Atty. Michael A. Blanchard
Michael A. Blanchard is a Director who was admitted to practice before the Connecticut Bar in 1982, the Massachusetts Bar in 1985, and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Bar in 1992.
Profile Summary
About Michael A. Blanchard at a glance
Michael A. Blanchard is a criminal defense and white collar attorney based in New London, Connecticut, practicing at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law. They have 44+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1982. Admitted to practice in Connecticut (1982) and Massachusetts (1985). Educated at Western New England University (J.D., 1982) and Assumption College (B.A., 1979). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026). Serands clients in New London, CT and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Michael A. Blanchard is a Director who was admitted to practice before the Connecticut Bar in 1982, the Massachusetts Bar in 1985, and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Bar in 1992
- Attorney Blanchard received his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Mathematics from Assumption College in 1979 and his Juris Doctor from Western New England College School of Law in 1982
- His practice concentration is in criminal and family law
- In his criminal practice Attorney Blanchard has appeared in Part B (misdemeanor) and Part A (serious felony) courts throughout the state
- His diversified criminal cases have included murder, felony and misdemeanor assault, sexual assault, computer crimes, manslaughter and drunk driving defense
- Attorney Blanchard has assisted those accused of crimes and their families throughout his legal career
- Attorney Blanchard has testified as an expert witness concerning the standard of representation in criminal cases
- Attorney Blanchard's varied family practice has included fully contested custody cases, relocation issues and allegations involving both physical and sexual abuse of children
- He has served as a court appointed guardian ad litem representing children’s best interests in contested custody matters
- Attorney Blanchard has served as a Special Master in the Regional Family Trial Docket since its inception, teaming with child psychologists to conduct full day pre-trials in highly contested custody cases
- He has served as a Special Master in New London and Middlesex counties, conducting pre-trials in contested family matters
- Attorney Blanchard has been appointed and currently serves on the Family Commission, a committee dedicated to reviewing and revising practice book rules in the family law area
- Attorney Blanchard also served on The Child and Custody Matters Work Group, a committee organized to create and administer a training module for court appointed attorneys who represent minor children in contested custody cases
- Attorney Blanchard is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association, New London County Bar Association and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Bar Association
- He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Connecticut Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Attorney Blanchard is an appointed member of the Windham County Grievance Panel
- He is a member of the Labor & Employment and Sports and Entertainment law sections of the Connecticut Bar Association
- Since 2019, Attorney Blanchard has been recognized by Super Lawyers ® for his work in criminal defense
- no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected for this honor
- He was named to Best Lawyers in America 2023 Edition for Criminal Defense
- An Academic All-American and All-New England baseball player in college, he has coached numerous youth sports
- Attorney Blanchard has been inducted in the Athletic Hall of Fame at Assumption College
- He continues his involvement with young athletes as an advisor and agent
Practice Areas Explained
Michael A. Blanchard's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael A. Blanchard handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Michael A. Blanchard is one of 214,271 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Connecticut →
Michael A. Blanchard is one of 20,025 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in Connecticut →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Connecticut
Practicing law in Connecticut. Legal matters in Connecticut are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in New London are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Connecticut state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Connecticut brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Connecticut courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Connecticut attorneys? Browse all attorneys in New London or all attorneys in Connecticut.
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