44°
Renovations to the building he bought from the family of the late Dean Lewis included marrying portions of the original wood flooring to sections of newer flooring in a continuous flow of matching finish.
Besides original flooring, Setaro retained the original mahogany newel post at the foot of the stairs to the second floor. The second floor may lend itself to being rented as office space for another law firm or business one day, but for now, Setaro is still settling into his new space.
“We opened Oct. 3,” he said. “It’s been exciting, getting the offices set up, making sure the phones and computers are working, meeting with clients. We’re excited about pursuing our practice.”
The changes Setaro made to the building were done to achieve his vision of a warm and comfortable environment in which his clients can discuss their legal issues. He plans to make a difference for his clients by advancing their interests in matters concerning workers compensation, personal injury, and labor and employment law.
Setaro expressed gratitude to everyone who had a hand in bringing his vision to this point. In particular, he thanked Justin Lewis and the rest of the Lewis family for selling him the property. The late Dean Lewis was an attorney who had his law offices there. Before that, the building was home to the American Red Cross in Danbury.
"Dean Lewis was a neighbor and a friend," Setaro said. "He was a terrific guy."
Lewis passed away unexpectedly in August 2015.
"When his family listed the building, ultimately, it just seemed like the timing was right," Setaro said of his decision to strike out on his own.
He had been with the law firm of Ventura, Ribeiro & Smith, and remains of counsel with them. "They could not have been more gracious and supportive. I appreciate that so much," he said.
Setaro worked with Savings Bank of Danbury on the deal to acquire the property. "I'm very thankful for their support," Setaro said."Nick Gazetos, Martin Morgado, Mr. Wibling — we couldn't have done this without them."
The new firm's staff includes three full-timers besides Setaro, and both Spanish and Portuguese are spoken in the firm in addition to English.
Before working with Ventura, Ribeiro & Smith, Setaro worked as staff counsel to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 210 in Norwalk and had served as administrative aid to the mayor of New Milford during Liba Fuhrman's administration.
As a Danbury native, Setaro has been very involved in civic organizations, and spent nearly a decade on the City Council. Recently, he was appointed to the St. Peter School Advisory Board. In 2015, he was recognized for his pro bono work by the Greater Danbury Bar Association.
"I've been honored to have served," Setaro said."It's an honor to be able to practice law in my hometown."
P.J. Prunty, executive director of CityCenter Danbury, welcomed the addition of Setaro Law Firm to downtown Danbury.
“Chris is very engaged,” Prunty said. “He’s walking the walk. He’s a great citizen, and we’re excited to have him as part of the community downtown.”
For more information about Setaro Law Firm, click here.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Danbury and receive free news updates.
