Jim Flaherty has practiced law in state and federal courts for 34 years. He limits his practice by choice to the area of family law, including dissolution proceedings, custody, and parenting disputes. He is a court-appointed judicial special master for the Family Regional Docket in Middletown and for the Judicial Districts of Hartford, New Britain, and Rockville. In that capacity, he volunteers his time to assist parties seeking mediated resolution. He is considered an innovative and determined trial lawyer, but explores every opportunity for mediated settlement. Before practicing law, Jim served six years as an officer in the U.S. Navy, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He also served a tour of duty at the Pentagon on the Secretary of the Navy Staff.