Szilagyi, Frank J.

Since 2001, Mr. Szilagyi has earned an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating.  A Martindale-Hubbell rating serves as an objective indicator of a lawyer’s ethical standards and legal ability and is based upon peer review.  It signifies preeminent legal skills and adherence to professional standards of conduct and ethics, reliability, diligence and other criteria relevant to the discharge of a lawyer’s professional responsibilities.

Since 2009, Mr. Szilagyi has been a member of The International Society of Primerus Law Firms and the Primerus Defense Institute.  The International Society of Primerus Law Firms was created to uphold the highest ideals of the legal profession by seeking out and inviting only the very best attorneys and law firms for membership.  Mr. Szilagyi submitted to, and passed, a rigorous evaluation which includes candid assessments from judges, fellow lawyers, current and former clients, bar associations, and insurance carriers.  As a member of The International Society of Primerus Law Firms and the Primerus Defense Institute, Mr. Szilagyi has demonstrated a commitment to Integrity, Excellent Work Product, Reasonable Fees, Continuing Legal Education, Civility, and Community Service.  In 2015 Mr. Szilagyi was appointed the Chairman of the Continuing Legal Education program for the Primerus Defense Institute’s Convocation presented in April 2015 at Amelia Island, Florida.   Mr. Szilagyi presently serves as the Vice Chair to the Primerus Defense Institute’s Executive Committee.

Mr. Szilagyi was selected as a member of the Council on Litigation Management in 2011.  Membership is upon recommendation of the Advisory Board and in recognition of the highest ethical standards, integrity, accomplishment in the profession of law and adherence to the canons, ethical considerations, and disciplinary rules of the model code of professional conduct.

In 2015 Mr. Szilagyi was elected to membership in the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, an elite, invitation only organization.  The FDCC was founded in 1936 and is dedicated to the principles of knowledge, justice and fellowship.  For nearly 80 years, the hand-picked members of the FDCC have been national leaders in the courthouse and in-house.  The Admissions Committee makes inquiries to plaintiff and defense lawyers, peers and judges in each candidate’s locale during the vetting process.  Only those attorneys who are “above and beyond” in legal ability and professionalism are invited to join the FDCC.  Mr. Szilagyi is a member of the FDCC’s Trial Tactics Committee. 

In 2014, 2015 and 2016 Mr. Szilagyi was selected to the Connecticut and New England Super Lawyers list.

Mr. Szilagyi is a member of the Hartford County Bar Association, Connecticut Defense Lawyers Association, Defense Research Institute and a former member of the Oliver Ellsworth Inn of Court.  Mr. Szilagyi is a member of DRI’s Trial Tactics Committee and served as its State of Connecticut Liaison.  He was also a part of the committee that planned the Damages Seminar offered in March 2010 and 2011.  Mr. Szilagyi is a member of DRI’s Governmental Liability Committee and served as its Second Circuit liaison.  Mr. Szilagyi is also a member of DRI’s Products Liability Committee and the Professional Liability Underwriters Society (“PLUS”).  Mr. Szilagyi has been invited to speak on a variety of topics of interest to both claims professionals and attorneys both domestically and internationally.

Mr. Szilagyi’s practice is concentrated in the areas of civil litigation and the trial of civil matters.  Mr. Szilagyi has extensive experience defending claims in the area of professional liability, liquor liability and Dram Shop claims, premises liability claims, discrimination, contractor liability, product liability, fire claims, property and general tort liability claims, as well as the defense of automobile, trucking and under insured motorist claims.   Mr. Szilagyi has defended many claims brought against public entities, including civil rights and constitutional claims brought against police officers, housing providers and teachers.  Mr. Szilagyi also handles a variety of litigation matters for public housing authorities in Connecticut, including discrimination claims.   

Mr. Szilagyi has extensive experience in both bench and jury trials in the state and federal courts in Connecticut, successfully trying numerous cases to verdict.  He also has extensive experience representing parties before various administrative agencies, in mediation, and in arbitration.  Mr. Szilagyi has represented major corporations, municipalities, small and large businesses, unions, and individuals in numerous civil hearings, trials, arbitration hearings and also in mediation.  Mr. Szilagyi has also successfully appeared and argued before the Connecticut Supreme Court, the Appellate Court of the State of Connecticut and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. 

Since 2006 Mr. Szilagyi served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Institute for the Blind d/b/a Oak Hill located in Hartford, Connecticut.  Oak Hill is Connecticut’s largest nonprofit provider of services to the disabled.  Oak Hill sets the standard in helping people with disabilities experience rich, fulfilling lives in Hartford and in communities throughout Connecticut.  From 2011 to 2015, he served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors.   He is proficient in Hungarian and served as the President of the Hungarian Club of Hartford from 1992 to 1996.  Mr. Szilagyi is married, has three children and lives in West Hartford.