
Shannon Retzke Smith, General Attorney in New Haven, Connecticut
Over 22 years of legal practice · focused on General and Tax · 4.5/5 rating from 13 verified client reviews
PartneratWithers Bergman LLP
New Haven, CT
Practicing general in New Haven since 2004.
- 22+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 13 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Shannon Retzke Smith?
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Quick answer
Shannon Retzke Smith is a partner based in New Haven, CT. The practice focuses on General and Tax. Shannon has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Withers Bergman LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 13 client reviews.
- Based in
- New Haven, CT
- Experience
- over 22 years
- Known for
- General · Tax
- Handles General and Tax matters from New Haven, CT.
- Over 22 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Shannon Retzke Smith: Shannon Retzke Smith is a partner based in New Haven, CT. The practice focuses on General and Tax. Shannon has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Withers Bergman LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 13 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Shannon's practice areas in New Haven
Shannon concentrates on general and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Shannon handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General cases in New Haven, Connecticut
Shannon takes general matters in New Haven, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Shannon agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in New Haven, Connecticut
Shannon takes tax matters in New Haven, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Shannon agrees to represent you.
Biography
Shannon Retzke Smith, general attorney serving New Haven
Shannon Retzke Smith is a partner based in New Haven, CT. The practice focuses on General and Tax. Shannon has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Withers Bergman LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 13 client reviews. Shannon works from New Haven, Connecticut and takes on general matters across the region.
Shannon Retzke Smith is a lawyer practicing crypto and digital assets lawyers, tax lawyers. Shannon received a B.S. degree from Cornell University, and has been licensed for 22 years. Shannon practices at Withers Bergman LLP in New Haven, CT.
Working with Shannon on a general matter
Shannon Retzke Smith is a lawyer practicing crypto and digital assets lawyers, tax lawyers. Shannon received a B.S. degree from Cornell University, and has been licensed for 22 years. Shannon practices at Withers Bergman LLP in New Haven, CT.
Clients Shannon works with
Shannon reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general and tax matters in New Haven and the surrounding Connecticut area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Shannon studied and practices
University of Pennsylvania Law School
J.D. · 2004
Cornell University B.S. 2001 Alpha Phi Sorority Cornell University B.S. Eta Nu Beta Society Cornell University B.S. Dean's List The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania Certificat
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Jurisdictions
Shannon's state bar admissions
US Tax Court
2011 · ACTIVE
State of New York
2005 · ACTIVE
State of Connecticut
2004 · ACTIVE
Shannon studied at J.D. in University of Pennsylvania Law School and — in Cornell University B.S. 2001 Alpha Phi Sorority Cornell University B.S. Eta Nu Beta Society Cornell University B.S. Dean's List The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania Certificat.
Law school and academic background
Shannon completed J.D. in University of Pennsylvania Law School and — in Cornell University B.S. 2001 Alpha Phi Sorority Cornell University B.S. Eta Nu Beta Society Cornell University B.S. Dean's List The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania Certificat. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Shannon runs in Connecticut is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Shannon's legal honors and published work
Shannon has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Shannon's professional memberships and bar associations
Memberships Connecticut Department of Revenue Services Zoe's Best Friend Foundation Cornell University Alumni Admission Ambassador Network Connecticut Bar Association American Bar Association New York Bar Association
membership
Locations
Shannon Retzke Smith's office in New Haven
Shannon's primary office is at 157 Church Street, New Haven, CT, 06502. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Shannon Retzke Smith — 4.5/5 rating from 13 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Shannon. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in New Haven.
4.5
13 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Shannon Retzke Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Shannon Retzke Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Shannon usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Shannon charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Shannon's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Shannon will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in New Haven, Connecticut
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Shannon
Shannon discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Shannon confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Shannon's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Shannon Retzke Smith
How much does it cost to hire Shannon for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Shannon walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Shannon offer a free consultation?
Shannon charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Shannon's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Shannon's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Connecticut typically take?
Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Shannon gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Shannon take my case if I'm outside New Haven?
Shannon is licensed in Connecticut. Matters governed by Connecticut law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Shannon will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Shannon?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Shannon will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Shannon accepting new general clients right now?
Shannon's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
General attorneys serving New Haven, Hartford and Stamford in Connecticut
Shannon handles general matters throughout Connecticut. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
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Other top-rated general attorneys in Connecticut
If Shannon's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in New Haven handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





