of lawyers to oversee its operations within the healthcare and insurance sectors. With a workforce of over 47,000 employees, the legal department addresses issues ranging from healthcare compliance to litigation and mergers. Aetna’s in-house lawyers often work on complex regulatory matters involving health policy and insurance law.
- Pratt & Whitney: As a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies, Pratt & Whitney is one of the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers, employing over 40,000 people. Its in-house legal team handles matters related to intellectual property, contract law, government contracting, and international trade. With its deep involvement in defense contracts and cutting-edge technology, Pratt & Whitney offers legal professionals the chance to work on high-stakes and innovative cases.
- Travelers Companies, Inc.: Travelers is a major insurance company headquartered in Hartford, with roots dating back to 1853. Known for its wide range of insurance products, the company employs a significant legal team to handle its litigation, regulatory compliance, and contract negotiations. With over 30,000 employees, the legal department is tasked with managing claims-related disputes, industry regulations, and complex commercial contracts.
- Stanley Black & Decker: Founded in 1843, Stanley Black & Decker is a global provider of tools, security solutions, and industrial equipment. The company’s legal team supports various divisions, including intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, and international trade. With over 60,000 employees worldwide, Stanley Black & Decker’s in-house legal team offers lawyers the chance to handle complex global transactions and compliance issues.
- Eversource Energy: Eversource Energy is New England’s largest energy company, serving millions of customers across multiple states. Headquartered in Hartford, the company employs legal professionals to manage its regulatory compliance, environmental law, and corporate governance. With its work in renewable energy projects and public utility regulations, Eversource provides opportunities for lawyers interested in energy law and sustainability issues.
- United Technologies Corporation (UTC): Now part of Raytheon Technologies, UTC has long been a major employer in Hartford. Known for its role in aerospace and building technologies, UTC’s legal team focuses on intellectual property, compliance with international trade laws, and government contracting. The complexity and global nature of its work make UTC one of the most prestigious companies for in-house legal careers in the region.
- Cigna: Founded in 1792, Cigna is a global health service company with operations in over 30 countries and a workforce of 74,000 employees. The legal department supports a variety of functions, from health law compliance to managing litigation and corporate acquisitions. Cigna’s attorneys often work on high-profile cases involving healthcare reform, mergers, and regulatory issues, making it a major employer for lawyers in Hartford.
- Otis Elevator Company: A division of United Technologies until 2020, Otis is now a standalone company headquartered in Farmington, near Hartford. With more than 69,000 employees, Otis is the world’s leading elevator and escalator manufacturer. Its legal team focuses on intellectual property, corporate governance, and international business transactions, offering attorneys a chance to work on innovative projects and complex global contracts.
- Connecticut Children’s Medical Center: Connecticut Children’s Medical Center is one of the top pediatric healthcare providers in the region, employing over 2,500 people. The in-house legal team focuses on healthcare law, patient rights, and compliance with federal and state healthcare regulations. With its commitment to providing specialized care, Connecticut Children’s provides a unique opportunity for lawyers interested in health law and hospital operations.
