Connecticut Attorney Named To Forbes Top Lawyers List
Christopher M. Mattei is the only attorney based in Connecticut to earn a spot on the 2026 Forbes top lawyers ranking.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Law
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Forbes selected 250 legal professionals for its 2026 top lawyers list, recognizing Christopher M. Mattei for his high-profile advocacy work. Mattei, an attorney at the firm Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder, stands as the only Connecticut-based lawyer featured on the compilation.
Why it matters
The list highlights legal practitioners based on a combination of peer reviews, mentorship, pro-bono contributions, and the impact of their practice. Mattei was specifically noted for his involvement in blockbuster verdicts and high-stakes federal prosecutions.
Forbes named 250 legal professionals to its 2026 top lawyers list, with Christopher M. Mattei serving as the only honoree from Connecticut. The selection evaluated performance across ten distinct metrics, including industry honors and client advocacy.
The players
Christopher M. Mattei
He is a Connecticut-based attorney at Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder who graduated from the UConn School of Law.
John G. Rowland
He is a former governor of Connecticut who faced federal prosecution and served prison time following corruption allegations.
Alex Jones
He is a media figure who was ordered to pay a $1.4 billion verdict in a case led by Christopher M. Mattei.
Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder
This is the law firm where Christopher M. Mattei practices, with offices located in Bridgeport and New Haven.
The details
Mattei gained national recognition for his role in securing a $1.4 billion jury verdict against Alex Jones in 2022. He also led the federal prosecution of former Connecticut Governor John G. Rowland during a 12-day trial held in September 2014.
Timeline
2004: John Rowland resigned as governor amid corruption allegations.
2005: Mattei was admitted to the Connecticut bar and Rowland was sentenced to prison.
September 2014: Mattei led the Rowland prosecution during a 12-day trial.
2022: Mattei obtained a $1.4 billion verdict against Alex Jones.
2026: Forbes named Mattei to its top lawyers list.
Political Context
The Forbes recognition validates the impact of the 2022 jury verdict against Alex Jones by elevating the attorney responsible for the litigation to a national top-tier ranking. Critics of such rankings often argue that industry lists prioritize visibility and high-profile victories over the more common, quiet work that defines the daily practice of law.
This designation serves as a professional credential for those seeking legal counsel in high-stakes civil or criminal litigation within Connecticut. Residents looking for representation can use such industry lists as one of many indicators when evaluating the experience and reputation of local firms.
The takeaway
Recognitions from major publications can signal a shift in an attorney's profile, making them more sought after for complex, large-scale cases. Readers should remember that industry lists are one tool for vetting counsel and should always pair them with personal research on specific practice areas.
Further reading
For more information on legal developments in the region, visit the Connecticut Law section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New Haven Register.
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