James Berman

James Berman has more than four decades of experience representing diverse clients in bankruptcy matters, workouts, and related litigation. His work spans public and private companies, asset buyers and sellers, creditors’ committees, investors, and high-net-worth individuals, often guiding them through highly complex financial restructurings and disputes.

James earned his B.A. from Yale University in 1977, followed by his J.D. from the University of Connecticut Law School in 1981. Early in his career, he clerked for the Hon. Alan H.W. Shiff, United States Bankruptcy Judge for the District of Connecticut, which gave him valuable insight into the judicial process in bankruptcy law.

James has led significant Chapter 11 reorganizations, including cases involving Derecktor Shipyards, The Fletcher-Terry Company, Pratt-Read Corp, Technipower Systems, SageCrest hedge funds, and Halo Technologies. His representation of creditors’ committees in the Johnson Memorial Hospital and Marathon nursing homes reorganizations achieved successful outcomes, benefiting stakeholders.

James also serves as an independent fiduciary, pursuing recoveries for fraud victims, including his role as Chapter 7 Trustee for the estates tied to the Michael Goldberg Ponzi scheme. His experience extends to defending clients against claims involving fraud and statutory violations, as well as managing Section 363 sales of distressed businesses.

James is a long-standing member of the American Bar Association and the Connecticut Bar Association’s Commercial Law & Bankruptcy Section, where he previously served as Chair. His contributions include serving on the Committee for Revision of Connecticut Bankruptcy Rules and lecturing for organizations such as the American Bankruptcy Institute.

James Berman has been recognized for his professional excellence with repeated listings in The Best Lawyers in America® and Connecticut Super Lawyers, along with multiple “Lawyer of the Year” honors. His AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell reflects the respect he has earned from peers for his legal ability and ethical standards.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Zeisler & Zeisler, P.C.
• Member, Connecticut Bar Association (Commercial Law & Bankruptcy Section)
• Member, American Bar Association
• Former Chair, Connecticut Bar Association (Commercial Law & Bankruptcy Section)
• Member, Greater Bridgeport Bar Association

Licensed State

• Connecticut

Education

• University of Connecticut Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Yale University
  Bachelor of Arts

Awards & Badges