Richard M. Dighello
Connecticut
Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.
Goodwin Square
225 Asylum Street - 20th Floor
Hartford, CT 06103
Tel: 860.548.2633
Email:
rdighello@uks.com
Web:
www.uks.com
Richard M. Dighello, Jr. is a Shareholder with Updike, Kelly & Spellacy and Chair of the Product Liability and Toxic Tort Practice Group. Since joining the Firm, Mr. Dighello has focused his practice in the areas of product liability, asbestos defense, toxic tort, construction law, professional defense and commercial litigation.
In product liability, asbestos and toxic tort matters, Mr. Dighello represents several manufacturers with headquarters throughout the country in litigation in Connecticut and Rhode Island. These companies manufacture products ranging from construction materials such as paints and finishes to naval and industrial equipment such as steam turbines, pumps and valves, to friction products such as brakes, clutches and transmission components. As local counsel for these companies, Mr. Dighello has worked closely with national and in-house legal teams, as well as insurance company representatives, to develop strategies for defending cases and achieving favorable results through settlement or trial.
Mr. Dighello also represents attorneys and accountants in the defense of professional malpractice claims.
Mr. Dighello is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association and Connecticut Defense Lawyers Association. Mr. Dighello also serves as a Board Member of the Greater New Britain Chamber of Commerce, Friendship Service Center and The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain. He also sits on the The Human Resources Committee of The Hospital for Special Care and on the Facilities Committee of the New Britain Museum of American Art.
Mr. Dighello graduated from Xavier High School in Middletown, CT. He graduated magna cum laude from Quinnipiac College in Hamden, Connecticut in 1993 with a B.A. in History. In 1996, Mr. Dighello received his J.D. from Boston University School of Law.
Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C. is committed to partnering with clients to develop innovative business and legal solutions for all of their product liability needs.
For more than thirty years, the firm has represented Fortune 500 corporations and closely held companies—including product designers, manufacturers, distributors, and sellers—in litigation, arbitration, and mediation. Its attorneys have also managed numerous toxic tort matters involving exposure to asbestos, benzene, mold, and other hazardous substances.
The firm’s lawyers possess the experience and skill necessary to handle even the most complex product liability and toxic tort cases. They are well versed in the continually evolving legal landscape and remain dedicated to monitoring developments that shape this area of law.
Drawing on deep substantive knowledge, the team is adept at analyzing cases in their early stages and devising comprehensive trial strategies and litigation plans. This early strategic approach positions matters for favorable outcomes, whether through settlement or trial.
Updike, Kelly & Spellacy’s product liability acumen has been honed in the courtroom and strengthened through active participation in leading professional organizations, including the Defense Research Institute and the Products Liability and Mass Tort Sections of the American Bar Association.
The firm provides seasoned, cost-effective representation in this high-stakes area of law, where results can significantly impact the stability and success of a company.
Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C. combines its historic Connecticut roots with an entrepreneurial approach to deliver legal and public affairs representation across a broad range of practice areas and industries. The firm’s attorneys bring diverse backgrounds, talents, and experience, enabling them to provide proactive and innovative solutions to the complex issues facing clients. Individually accomplished yet collaborative in approach, they work as a unified team to offer comprehensive guidance across multiple disciplines.
With offices in Hartford, New Haven, and Middletown, UKS positions itself at the intersection of law, business, community, and politics in Connecticut. The firm maintains one of the state’s oldest public affairs practice groups and has cultivated longstanding relationships with local, state, and national decision makers. Its attorneys actively participate in numerous business and civic organizations engaged in the political process.
As a result of these deep connections, the firm enjoys unique access to prominent business leaders and government officials throughout Connecticut, strengthening its ability to advocate effectively for clients and navigate complex regulatory, legislative, and administrative landscapes.
“Richard Dighello earns widespread recognition for his sophisticated product liability and toxic tort practice. Clients value his pragmatic approach, deep industry knowledge, and consistent track record of securing favorable outcomes.”