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Bruce A Chamberlain

Divorce and separation Attorney at New London, CT

4.7   16 reviews

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About Bruce

Learn Bruce’s areas of practice.

For more than 35 years, attorney Bruce A. Chamberlain has been helping people in Connecticut through divorce and other family law cases. With his extensive experience and his compassion, attorney Bruce strives to make family law matters as smooth as possible. He is a skilled negotiator, but is prepared to take cases to trial when that is in a client's best interests.

Licensed for 38 years
State CT
Status Active
Acquired 1984
Updated 01/30/2023

Contact Bruce

Bruce A.Chamberlain
400 Bayonet St Ste 102
New London, CT, 06320-2600

Reviews

4.7 / 5.0
  16 customer reviews
Posted by KL | April 14, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great job!
Bruce is a very thorough and meticulous attorney. He would always respond via email or phone call immediately and try to offer Help when needed. He has a good understanding of the laws, and is very efficient.
Posted by Joan | April 6, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very professional
Extremely happy with Attorney Chamberlain and his staff. Detail oriented and caring during a stressful time in my life.
Posted by Marty | February 13, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Handled a Tough Divorce - Great Advice!
My wife had decided that she no longer wanted to be a wife or mother, but her attorney was using custody of the child as a bargaining chip. Atty Chamberlain correctly figured out that my ex wanted cash, and would trade custody and alimony to get more up front. It was painful having to mortgage my house again to get the cash, but it was the best advice I ever got. Within a year I had gotten 2 promotions, 3 raises, and 2 large bonuses at work. That more than covered the settlement. Smart thinking by a smart lawyer!
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Posted by Russ | February 6, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Winning a tough case
Attorney Chamberlain did a GREAT job for me in my custody battle with my exwife. I live in Massachusetts but my case was in Connecticut. He did a wonderful job of returning calls and going back and forth with emails and text messages. But after a year and a half he won the case for me making myself and my daughter VERY happy.
Posted by Tabatha fish | January 30, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Custody case
Wonderful lawyer best decision I've ever made with hiring an attorney he helped me get my daughter back and receive custody. I would recommend him to anyone who would ever need help in a custody battle!
Posted by Kimberly | November 22, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wonderful lawyer and person
Mr. Chamberlain is a wonderful attorney and person. He represented me in a child relocation post divorce case. In the court room when the other attorney was acting irate, Mr. Chamberlain kept his cool and proved the facts. Mr. Chamberlain was very compassionate and understanding with my financial situation and helped me out in ways no one else will. If you want to win your case hire Mr. Chamberlain.
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Posted by anonymous | October 5, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
custody client 2015
Custody case with a happy ending I hired Bruce Chamberlain for a custody case. He was very professional in handling our case since we lived in another state it was alot of emails and phone calls which were returned promptly he was very understanding and caring about the situation .I would highly recommend Mr Chamberlain. We will be forever grateful for all the hard work he put into the case
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Posted by anonymous | August 5, 2015
Highly Recommended
Mr. Chamberlain was instrumental in making sure that my situation was handled correctly despite several unusual circumstances. He was very responsive when I had questions and gave good counsel during very stressful times. He was very focused in making sure that my children and I were able to remain in our house and start working toward their future in a stable and secure environment.
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Posted by Carl | June 3, 2015
Family Reunification
I hold Attorney Bruce Chamberlain in my highest regard. His legal acumen is at the upmost level and he embodies the highest of ethical standards. I am indebted to Mr. Chamberlain for the diligence he applied to my challenging case. I am grateful to Mr. Chamberlain for achieving extraordinary results for me.
Posted by anonymous | April 12, 2015
Civil case client
Hired attorney Chamberlain several months ago for my civil case and the working relationship has been excellent, he listens to my input, researches all topics , keeps me up to date with how the case is proceeding and responses to my emails quickly and straight to the point. His staff is friendly and billing is always correct. Nothing but good things to say about attorney Bruce Chamberlain
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Posted by Levi | November 12, 2014
Family Law Excellence
I first hired Bruce in 2007 to help me navigate divorce proceedings. My only regret was not following all of his advice, the eventual outcome was favorable and I was able to attend to the limited actions telephonically for a number of years. After some changes in judicial policy eliminated telephonic hearings for family court I contacted Attorney Chamberlain’s office again after a 5 year hiatus and within no time Bruce had reviewed the case and filed motions on my behalf that resulted in another favorable ruling, at minimal expense. His expertise and timeliness have significantly contributed to my personal piece of mind!
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Posted by anonymous | May 2, 2014
Excellent Service
The staff was very excellent. I never had an issue with the attorney, Billing was always accurate, and the secretary's were always nice and had a smile on their faces.
Posted by anonymous | March 10, 2014
Difficult custody and support case...with a happy ending...
I hired Attorney Chamberlain for a very difficult custody and visitation matter which involved a restraining order against my son's father. We prevailed and won on all counts. He was really knowledgeable about the law and very comfortable in the court room. I was surprised that so many lawyers seemed uncomfortable in front of a judge, but Bruce was not. He also seemed to have good relationships with the other attorneys...they seemed to respect him quite a bit. The system is very frustrating....and overwhelming but....his office staff were also really supportive. I recommend him all the time...
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Posted by anonymous | March 7, 2014
Very helpful lawyer and reasonably priced
This attorney was very helpful and knew all aspects of the law...he always got back to me in a timely manner and did not charge me for telephone calls if they were brief...he gave me solid advice and I have recommended him to other people who have been very satisfied with his services...I felt very confident with him in the courtroom representing me...I hope I never have the need for an attorney again, but if I do, he will be the one I will hire...
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Posted by Lisa | April 13, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Not easily flapped
Came to Bruce Chamberlain after poor representation by a high-profile law firm. Tragically, opposing counsel has his own financial benefit in mind: false motions, false sanctions, untruths shouted in court, unprofessional conduct in violation of this profession, suppressing facts/disclosures, so many dirty tricks, driving up the time and cost of divorce. Even so, Trial started in February 2017, and is ongoing. This complicated divorce is not over, but I've got to hand it to Attorney Chamberlain, he hasn't quit on me and he hasn't lied to me. Moreover, facts previous counsel failed on are being revealed and represented by him. Attorney Bruce Chamberlain has a conscience; truly a rare commodity today. Will write another review once the Trial is over.
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Posted by Lionel | April 2, 2015
Danger Will Robinson!!!!
Do not believe his mantra "cares about fathers rights". He represented me 10 years ago and let loose a financial tornado called my ex-wife on my credit. It only took me 18 months to be compelled to file for bankruptcy protection. He was never my advocate didn't counsel on getting marital property out of my name nor getting a realistic assessment. As a result the ex gets a house worth 350k and I get 0. Stay away! All you prospective ex-husbands!
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Response from Bruce Chamberlain March 24, 2017
I do not avoid difficult cases. The judge makes the ultimate decision. The judges are generally good people and very fair. They do not do property splits awarding everything to one spouse. But the judge does award good behavior in the marriage. I can not control what someone did before they came to my office.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 325-325 per hour
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.4 (Superb)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2010.

