John Dernier (JD) LaBelle, Jr., a Manchester, Connecticut native, began practicing law with his father, John Dernier LaBelle, Sr., in 1975. They worked together in the firm’s general law practice until his Dad’s passing in 2006. JD’s areas of experience include general litigation – including all aspects of civil, tort and commercial litigation; probate and estate planning; commercial and residential real estate; land use and zoning; and elder and family law.

JD is a 1971 graduate of Colgate University and received his Juris Doctorate from Boston University School of Law in 1975. That year, he was admitted to the Connecticut Bar and Federal District Court. In 1979 he was also admitted to the United States Supreme Court and in 1983, to the United States Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

In addition to maintaining a busy law practice, JD has been involved in a wide range of community and public service activities. He is currently a Director of SBM Charitable Foundation and recently completed six terms as Chairman of the Manchester Library’s Board of Trustees. He is a former Director of the Savings Bank of Manchester and former Trustee of the Visiting Nurses Association (which later became the Visiting Nurse & Health Services of Connecticut) as well as a past president of the Manchester Bar Association.

In addition, he is a Corporator of the Eastern Connecticut Health Network (ECHN) and remains an active alumnus and supporter of Colgate University.