South Windsor, CT

Mark D. Leighton

Mark D. Leighton is the founding, and senior partner of the firm of Leighton, Katz & Drapeau. He was admitted to practice in Connecticut in 1981 and Massachusetts in 1980. His practice consists primarily of representation of injured persons in both work and nonwork-related accidents. Attorney Leighton is a Board Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist and is the past Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the Connecticut Bar Association. Attorney Leighton has represented both plaintiffs and defendants over the course of his career, having previously been an attorney for an insurance company defense firm as well as a claim representative. He also worked for the Attorney General’s Office in Massachusetts. He received his Juris Doctorate from Western New England University, School of Law in Springfield, Massachusetts, and his Bachelor of Arts from Westfield State University in Westfield, Massachusetts. Attorney Leighton serves on a number of professional organizations, including the Connecticut Bar Association where, in addition to service as Chair, he served as Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Workers’ Compensation Section, and is a member of the Executive Committee. He currently serves as the Tolland County representative to the CBA House of Delegates. He is a member and past President of the Tolland County Bar Association. In addition, he is a member of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association. He has served on a number of town and civic organizations including the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance for the Town of Ellington where he and his wife resided for over 30 years. Attorney Leighton has authored articles including “Surveillance - Duty to Disclose” in the Compensation Quarterly. He has lectured to other attorneys in the areas of workers’ compensation and personal injury/workers’ compensation lawsuits. In addition, he has served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Connecticut, School of Law and Asnuntuck Community College.

Francis X. Drapeau

Francis X. Drapeau is a partner in the firm of Leighton, Katz & Drapeau. His practice consists primarily of representing claimants in the workers’ compensation forum and on appeal. Attorney Drapeau is a Board Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist. He has lectured on various workers’ compensation topics for both the Connecticut Bar Association and the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Drapeau received his B.A. degree from Fairfield University and his Juris Doctorate from Western New England College School of Law. He was admitted to practice in the State of Connecticut in 1991. He has been a contributor in both the Practice Tips and Point-Counterpoint sections of the Compensation Quarterly. He is a member of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the Connecticut Bar Association, the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, and the Tolland County Bar Association of which he is past President. He currently sits on the both the Executive Committee of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the Connecticut Bar Association and the Examining Committee for Board Certification as a Workers’ Compensation Specialist.

Michael B. Pollack

Attorney Michael Pollack, founder of the Law Office of Michael Pollack, LLC, practices personal injury and workers' compensation law in Connecticut. With over 31 years of experience, he is dedicated to protecting the rights of the injured, holding responsible parties accountable, and securing compensation. He has a track record of favorable outcomes in cases including motor vehicle accidents and premises liability. Michael Pollack provides personalized legal advice, aggressive advocacy, and focuses on achieving superior results for his clients.

Frank W. Russo

Frank W. Russo shares Jon Berman's personal approach to law, providing compassionate counseling and legal support to clients facing distress from car accidents, work injuries, or criminal charges. With over thirty years of experience, he leverages his relationships in courts, insurance companies, and healthcare providers to benefit clients, offering all options to help them make informed decisions.

Jon D. Berman

Jon D. Berman is the direct contact for injury cases at Berman & Russo. His extensive experience has led to millions in settlements and jury awards for thousands of Connecticut clients. He is known for his accessibility, clear communication, and dedication to helping vulnerable individuals navigate auto accidents, work injuries, or criminal charges. He has represented thousands of clients in Connecticut courts over 30 years, providing reassurance and strategic responses.

Scott A. Carta

Scott A. Carta is the current managing partner with the firm of Leighton, Katz & Drapeau. His practice consists almost exclusively of representing claimants/plaintiffs in workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. Mr. Carta is a Board Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist. Mr. Carta is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association, the Tolland County Bar Association, the Middlesex County Bar Association, and a member of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Carta’s article, “A Review of the Penalties Found in the Workers’ Compensation Act,” was featured in the Autumn, 2008 Edition of the Compensation Quarterly. Mr. Carta also authored an article entitled, “Ciarlelli v. Town of Hamden: A Clarifying Decision in Heart and Hypertension Law,” which can be found in the Early Fall, 2011 Edition of the Compensation Quarterly. He is also on the Editorial Board of the Compensation Quarterly. Mr. Carta received his B.A. from the University of Connecticut in 1996 and his J.D. from the University of Connecticut, School of Law in 1999. He was admitted to practice of law in the State of Connecticut in 1999.

James L. Katz

James L. Katz is a partner at Leighton, Katz & Drapeau, LLC, concentrating in family law. He has been involved in thousands of cases and served as trial counsel in various Connecticut state courts, representing diverse parties including children. He is a Special Master in the Connecticut family law court mediation system and a private mediator. He is trained and experienced in collaborative divorce. Previously, he was President of the Tolland County Lawyers’ Association and a family law instructor at Manchester Community College. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Connecticut. He is a member of the Connecticut Federal Bar, the Tolland County Bar, the Family Law Division of the Connecticut Bar Association, and Collaborative Divorce Professionals.