Ex-judge Droney rejoins Hartford’s Day Pitney

Photo | Contributed Christopher F. Droney has been rehired by Hartford law firm Day Pitney LLP

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By Joe Cooper

Christopher F. Droney, a retired federal judge and former West Hartford mayor, has been rehired by Hartford law firm Day Pitney LLP.

Day Pitney, one of Greater Hartford’s largest law firms, on Thursday announced Droney, a former judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, is rejoining the firm where he started his legal career as an associate years ago.

Droney’s practice at Day Pitney, part of its litigation unit and appellate practice group, will focus on complex litigation at both state and federal levels. He will also represent clients in white-collar defense, and governmental and internal investigations, the firm said.

“Judge Droney’s unique combination of experience as a trial and appellate jurist for more than two decades and as a former U.S. Attorney will significantly benefit our clients and enhance our deep team of talented lawyers,” said Day Pitney Managing Partner Tom Goldberg.

Droney is the second Connecticut jurist to join the Hartford firm in the last two years.

In Feb. 2018, Day Pitney announced Chase T. Rogers, a retired chief justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court, joined the firm’s Hartford office as a partner in its litigation department and as a member of the appellate practice group.

Droney was appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals by President Barack Obama in late 2011, and served eight years in the position.

Prior to his appointment, Droney served as Connecticut’s U.S. district judge for 14 years. He also previously served as the U.S Attorney for the District of Connecticut from 1993 to 1997 and was West Hartford’s mayor from 1985 to 1989.

During his tenure on the federal appellate and trial bench, Droney presided over numerous trials and appeals, and authored opinions on constitutional issues, securities litigation, employment matters and criminal law and procedure.

Droney as U.S. Attorney oversaw a number of criminal investigations such as grand jury matters, and was a member of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys.

The 65-year-old earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross, of Worcester, Mass., and a law degree from the UConn School of Law.

In 2019, Day Pitney was one of three of Greater Hartford’s largest law firms that celebrated its 100th year in operation.