Cummings & Lockwood

On the "Lawyers Near Me" platform, we proudly feature Cummings & Lockwood LLC, a venerable law firm with a rich history spanning over a century since its founding in 1909. Located at 6 Landmark Square, Stamford, CT 06901, USA, with direct contact available at (203) 327-1700 or +1 203-327-1700, Cummings & Lockwood has established itself as a preeminent firm offering sophisticated legal counsel to a diverse clientele, including high-net-worth individuals, families, family offices, closely held businesses, charitable entities, and other commercial enterprises.

Cummings & Lockwood maintains a significant presence across Connecticut, with additional offices in Greenwich and West Hartford, and has also expanded its reach to Florida with offices in Naples, Bonita Springs, and Palm Beach Gardens. This expansive network underscores the firm's broad capabilities and its commitment to serving clients regionally and even nationally, reflecting its status as one of the largest trusts and estates practices in the United States. With nearly 100 attorneys and fiduciary accountants, the firm leverages extensive experience, advanced technology, and comprehensive resources to deliver a wide array of legal services.

The environment at Cummings & Lockwood is built upon a foundation of professional excellence, partner-level attention, and responsive client service. The firm's long-standing success and client loyalty, with some relationships dating back to its inception, speak volumes about its commitment to building meaningful and lasting relationships. They prioritize an exceptional client experience, ensuring that individuals and businesses feel heard, understood, and valued. The firm prides itself on providing personalized service, characterized by a deep understanding of each client's unique circumstances, immediate family, business dynamics, and long-term aspirations. This client-centric approach is designed to foster confidence and trust, making complex legal landscapes more navigable and less daunting for their clients. The firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion also suggests a workplace that values varying perspectives and experiences, which can contribute to a more comprehensive and empathetic approach to client issues.

Cummings & Lockwood offers a comprehensive suite of legal services, categorized into four main practice groups:

• Private Clients Group / Trusts and Estates: This is one of the firm's most renowned areas of expertise, recognized nationally for its depth and breadth. Services include:
  • Estate Planning and Administration: Crafting strategies to ensure assets pass as intended in a tax-efficient manner.
  • Wealth Protection Planning: Innovative solutions to preserve and enhance wealth across generations.
  • Estate, Income, and Gift Tax Planning: Navigating complex tax landscapes to protect resources.
  • Trust Formation and Management: Establishing and managing various types of trusts.
  • Executor and Trustee Services: Providing guidance and support for fiduciaries.
  • Charitable Planning and Philanthropic Giving: Assisting clients in leaving a philanthropic legacy and structuring charitable contributions.
  • Probate and Estate Settlement: Guiding clients through the legal process of settling an estate.
  • Trusts and Estates Litigation: Handling disputes related to wills, trusts, and estate administration, including will contests, fiduciary removal proceedings, and contested accountings. Many of their private clients attorneys are Fellows in the prestigious American College of Trusts and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), signifying top-tier expertise in this field.
• Corporate & Finance Group: This group provides sophisticated legal counsel to emerging, middle-market, and Fortune 500 companies, as well as financial institutions. Services include:
  • Corporate Governance: Advising on best practices for corporate management and compliance.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions: Guiding clients through complex transactions.
  • Equity Financing, Loan Transactions, and Financings: Assisting with capital raising and debt arrangements.
  • Partnerships, LLCs, LLPs, and Joint Ventures: Formation and ongoing representation for various business structures.
  • Investment Management: Legal advice for investment funds and managers.
  • Business Succession Planning: Strategizing for the smooth transition of closely held businesses.
• Litigation Group: The firm's litigation practice handles a wide range of complex disputes for both private and commercial clients, including:
  • Business and Commercial Litigation: Resolving disagreements arising from business operations and transactions.
  • Real Property and Environmental Litigation: Addressing disputes related to real estate and environmental regulations.
  • Bankruptcy and Creditors' Rights: Representing creditors in insolvency proceedings.
  • Employment Litigation: Handling disputes between employers and employees.
  • Tax Controversy and Litigation: Representing clients in tax disputes with government authorities.
  • Fiduciary and Probate Litigation: As mentioned above, a specialized area within the trusts and estates practice.
  • Asbestos Defense/Toxic Torts/Product Liability Litigation: Defending clients against claims related to toxic exposures and defective products.
• Commercial and Residential Real Estate Group: This group assists clients with all aspects of real estate, from acquisition to development and leasing. Services include:
  • Commercial Real Estate Development, Sales, and Acquisitions.
  • Commercial Real Estate Leasing and Financing.
  • Residential Real Estate transactions.

A notable feature of Cummings & Lockwood is its holistic approach, where attorneys from different practice groups often collaborate. For instance, private clients and commercial lawyers regularly work together to provide entity planning, business succession planning, tax guidance, and litigation support to privately-owned businesses of all sizes. This integrated service ensures that clients receive comprehensive solutions tailored to their unique needs, often assisting with matters they may not have initially considered.

Promotional information for Cummings & Lockwood consistently highlights its century-plus legacy of service and its numerous professional recognitions. The firm and its attorneys are regularly lauded by prestigious legal publications and organizations. For example, in 2025, 41 of their attorneys were recognized by Best Lawyers® in America, including 31 in "The Best Lawyers in America®," 8 as "Ones to Watch®," and 2 as "Lawyer of the Year." The firm's trusts and estates practice in Connecticut has consistently received top-tier rankings from Chambers High Net Worth Guide for nine consecutive years. These accolades demonstrate the firm's consistent high-quality legal work and its standing as a leader in the legal community. The firm also publishes articles and FAQs on estate planning and other legal topics, showcasing their thought leadership and commitment to educating clients and advisors. While the provided customer reviews include a contrasting experience, with one client expressing disappointment regarding an estate plan drafted by John Musicaro, and another commending Attorney Dan Johnson for retrieving old files and providing assistance free of charge for a partnership formation, these individual experiences offer differing perspectives on client interaction. However, the firm's overall professional accolades and longevity suggest a strong institutional commitment to excellence and client service.