Verna Lilburn

I became an attorney in 1991 as the next step in my lifelong dedication to advocating for others. During the years preceding my legal career, I learned to appreciate individual differences and to understand that behavior must be viewed within the context of one's circumstances.  I also learned that people are capable of learning, growing and dealing with a complex court system if they have strong representation.

Before I practiced law, I was a reading consultant in middle and high school for ten years in affluent suburbs of New York City. Before I was a reading consultant, I taught fourth grade school children who were economically challenged.  I entered law school after earning a Master's degree in Psychology of School Subjects from the Teacher's College, Columbia University and a Sixth Year Certificate in Public School Administration from Fairfield University. After I became an attorney, I taught various courses including Legal Research, Family Law, Civil Procedure, and Education Law. in the legal Studies program at the University of New Haven for 11 years. I am now the Chair of the Advisory Board for that program. My experience as a teacher at all levels has enabled me to appreciate the value of an excellent education and to work toward improving the education of others.

My experiences as a wife, mother and grandmother in a close-knit family have helped me to work toward achieving collaboration with others. I strive to resolve cases without litigation, if possible, and have been successful in reaching settlements. If my client and I choose to litigate, we do so thoughtfully and thoroughly. Preparation is essential and important.

We understand the role of family in achieving personal happiness. We also understand the pain experienced by those whose family structure has been altered.