Kevin Godbout construction law attorney New Haven CT

Kevin M. Godbout

Principal

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

Phone: 203.821.2000 | Fax: 203.821.2009

Practice Areas

Education

Quinnipiac University School of Law, J.D. with Honors
Colgate University, B.A.

Kevin M. Godbout has a broad range of experience in the practice of professional liability defense. He represents professionals involved in disputes both in and out of court. These professionals include attorneys, architects, engineers, land surveyors, and accountants. He also represents businesses and individuals involved in commercial disputes. Kevin has significant experience resolving complex disputes through mediation.

Kevin is recognized by Super Lawyers and named to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list since 2016. Both honors are in the practice area of Professional Liability: Defense. He has been rated AV-Preeminent by his peers through Martindale-Hubbell.

Kevin graduated from Colgate University in 1990 and received his law degree, with honors, from Quinnipiac University School of Law in 1994. While in law school he served as a Notes & Comments Editor on the Law Review and was awarded the American Jurisprudence Award for Trial Practice. Kevin is admitted to practice in Connecticut and New York. He is a member of the Connecticut and New Haven County Bar associations and the Construction Law Section of the Connecticut Bar Association.

Connecticut Bar Association
- Construction Law Section
New Haven County Bar Association

Connecticut Super Lawyers, Professional Liability: Defense, 2016-Present
Martindale-Hubbell AV-Preeminent
American Jurisprudence Award in Trial Practice
Quinnipiac Law Review, Notes & Comments Editor

Connecticut Bar Association Construction Law Section, Presentation on Connecticut Supreme Court Construction Law Decision, October, 2019

“Practical Professional Services Contract Considerations for Engineers,” American Society of Civil Engineers, elearning webinar, June, 2017

In March 2016, Attorney Godbout obtained the dismissal of all claims against an accountant client in a complaint filed against the client with the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy. The Board had considered charges of, among other things, failure to return client records, failure to maintain confidentiality of client information, engaging in actions reflecting adversely on the profession of public accountancy and negligence in the filing of tax returns. The entire complaint was dismissed.
In March 2015, Attorney Godbout, serving as lead trial counsel, received an American Arbitration Association Arbitration Award in favor of an architect client. The principal claim was for $1,000,000 in design related defects concerning a commercial recreational facility open to the public. The case was tried over more than 10 hearing days on the record. The Arbitrator found for the architect on all design and professional services related claims. (Claimants were awarded a low five figure amount for a matter separate from the quality and sufficiency of the architect’s work on the project.) The Award was confirmed by the Superior Court over the objection of the owner/design builder claimants.
In November 2015, Attorney Godbout obtained a summary judgment dismissal of all claims against attorney clients based upon the absolute immunity doctrine. The claims arose from our clients’ involvement in litigation proceedings. (The plaintiff has an appeal pending.)

Biography

Professional Memberships

Connecticut Bar Association
- Construction Law Section
New Haven County Bar Association

Honors & Awards

Connecticut Super Lawyers, Professional Liability: Defense, 2016-Present
Martindale-Hubbell AV-Preeminent
American Jurisprudence Award in Trial Practice
Quinnipiac Law Review, Notes & Comments Editor

Speaking Engagements

Connecticut Bar Association Construction Law Section, Presentation on Connecticut Supreme Court Construction Law Decision, October, 2019

Classes & Seminars

“Practical Professional Services Contract Considerations for Engineers,” American Society of Civil Engineers, elearning webinar, June, 2017

Representative Cases

In March 2016, Attorney Godbout obtained the dismissal of all claims against an accountant client in a complaint filed against the client with the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy. The Board had considered charges of, among other things, failure to return client records, failure to maintain confidentiality of client information, engaging in actions reflecting adversely on the profession of public accountancy and negligence in the filing of tax returns. The entire complaint was dismissed.
In March 2015, Attorney Godbout, serving as lead trial counsel, received an American Arbitration Association Arbitration Award in favor of an architect client. The principal claim was for $1,000,000 in design related defects concerning a commercial recreational facility open to the public. The case was tried over more than 10 hearing days on the record. The Arbitrator found for the architect on all design and professional services related claims. (Claimants were awarded a low five figure amount for a matter separate from the quality and sufficiency of the architect’s work on the project.) The Award was confirmed by the Superior Court over the objection of the owner/design builder claimants.
In November 2015, Attorney Godbout obtained a summary judgment dismissal of all claims against attorney clients based upon the absolute immunity doctrine. The claims arose from our clients’ involvement in litigation proceedings. (The plaintiff has an appeal pending.)

Bar Admissions

Connecticut
New York
U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut
U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit