Benjamin S Trachten

I Focus on clients and their issues in a practical and goal oriented way. I aim for a particular outcome based on what the client requires. Sometimes that’s money. Sometimes it’s “other”, like a town approval or a tenant out of their unit.

My goal is always to resolve matters to my client's full satisfaction in a timely manner, within the bounds of what the law allows. Whether that is through negotiation, or litgation, or some other alternative, I have the experience to guide my clients to successful resolutions of their matters, or to connect them with other professionals who can do so. As a (relatively) young and social lawyer, I am active in the community and have developed a network of trusted, qualified legal professionals (lawyers, outside paralegals, legal advisors) who handle matters that I do not. I also have a deep network of other professionals like realtors, banks, accountants, investment advisors, non traditional funders, mortgage originators, inspectors, surveyors and environmental consultants that I work with on a regular basis who treat my clients respectfully. These personal relationships make a big difference in cost, quality, and outcome.  

I also have the wonderful asset of working with my father and his 50 plus years of experience, so when I have a question, I can always consult with him. I hope to continue the tradition of excelence that my father has delivered for over half a century.

Lastly, I am deeply committed to my City, New Haven. (I love Connecticut and all it’s towns and cities too but New Haven is my #1) I have lived here for 38 years and have no intention of ever leaving. Through the zoning work I do I want to shape the physical future of New Haven for the better. Particularly, I support responsible development without unnecessary oversight or interference by anyone or anything that shouldn’t get the opportunity to erect barriers in the way of someone trying to better this City. I support the vested rights of land owners and the logical extension of those deeply important rights; development, full use, minimal interference, and so much more.

I have learned that much of being good at a job, any job, is having the personal connections with all the people that influence the outcome of a matter.  At this point in my career, I think I have those relationships in place and have earned the trust from the people I interact with regularly. I aim to grow these relationships every time I meet someone new and I think it’s working. I have contact with true decision makers in government and politics and use those relationships to the benefit of my clients without apology. I maintain these relationships in a deeply honorable and appropriate way in full compliance with legal requirements and ethical standards. But I think my honesty and openness with those in “power” makes me a credible and believable partner and I expect the same honesty and integrity from my clients.