AttorneyNorm Pattis
Pattis & Smith, LLC
383 Orange Street, New Haven, Connecticut, 06511
Fearless Defender of Civil Liberties
Norm Pattis is a Connecticut-based civil rights and criminal defense attorney with decades of experience challenging government overreach, police misconduct, and constitutional violations. He founded Pattis & Smith, LLC, where he has built a reputation as one of the most aggressive and outspoken litigators in the Northeast, unafraid to take on law enforcement agencies, municipalities, and government officials in high-stakes federal and state court proceedings.
Throughout his career, Pattis has represented clients in civil rights cases under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, pursuing claims of excessive force, false arrest, malicious prosecution, and unlawful detention against police officers and the municipalities that employ them. He has litigated cases before the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut and has appeared in courts across the region, consistently advocating for individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated by those sworn to protect them.
Pattis is also a prolific author and commentator on civil liberties and criminal justice issues, having written books including 'Taking Back the Courts' and 'In the Trenches,' which offer candid perspectives on the American legal system. His blog and media presence have made him a prominent voice on issues of police accountability, due process, and the rights of the accused, further amplifying his advocacy beyond the courtroom.
Known for his willingness to take on controversial and difficult cases, Pattis has represented clients across a wide spectrum of civil rights matters, earning a reputation for tenacity and courtroom skill. His firm continues to serve clients throughout Connecticut and surrounding areas, focusing on cases where individuals face the full power of the state and need vigorous, experienced representation to level the playing field.
Notable Results
- Long history of securing six- and seven-figure results in police brutality and wrongful arrest cases
- Currently leading multiple 2026 federal Section 1983 filings against Connecticut municipalities for civil rights deprivations
Key Characteristics
- Has litigated civil rights cases under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against police officers and municipalities across Connecticut and the broader Northeast region.
- Authored multiple books on civil liberties and the American justice system, establishing himself as a nationally recognized commentator on police accountability and constitutional rights.
- Has represented clients in high-profile and controversial civil rights matters, demonstrating a consistent willingness to challenge law enforcement and government entities regardless of public pressure.
- Maintains an active presence in federal court, regularly appearing before the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut in cases involving constitutional violations by government actors.
- Founded and leads Pattis & Smith, LLC, a firm built on aggressive representation of individuals whose rights have been violated by those in positions of governmental authority.