A. Paul Spinella

A. Paul Spinella is a Hartford attorney at Spinella Law, whose practice focuses on criminal trial and appellate defense. He represents clients in white collar and violent criminal matters from pretrial proceedings through trial, and he handles criminal appeals and post-conviction habeas corpus matters. His practice includes civil rights claims involving police, government, and corporate conduct, along with complex civil damage cases involving negligence, professional malpractice, product defects, personal injury, and wrongful death.

Spinella graduated from Trinity College and the University of Connecticut Law School. During law school, he served as an associate editor of the Law Review and participated on the National Moot Court Team. He later served as a law clerk to a federal district judge. These academic and judicial experiences preceded a practice centered on courtroom advocacy, criminal procedure, appellate work, and complex civil litigation in Connecticut state and federal matters.

Spinella previously worked as a partner in charge of litigation at a prominent Connecticut firm, where his work included representing insurers. He later developed a plaintiffs-based practice while continuing substantial criminal defense work. He is the author of a Connecticut Criminal Procedure textbook and has lectured on criminal law and procedure. His experience spans trial preparation, courtroom advocacy, appellate review, post-conviction challenges, civil rights litigation, and significant civil claims involving personal and professional injuries.

A. Paul Spinella has served in the Connecticut Bar Association House of Delegates and on executive committees addressing civil rights, criminal justice, and professional responsibility. His professional affiliations include the Hartford County Bar Association, Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association. His practice brings together criminal defense, appellate advocacy, civil rights work, and complex civil litigation, with a sustained emphasis on trial strategy and procedural issues.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Spinella & Associates
• Member, Connecticut Bar Association
• Former Chair, Lawyer’s Assistance Task Force, Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Member (serves on the Scholarship Fund), Hartford Bar Association
• Lifetime Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association

Licensed State

• Connecticut

Awards & Badges