Since that time, Jeff has been an associate attorney at Gillis Law Firm, serving New Haven and surrounding areas with founding partners Joseph and Edward Gillis. Over the years, this boutique family-type firm has helped thousands of clients recover tens of millions of dollars with personalized service and legal expertise handling personal injury and workers' compensation cases.

One of the early signature moments in his law career came in Feb. 2010 when six workers were killed and over 50 others injured after a natural gas explosion at the Kleen Energy power plant in Middletown. The facility was under construction and an investigation determined unsafe work practices led to the disaster.

Jeff still lives in Madison and remembers hearing the explosion. He, like others, was profoundly affected by the loss of life, and the firm quickly dedicated its efforts to find justice for many of the victims and their families. While he somberly remembers the tragic circumstances, he's proud that they were able to help people forever affected by the incident.

Another thing Jeff is proud about is the firm's accessibility to its clients. Successful personal injury lawyers must be available at all times for people undergoing a crisis. While that has been more difficult to accomplish during the pandemic, Jeff has made it a point to continue face-to-face meetings with an emphasis on safety to protect everyone. "We really can't work from home. We have to be on the ground," he says.

Being accessible means his clients deal with him directly a majority of the time instead of with a paralegal or other support staff, even if that means coming in on a Saturday or Sunday. He, Ed and Joe understand that the nature of these cases, which often involve tragic events, require personalized attention. "When you hire us, you get us."

That's not to say that he doesn't have personal priorities as well. Jeff is the proud father of three young daughters, including twins. He spends as much time as possible with "the girls" bike-riding, kayaking and enjoying other outdoor activities and hobbies.

While his family remains his priority, Jeff believes his decision to become a lawyer is more of a calling. He feels a deep connection to the communities he's served for nearly two decades. Over time, some clients have become friends, which is one of the many rewards he has enjoyed.