Richard J. (RJ) Meehan

Richard J. (RJ) Meehan

Contact Me

203-333-1888

Practice Areas

Family Law

Civil Litigation

Criminal Defense

Biography

Richard Meehan (“RJ”) is a seasoned trial attorney specializing in matrimonial law, criminal defense, and civil litigation. Alongside Attorney Michael Meehan, RJ has developed a niche practice focused on navigating complex, hybrid cases at the intersection of family law and criminal law. Recognized for his refined strategy and tactical precision, RJ excels at managing matters of an emergent nature, carefully balancing the intricate overlap between criminal and family proceedings to ensure favorable outcomes across both areas.

RJ earned his law degree with honors from Suffolk University Law School in 2019, where he served as an Article Editor on the Suffolk University Law Review. This prestigious role sharpened his research, writing, and analytical skills, further enhancing his ability to construct compelling arguments and navigate complex legal matters with precision.

In 2023, RJ completed the Kolodny Trial Skills Course at the National Family Law Trial Institute, earning a certification from one of the most rigorous and highly regarded trial advocacy programs in the country. This intensive eight-day program provided advanced skills training in every aspect of family law litigation, from opening statements to closing arguments. RJ gained hands-on experience through individualized training exercises and critiques from experienced family law litigators, with exercises digitally recorded for private one-on-one evaluations. The program culminated in a full trial conducted in technology-equipped courtrooms, enhancing RJ’s ability to excel in high-pressure litigation scenarios.

RJ is particularly proficient in handling emergency matters such as applications for emergency ex parte orders of custody. Known for his ability to hit the ground running and act fast, RJ excels at synthesizing vast amounts of information into precise, relevant arguments, pleadings, and strategies in minimal time. His efficiency and precision in urgent situations provide clients with a significant advantage, especially when time-sensitive issues arise.

With extensive trial litigation experience, RJ has successfully tried cases on his own, demonstrating a high level of competence and confidence in the courtroom. His litigation skills extend to handling numerous temporary restraining order cases, where he has represented clients both in defending against and prosecuting claims for civil protective orders. This experience is invaluable in cases where allegations of domestic violence or applications for relief from abuse intersect with ongoing family law matters.

In matrimonial law, RJ is renowned for his expertise in high-asset marital estate division, addressing complex issues such as business evaluations, custody disputes, termination of parental rights, child support, alimony, and equitable asset distribution. He collaborates extensively with experts in custody and psychological evaluations, forensic accounting, digital forensics, and e-Discovery.

RJ has played a pivotal role in high-profile cases involving electronically stored information (ESI) and the presentation of digital evidence. Amid the evolving legal landscape following COVID-19, he managed Connecticut’s first virtual divorce trial, overseeing more than 1,200 digital exhibits using TrialPad and Microsoft Teams. His skill in acquiring, preserving, and presenting ESI is a critical asset in both matrimonial and criminal contexts, particularly as digital evidence becomes increasingly essential in modern litigation. RJ co-authored a white paper on ESI management, presented at the 2022 AAML and BVR National Divorce Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

RJ’s criminal defense experience spans a broad spectrum of cases, including misdemeanors, felonies, DUIs, restraining orders, and diversionary programs such as the pretrial impaired driving intervention program and the accelerated pretrial rehabilitation program. His expertise in criminal law provides a strategic advantage in family law cases involving companion criminal matters, such as domestic violence or applications for relief from abuse. Practicing with a deep awareness of how actions in one domain may impact the other, RJ ensures his approach is both comprehensive and meticulously calculated.

RJ’s multifaceted expertise, refined strategy, and commitment to excellence continue to drive his success in providing clients with comprehensive legal representation across a broad spectrum of complex legal matters. His ability to swiftly assess complex scenarios and develop powerful, tailored legal strategies makes him a trusted advocate for clients facing urgent, high-stakes situations.

 

Bar Admissions

  • Connecticut
  • Massachusetts

 

Professional Associations

  • International Honor Society of Phi Delta Phi, Member, Present
  • Boston Bar Association, Member, Present
  • Fairfield County Bar Association, Member, Present
  • Greater Bridgeport Bar Association, Member, Present