About the Firm

Ruane Attorneys is a Criminal Defense Law, Civil Rights, and Litigation Firm in Connecticut. Since founding partner James J. Ruane began practicing law in 1978, we have been making a difference both inside and outside of the courtroom. Ruane Attorneys is a criminal defense firm firmly rooted in a tradition of excellence. At the same time, we push the envelope for new and creative defenses for those charged with crimes. This firm was founded in 2001 by the father and son team of Jim Ruane and Jay Ruane. This happened after the two brought individual practices together.

Attorney Jim Ruane

Attorney Jim Ruane has been in practice in Connecticut since 1978. He began his career as a Public Defender. Throughout his career, he has litigated the issues of criminal and DUI defense, taking the seminal case of State v. Lamme to the Connecticut Supreme Court, as well as other important Connecticut appellate cases such as Lozada v. Commissioner and Gipson v. Commissioner. Since that time, he has continued to try many serious felony and capital murder cases. Also, he developed a passion for the defense of serious motor vehicle crimes. This includes alcohol and the injury or death of victims. Jim Ruane is death penalty qualified and has been appointed on these most serious cases in Connecticut and New York.

An accomplished trial lawyer, Attorney Jim Ruane is certified as a criminal trial specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Attorney Jay Ruane

Attorney Jay Ruane became a lawyer in October 1998. Since then, he has quickly become one of the Northeast's most recognized DUI defense attorneys. Jay Ruane also started his career as a public defender. There, he worked with a complicated docket of 100s of pending DUI cases. As he developed his skills as a public defender, he realized that complexity of these cases suited his nature and disposition. In early 2000, he joined his father, who was then a partner in the Bridgeport general practice firm of Gaston & Ruane to devote himself full time to the aggressive defense of drunk driving charges. Shortly thereafter, the two created Ruane Attorneys At Law, LLC to focus solely on criminal defense and DUI cases. Since then, Attorney Jay Ruane has gone on to lecture law students, other attorneys, and judges on the intricacies of DUI defense. He devotes a minimum of 40 hours yearly to the development of continuing DUI defense education. Also, in November 2001, he completed the rigorous NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Testing course of study. In 2003, Jay was certified in breath testing. Combined, Jay and Jim Ruane have litigated some of the most important DUI and criminal cases in the state of Connecticut. Since 2008, Jay has been the Connecticut State delegate to the prestigious National College for DUI Defense, and now is the regional coordinator for the entire east coast.

 In 2012 and 2013, Jay completed chemical test training at Axxion Laboratory in Chicago, the only Connecticut Attorney with certificates in Gas Chromatography and Solid Drug Dose Testing from the American Chemical Society

Attorney Teresa DiNardi

In 2006, Attorney Teresa DiNardi joined the firm, and quickly rose to prominence in the Hartford area as “Lady DUI”. With a reputation for tireless advocacy for her clients and a desire to get nothing but the best result, Attorney DiNardi has represented police officers and celebrities charged with DUI and regularly is contacted by media and newspapers for commentary on DUI issues impacting the state. In 2012, Attorney DiNardi was named a partner in the firm, and now manages the Hartford area office.

Attorney Daniel Lage

Daniel Lage’s underdog story truly inspires. Twenty years ago in Bridgeport, Daniel was a teen runaway who was struggling as an 18 year-old high school dropout and new father. In search of a better life, Daniel chose the books over the streets. He secured his GED and after many years of study graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 2015. After becoming licensed, Daniel knew he owed it to his community to use his talents and passion to practice an area of law that advocated for others who share in his underdog experience.

His impressive credentials include working to overturn three illegal criminal convictions, sending wrongfully incarcerated clients back home to their families

In four short years, his tireless work ethic, creativity, and skill has resulted in his being named partner. His impressive credentials include working to overturn three illegal criminal convictions, sending wrongfully incarcerated clients back home to their families. Daniel has been officially recognized as a new leader in the law amongst his peers and regularly speaks to young students about his background and journey toward becoming a lawyer. Daniel represents the criminally accused, those discriminated against by employers and the government, and people who are taken advantage of by those who abuse their status in our society.

Attorney Brittany Paz

Brittany Paz's attention to detail and dedication to her clients made her an easy addition to the firm. After six years of private practice and solo practice, Brittany joined Ruane Attorneys in 2019 to narrow her focus to complicated criminal, sexual assault, and risk of injury charges.

Brittany has been recognized as a New Leader of the Law by the Connecticut Law Tribune and regularly is called upon by bar associations to teach other lawyers the intricacies of criminal defense.

Brittany has been recognized as a New Leader of the Law by the Connecticut Law Tribune and is a frequent guest commentator on WPLR's morning show "Chaz & AJ"  on criminal law topics. To read more about all of our attorneys, visit our Attorneys Page.