To understand my story, one must first understand the story of the underdog.
The underdog is invariably met with challenges that far exceed those faced by others. The underdog is overlooked, never given a real shot at success. No one believes in the underdog, because the odds are never in the underdog’s favor. The underdog is supposed to lose.
I was the underdog.
I ran away from home when I was 15 years old, and slept in all kinds of different places for years while I grew up way too quickly in the streets of Bridgeport, Connecticut. I was a high school dropout and an 18-year old father, who made some pretty stupid decisions in order to get through my teenage years.
I refused to lose. I worked hard and received a GED. I attended Housatonic Community College, and ultimately graduated from Quinnipiac University on a full time schedule while raising two little ones and working a full time job. I grinded through law school and on November 2, 2015, I became a member of the Connecticut Bar as a lawyer. I won.
I still am the underdog, and I fight like hell. My duty as a lawyer is to bring that fight to each and every case, because my clients, whether they are accused of being a criminal, have had their lives destroyed by the illegal actions of law enforcement, have been unlawfully discriminated against by an employer or state actor, or have been seriously injured by the negligence of others, are underdogs too. I know that story, because it’s my story.
Very few professions allow one the honor of doing good in the world by protecting others who are being disrespected, dishonored, and disenfranchised. The practice of law literally gives me a license to play defense against an opposition with way too much power, way too many resources, and not nearly enough compassion. I take tremendous pride in my work, and the personal and professional fulfillment that it brings.
My family is the center of my universe. Because of them, I strive to be the best partner and father I can be. I draw inspiration daily from the love I have for my fiancé and my kids, and it allows me to do some of my very best work. My clients are sons and daughters, husbands and wives, loved ones to many people. I understand each and every case beyond the legal principles involved, by embracing the humanity of the person I represent.
Practice areas
6 years, 100 cases
Languages spoken
Spanish
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CT | Active | 2015 | 02/25/2021 |
Legal answers | 10 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
New Leaders of the Law | Connecticut Law Tribune | 2019 |
Tulane Law School Moot Court Oralist Award | Tulane Law School | 2015 |
CALI Award- Street Law Clinic | University of Connecticut School of Law | 2014 |
CALI Award - Legislative Law Clinic | University of Connecticut School of Law | 2014 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Associate | Ruane Attorneys At Law | 2015 - Present |
Law Clerk | United States Department Of Justice In Washington, D.C. | 2014 - 2014 |
Legal Intern | Connecticut Commission On Human Rights & Opportunities | 2014 - 2014 |
Superior Court Law Clerk | Judicial Branch Of Connecticut | 2013 - 2013 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association | Member | 2018 - Present |
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2018 - Present |
Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association | Member | 2015 - Present |
Connecticut Bar Association | Member | 2015 - Present |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Connecticut School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2015 |
Quinnipiac University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2010 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Continuing Legal Education | What Every Civil Lawyer Needs to Know About Criminal Court | 2019 |
Continuing Legal Education | What Every Family Lawyer Needs to Know About Criminal Court | 2019 |
Criminal Litigation Seminar | A Primer on Domestic Violence Laws, Programs, and Collateral Consequence | 2019 |
UConn Law Diversity Week Panel Discussion | Prosecutors v. Defenders: Who Can Change the System? | 2018 |
UConn Law Diversity Week Panel Discussion | Socioeconomics and the Law | 2016 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Marquis Jackson v. Commissioner of Correction | On May 2, 2018, after 19 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, Mr. Jackson's case was dismissed and he was released from prison after new evidence was discovered that exonerated him. |
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Isaias Pedraza, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 21, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker
Attorney Lage has been an amazing, thoughtful, caring, and competent lawyer since the first day we began working together. His honesty and integrity in the profession knows no bounds and he is more than willing to give 110% to his clients and in all the work he does. To date, I have worked with him for almost three years, and without question I know I can rely on him for anything and I can trust that he will always do the best possible work imaginable.
Michael Pellin, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 8, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Dan is a great guy and even better attorney. When a former client came to me looking for DUI defense, I did not hesitate before referring him to Atty Lage.