CONTACT
Civil litigation attorney New Haven CT

Derek Mello

Counsel

195 Church Street, 13th Floor, New Haven, CT 06510

Phone: 203.821.2000 | Fax: 203.821.2009

Education

  • George Washington University Law School, J.D.
  • Fairfield University, B.A.
Biography

Derek Mello is an experienced litigator whose primary practice focuses on the defense of civil suits on behalf of individuals, insureds, and self-insured entities.  His practice includes the defense of motor vehicle liability, premises liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist matters, construction liability and general liability.  Additionally, Derek represents various businesses and commercial entities in contract formation and disputes.  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, Derek 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. He has represented multiple common interest ownership associations (condominiums and co-op associations).  He has also represented clients in landlord/tenant cases, workers’ compensation, and real estate transactions.

Professional Memberships
  • Connecticut Bar Association
  • Connecticut Defense Lawyers Association
Representative Cases
  • Victor v. Cascio, FBT-CV-19-6090400, 2021 Conn. Super. LEXIS 1814, October 27, 2021 (defendant’s motion for summary judgment granted in automobile liability case)
  • 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