Reprimand issued in CT, 2010
updated on 03/24/2017

A reprimand is an order from the Statewide Grievance Committee after it has found that an attorney has engaged in ethical misconduct. If an attorney receives more than 3 reprimands in 5 years, a presentment must be filed against the attorney so the Superior Court can decide if more serious discipline should be ordered.

Bruce's comment: “This involved an administrative error providing a copy of pleadings to opposing counsel in the time limitation. I accept responsibility for staff errors .”

Reprimand issued in CT, 2007
updated on 03/24/2017

A reprimand is an order from the Statewide Grievance Committee after it has found that an attorney has engaged in ethical misconduct. If an attorney receives more than 3 reprimands in 5 years, a presentment must be filed against the attorney so the Superior Court can decide if more serious discipline should be ordered.

Bruce's comment: “This involved the fee agreement being unclear whether a client was to be represented for his contempt of a court order. the fee agreement was clarified”

Reprimand issued in CT, 1988
updated on 03/24/2017

A reprimand is an order from the Statewide Grievance Committee after it has found that an attorney has engaged in ethical misconduct. If an attorney receives more than 3 reprimands in 5 years, a presentment must be filed against the attorney so the Superior Court can decide if more serious discipline should be ordered.

Bruce's comment: “This involved a client not wanting to pay for representation but still wanted free legal services. An effort to get out of the case led to the complaint”

Work Experience

  • Owner
  • Bruce A. Chamberlain
  • 1992 - Present
  • Partner
  • Vile & Chamberlain
  • 1986 - Present

Education

  • Rutgers University Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1984
  • University of Connecticut
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1981

Legal Cases

  • Lehrer v Davis
  • won

Associations

  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • Connecticut Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1984 - Present
  • New London County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1984 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • English

Speaking Engagements

  • Connecticut Bar Association
  • Child Support Software Usage
  • 2021
  • Connecticut Bar Association
  • Case Flash Updates
  • 2021
  • Connecticut Bar Association
  • Child Support Guidelines
  • 2021
  • Connecticut Bar Association
  • Family Court Process
  • 2021
  • Connecticut Bar Association
  • Court Process Updates
  • 2021
  • Connecticut Bar Association
  • Ethics in Technology
  • 2021
  • Connecticut Bar Association
  • Military Retirement Benefits
  • 2021
  • Connecticut Bar Association
  • Elder Family Law
  • 2021
  • Connecticut Bar Association
  • Art & Law of Surveillance
  • 2021
  • Connecticut Bar Association
  • CT BAR Assoc Case Updates
  • 2021
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (7)
Given (20)
Endorse Bruce
Family Attorney | Feb 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Bruce for years. He is very respectful and understands the nuances of family (custody and divorce) laws in Connecticut. I have had many cases with Bruce, and he has been a pleasure to work with."
Family Attorney | Feb 20
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have had many cases involving Attorney Chamberlain over the last decade. Given Attorney Chamberlain’s many years’ experience, he negotiates a fair result for his clients, and is willing to use his experience in litigation if necessary. He is both practical and compassionate."
Family Attorney | Feb 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have referred many complicated Family related matters to Attorney Chamberlain because he has the trial experience to skillfully advocate before a Judge while simultaneously handling his clients with compassion and practicality."
Family Attorney | Feb 20
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Chamberlain is not only competent and conscientious, but he is compassionate. I have had several cases opposing Attorney Chamberlain and he is a skilled negotiator but also a capable litigator."
Federal regulation Attorney | Feb 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer.I have known Bruce Chamberlain for 30 years and I have found him to be a very conscientious and hard working attorney for his clients. He is a senior family lawyer in all matters of divorce and child custody. He has a wealth of experience which he brings to any separation, divorce or child custody case. I would recommend him to you."
Family Attorney | Feb 07
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked on many cases over the years in which attorney Chamberlain represented the opposing party. He is well familiar with family law, is an attorney of great integrity who works aggressively and efficiently on behalf of clients"
Family Attorney | Feb 04
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Bruce Chamberlain is an excellent, experienced family law practitioner and a good person. I would recommend Bruce in a heartbeat!"
View more endorsements
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Avvo Contributions

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New London Divorce and separation Lawyer Bruce A Chamberlain
Bruce A Chamberlain
Divorce and separation Attorney
New London, CT
Licensed for 38 years