Serving Clients in Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield and New Haven Counties
Francis Pennarola Photo

Francis G. Pennarola

Member
  • Profile
  • Credentials
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Bio

I represent business and business owners with all of their legal needs, ranging from establishing the appropriate legal entities to preparing LLC operating agreements and shareholder agreements, and providing help in preparing and reviewing contracts. I regularly represent buyers and sellers of businesses.

I serve as a director of several client companies as well as service as a director of the Housatonic Industrial Development Corporation, an SBA lender in Danbury.

As part of business representation, I handle employment law matters and prepare and review employment agreements for both business owners and key employees. I prepare nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements to protect secrets, as well as noncompetition agreements. I often act in the role of outside general counsel.

I advise business owners on succession planning, both for closely held companies and those with diverse ownership. This is often a collaborative effort with accountants and financial advisors. Our depth in the estate planning field is a valuable resource I draw on.

I research, prepare and prosecute trademark applications and interact with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on a regular basis. I represent applicants in USPTO Office Action and appear before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. I advise on trademark disputes and negotiate coexistence agreements for clients. I advise on copyright matters.

I represent medical practices, working on shareholder issues and employment agreements for physicians and other professionals.

I represent buyers and sellers of commercial real estate. I prepare, negotiate and review commercial leases.

I have experience with Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPS) and serve as an independent director.

Education

  • University of Connecticut School of Law, Hartford, Connecticut
    • J.D. 
    • Honors: cum laude
       
  • Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut
    • B.A. 
    • Honors: With Honors
    • Major: Government

Professional Associations

  • Connecticut Bar Association, Member
  • Danbury Bar Association, Member and past President
  • National Center for Employee Ownership, Member

Civic Involvement

  • 8 year member of the Newtown Legislative Council
  • 18 year member, Trustees of Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Association
  • Attorney trial referee and factfinder, Judicial District of Danbury

Bar Admissions

  • Connecticut
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 2nd Circuit
  • U.S. District Court District of Connecticut
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of New York