195 Church Street, 13th Floor, New Haven, CT 06510
Phone: 203.821.2000 | Fax: 203.821.2009
Practice Areas
Education
- George Washington University Law School, J.D.
- Fairfield University, B.A.
Biography
Derek Mello is an experienced litigator whose practice focuses on motor vehicle liability, premises liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist matters, construction liability and general liability defense matters. He handles cases at all stages of litigation, including case intake and assessment, managing discovery, preparing and arguing dispositive motions, and attendance at a variety of court hearings and court conferences. Within premises liability matters, he has handled slip-and-fall cases, staircase accidents, defective sidewalks, fire incidents, and dog bites. Derek has also successfully represented clients at numerous mediations, arbitrations, court trials, and jury trials. Derek has represented multiple common interest ownership associations (condominiums and coop co-op associations). He has also represented clients in landlord/tenant cases, workers’ compensation, and real estate transactions.
Derek served as a legal research clerk with the Connecticut Superior Court. In this role, Derek assisted trial judges in connection with research and writing numerous court decisions. He is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association. He is admitted to practice in Connecticut, Washington D.C. and Virginia, as well as the Federal District Court for the District of Connecticut.
Professional Memberships
- Connecticut Bar Association
- Connecticut Defense Lawyers Association
Representative Cases
- DaSilva v. Penarosario, 2023 Jury Verdicts LEXIS 60432, HHD-CV-21-6145226, May 2, 2023 (defense verdict in vehicle versus pedestrian accident)
- Cornelio v. Liberty Mutual, et al, MMX-CV-21-6032829, May 21, 2024 (defendant’s motion for summary judgment granted)
- Rodrguez v. Samar, HHD-CV-22-6155288, May 9, 2024 (defendant’s motion for summary judgment granted in premises liability case)
Bar Admissions
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Virginia
- Federal District Court, District of Connecticut