James R. Byrne

James R. Byrne is a principal in the Litigation Department with a practice centered on commercial litigation, creditors’ rights, and banking matters. He represents financial institutions and lenders in complex loan workouts, foreclosures, bankruptcies, and negotiable instrument disputes. James also assists businesses with contract conflicts, ownership disagreements, and a wide range of commercial disputes.

James earned his B.A., magna cum laude, in Psychology from Boston University in 1990. He later received his J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1994. His academic background built a strong base for analyzing financial conflicts and resolving complicated legal matters with clarity and focus.

James is admitted to practice in the State of Connecticut and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He is also admitted to the U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut, the U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the United States Supreme Court, and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court.

James has significant experience guiding lenders through restructuring efforts and complex commercial loan disputes. He works on foreclosures, bankruptcies, and check fraud cases, helping clients protect their financial interests. In addition, he represents municipalities and private property owners in property valuation and tax appeal matters.

James is a trained civil mediator and serves as an approved member of the Panel of Volunteer Mediators for the Hartford Bankruptcy Court. He has authored and presented materials for the Connecticut Bankers Association on Service of Process, the Connecticut Sub-Prime Mortgage Relief Legislation of 2008, and the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005.

James R. Byrne continues to represent financial institutions, lenders, businesses, and property owners in complex disputes. Through careful preparation and practical strategy, James works to resolve matters efficiently while protecting his clients’ legal and financial interests.

Law Office Affiliations

• Principal, Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Connecticut Bar Association, Creditors’ Rights Committee, Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee
• Member, Hartford County Bar Association, Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section and Connecticut Credit Abuse Resistance Education (“C.A.R.E.”) Program Subcommittee
• Member, Turnaround Management Association

Licensed State

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts

Education

• University of Connecticut, School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Boston University
  BA in Psychology, Magna Cum Laude

Awards & Badges