"My client's goals become my goals; I make it personal and that's how I get the job done in a timely, professional, and economical manner."

James Perito is proud to be a “dirt lawyer” and has focused his practice in real estate development, environmental and land use permitting, commercial lending, and municipal law. Over the course of thirty+ years, he has represented commercial lenders, borrowers, and developers in a variety of commercial transactions, real estate, and leasing matters across the State of Connecticut, and specifically in the Greater New Haven area.

This experience in land use planning, including zoning, subdivision, tidal, and inland wetlands and traffic permitting before federal, state, and municipal agencies enables Jim to bring a depth of knowledge and interconnectivity to his clients’ projects, guiding their developments to fruition. Coupled with a deep understanding of Transfer Act issues and commercial lending, Jim can find the best route to completing unique and difficult real estate transactions.

Jim represents municipalities in tax assessment appeals and land use appeals. He has served as Town Attorney for the Town of Woodbridge and as a Special Master in the New Haven Judicial District for tax assessment appeals pertaining to commercial and residential matters. These experiences add greater depth to his understanding of his clients’ needs in transactions and lending.

During economic downturns, Jim has represented commercial lenders and the FDIC in prosecuting foreclosures, collections, and work-outs of troubled loans, giving him a sound perspective on how documents in commercial lending and transactions are tested in litigation.

The passion Jim brings to his clients’ issues extends to his community involvement as well. He is a Branford Rotarian, having served as President and Chairman of the Branford Rotary Foundation. As current Chair of the Government Affairs Committee of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, he ensures that business concerns are heard by elected officials. He has served as a Director of the Branford Community Foundation and Chair of its Community Investment Committee and currently serves on the board of the Branford Festival Corporation.

Jim’s accomplishments have been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® since 2007 for Real Estate law; Litigation: Real Estate; and Litigation: Land Use and Zoning. He has also been recognized by Super Lawyers® in the areas of Real Estate: Business; State, Local & Municipal; Land Use/Zoning; and Banking since 2015. He has earned an AV rating from the peer-reviewed legal directory, Martindale-Hubbell.