The Connecticut Law Tribune’s annual Litigation Departments of the Year competition was truly a case study.

We had well over 30 law firms submit nearly 60 applications, with some firms opting to compete in more than one category. We picked three general litigation winners, choosing one each among big firms, small firms and out-of-state firms with Connecticut offices. Beyond that, we picked 11 niche winners in both traditional and emerging practice law areas. Finally, as part of our fledgling tradition, we chose one veteran litigator for a Lifetime Achievement Award.