Beth Bryan Critton practices land use, environmental and municipal law with Shipman & Goodwin's Environment, Energy and Land Use Group, representing developers, municipalities, property owners, condominium associations, and neighbors of proposed developments.

As counsel to developers, Beth assembles and coordinates teams of engineers, planners, architects, wetland scientists, geologists, blasting experts and other professionals in preparing and presenting applications to municipal zoning, wetlands, sewer, and design review commissions. She prepares and handles administrative appeals of commission decisions, including related motions for stay and injunction and mandamus actions.

As counsel to municipalities, she advises commissions and officials regarding legal procedures, legal standards and issues pertaining to land use applications. Beth defends commission decisions and assists with the drafting and enforcement of land use regulations.

Beth has experience in the defense and negotiation of municipal tax appeals and in the representation of non-profit organizations challenging the taxability of their property. She has appeared before the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Department of Mental, and Freedom of Information Commission.

Beth has been involved in the legal research, writing, and development of legal strategy in some of Connecticut's most significant recent zoning and wetlands decisions, including AvalonBay Communities, Inc. v. Wilton Inland Wetlands Commission and River Bend Associates v. Simsbury Conservation Commission. These cases have established important statewide benchmarks for wetlands regulations, permitting and appeals.

Prior to joining the firm, Beth served as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the Town of West Hartford from 1986-1998, was a police officer in the Town of Wethersfield and a recreation worker for the American Red Cross in Korea and Vietnam.

Beth Bryan Critton practices land use, environmental and municipal law with Shipman & Goodwin's Environment, Energy and Land Use Group, representing developers, municipalities, property owners, condominium associations, and neighbors of proposed developments.

As counsel to developers, Beth assembles and coordinates teams of engineers, planners, architects, wetland scientists, geologists, blasting experts and other professionals in preparing and presenting applications to municipal zoning, wetlands, sewer, and design review commissions. She prepares and handles administrative appeals of commission decisions, including related motions for stay and injunction and mandamus actions.

As counsel to municipalities, she advises commissions and officials regarding legal procedures, legal standards and issues pertaining to land use applications. Beth defends commission decisions and assists with the drafting and enforcement of land use regulations.

Beth has experience in the defense and negotiation of municipal tax appeals and in the representation of non-profit organizations challenging the taxability of their property. She has appeared before the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Department of Mental, and Freedom of Information Commission.

Beth has been involved in the legal research, writing, and development of legal strategy in some of Connecticut's most significant recent zoning and wetlands decisions, including AvalonBay Communities, Inc. v. Wilton Inland Wetlands Commission and River Bend Associates v. Simsbury Conservation Commission. These cases have established important statewide benchmarks for wetlands regulations, permitting and appeals.

Prior to joining the firm, Beth served as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the Town of West Hartford from 1986-1998, was a police officer in the Town of Wethersfield and a recreation worker for the American Red Cross in Korea and Vietnam.

EDUCATION

University of Connecticut School of Law, J.D., 1976, cum laude

Pennsylvania State University, B.A., 1968, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa

Bar Admissions

Connecticut

Court Admissions

United States District Court District of Connecticut

United States Supreme Court

Professional Affiliations

* American Bar Association: Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law Section

* Connecticut Bar Association: Program Chair; Environmental Law Section; Executive Committee, Planning and Zoning Section

* Connecticut State Judicial Department: Victim Compensation Commissioner

Community Involvement

* Appalachian Mountain Club, Connecticut Chapter: Past Chair of this 9000 member recreation, environmental and educational non-profit organization; Membership Co-Chair; Hike Leader

* New England Wildflower Society: Plant Conservation Volunteer