Michael P Carey

Attorney Carey is an experienced Connecticut attorney whose practice focuses on municipal law, land use law, zoning matters, and litigation. Since joining Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law in July 2000, he has represented numerous Connecticut municipalities, advising on complex legal issues involving land use regulations, municipal governance, zoning disputes, and the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Attorney Carey brings extensive experience in municipal legal representation, including three years serving as in-house Assistant Corporation Counsel for the Town of West Hartford. In that role, he provided legal counsel to the Town's elected and appointed officials, boards, commissions, and agencies, and handled all municipal land use litigation. He currently represents municipalities in a variety of municipal and land use matters.

Prior to joining Suisman Shapiro, Attorney Carey practiced for nearly 12 years with Brown, Jacobson in Norwich, Connecticut, where he served as a partner during his final seven years. His background provides substantial insight into the legal challenges facing Connecticut municipalities, particularly in land use planning, zoning enforcement, regulatory interpretation, and litigation.

A respected appellate advocate, Attorney Carey has successfully argued cases before the Connecticut Supreme Court and Connecticut Appellate Court. His notable appellate work includes:

• Groton v. Mardie Lane Homes (Connecticut Supreme Court, 2008): Briefed and argued a case addressing whether Connecticut General Statutes § 8-26c(c) required a municipality to call a bond to complete infrastructure improvements in a failed subdivision. The Court ruled that the Town was not required to do so.
• Groton Police Department v. Freedom of Information Commission (Connecticut Appellate Court, 2007): Addressed whether the statutory exemption protecting records of child abuse from public disclosure applied to records compiled by a municipal police department.
• Vitale v. Montville Zoning Board of Appeals (Connecticut Supreme Court, 2006): Contributed to a decision clarifying legal requirements for service of process in municipal zoning appeals.

Attorney Carey earned his undergraduate degree, cum laude, from the University of Rochester in 1977 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1980. He was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1980 and the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut in 1981. He is also admitted to practice before the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court and the Mohegan Gaming Disputes Court.

In addition to his legal practice, Attorney Carey serves on the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (seCTer), reflecting his ongoing involvement in regional economic development and community leadership.