James D. Funnell, Jr

Welcome to Lawyers Near Me, your dedicated platform for connecting with highly qualified legal professionals within your local community. Today, we are pleased to introduce you to James D. Funnell, Jr., an attorney whose practice is firmly rooted in Westport, CT, and extends to clients throughout Fairfield County and beyond. For individuals and families facing the complexities of estate planning, particularly those involving special needs, finding a lawyer with both profound knowledge and a compassionate approach is essential. This introduction aims to provide a comprehensive and objective overview of James D. Funnell, Jr.'s legal services, expertise, and public perception, drawing from available information and client testimonials.

James D. Funnell, Jr.'s office is located at 19 Ludlow Rd #101, Westport, CT 06880, USA. This accessible location in Westport allows him to serve clients effectively within the local community. For direct contact, his phone number is (203) 226-6552, and his mobile phone is +1 203-226-6552. These contact points offer convenient ways for prospective clients to reach out for inquiries or to schedule consultations.

Based on the provided client reviews and public records, James D. Funnell, Jr. specializes primarily in trusts and estates, with a significant and highly praised focus on special needs planning. His practice is specifically limited to trusts and estates planning, special needs planning for family members with disabilities, and trusts and estates administration. This dedicated specialization means he brings a deep level of expertise to these intricate areas of law. Clients consistently highlight his knowledge and patience in explaining complex concepts, particularly concerning "special needs trusts." This area of law is notoriously complicated, involving the careful structuring of assets to ensure financial security for individuals with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for public benefits. His ability to "walk us through repeatedly" underscores a valuable teaching approach, ensuring clients fully understand the implications of their legal decisions.

James D. Funnell, Jr. is a Principal at Brody Wilkinson PC, a firm with a strong presence in the region, known for its trusts and estates practice. He has been admitted to practice in Connecticut for over thirty-five years and is also admitted in Texas. His extensive experience is further evidenced by his Martindale-Hubbell AV-rating, a peer review rating signifying the highest level of professional excellence. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), a prestigious invitation-only organization of leading trust and estate lawyers. Furthermore, he is a member of the Executive Committee of the Connecticut Bar Association's Estates and Probate Section and has served as editor-in-chief of their Notes & Commentary, a continuing legal education publication. He has been recognized as a "Connecticut Super Lawyer" in estate planning and probate tax since 2006 and has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the field of trusts and estates since 2018. These accolades are a testament to his high standing within the legal community and his recognized expertise.

The environment of Westport, CT, is generally affluent and family-oriented, often leading to complex estate planning needs, including those for special needs. The community frequently seeks sophisticated legal counsel for wealth preservation, intergenerational transfers, and charitable giving. An attorney with James D. Funnell, Jr.'s background is exceptionally well-suited to navigate these local demands, understanding the nuances of high-net-worth estate planning while providing specialized knowledge for families with special needs members.

In terms of services, James D. Funnell, Jr. provides comprehensive legal support in:

• Estate Planning: Crafting wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and advanced healthcare directives tailored to individual and family goals.
• Special Needs Planning: This is a core area of his practice, focusing on establishing and administering special needs trusts (SNTs) to provide for disabled individuals without affecting their eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This includes understanding ABLE accounts and other financial tools for individuals with disabilities.
• Trusts and Estates Administration: Guiding executors and trustees through the complex process of administering estates and trusts, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and beneficiaries' interests. This can involve probate court actions and fiduciary advice.
• Charitable Giving and Private Foundations: Assisting clients with philanthropic endeavors, including the establishment and administration of charitable trusts and private foundations.

His deep involvement with organizations like PLAN of Connecticut, a charitable organization that acts as trustee of special needs trusts, further underscores his commitment to serving the special needs community. He serves on their Board of Directors and is a member of its Trust Committee, demonstrating practical, hands-on experience and dedication to the field beyond just legal drafting.

The features that set James D. Funnell, Jr. apart, as highlighted by client testimonials, are his intelligence, extensive knowledge, and remarkable patience. The repeated emphasis on his patience in explaining "so freaking complicated" concepts speaks to his pedagogical approach and his ability to break down highly technical information into understandable terms. This is particularly crucial in areas like special needs trusts where the stakes are high and understanding every detail is vital for clients. His clients clearly feel understood and supported, which is a significant factor when dealing with such sensitive and personal legal matters. His reputation as a "wonderful person to boot" further indicates a strong client-attorney relationship built on trust and personal connection.

Regarding promotional information, the glowing client reviews serve as powerful endorsements. The fact that the same positive feedback, verbatim, is provided twice, indicates the strength and consistency of these positive experiences. The keywords "smart," "knowledgeable," and "patient" are direct reflections of his professional strengths and client satisfaction. While specific advertising campaigns are not provided, his extensive publications on special needs trust planning, including a chapter in "Irrevocable Trusts 4th," and his frequent speaking engagements to legal professionals (including probate court judges) and community groups (like NAMI and PLAN of CT) act as significant promotional efforts, solidifying his status as a thought leader in his field. Being consistently named a "Super Lawyer" and included in "Best Lawyers in America" further elevates his professional standing and serves as a strong recommendation.

In conclusion, James D. Funnell, Jr. is an exceptionally qualified and highly regarded attorney based at 19 Ludlow Rd #101, Westport, CT. With phone numbers (203) 226-6552 and +1 203-226-6552, he offers specialized legal services in trusts and estates, with a particular expertise in the complex area of special needs trusts. His deep knowledge, extensive experience, numerous professional accolades, and a patient, client-focused approach, as attested by glowing client reviews, make him an outstanding choice for individuals and families in Westport and surrounding areas seeking sophisticated and compassionate legal guidance for their estate and special needs planning needs. His commitment to educating his clients and the broader community on these vital topics further solidifies his position as a leading expert in his field.