Sitting Down to Listen

When Jim Steck L'07, and his high school sweetheart, Michelle, started a family, they moved back to their hometown of Torrington, Connecticut.

"Litchfield County needs more lawyers and professionals in general, and it was clear to us that we needed to go back home," Steck said. 

Steck cares deeply about his town but never pictured himself running for office. 

"I'm not a political person," he said. 

Yet, when his county's longtime probate judge retired, Steck suddenly found himself campaigning for the seat–and was shocked to find he actually enjoyed the process. 

"Essentially, it was just about meeting people and sitting down to listen." 

That's a skill that comes naturally to Steck, who majored in Communications at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, where he learned to listen as thoughtfully as he speaks. 

Steck ultimately won the county election. He had served as a partner in the real estate practice of Ebersol, McCormick, Reis & Steck, LLC for nearly a decade, but because this role was considered a conflict of interest for an elected official, he stepped down. He founded his private practice last year, launching the Law Offices of James P. Steck, LLC, in the same month of his investiture. At home, he is also all-in when it comes to parenting his three children: Liam, Eli, and Trinity. 

It's not the first time that Steck has worked three jobs at once. 

To make ends meet in college (and save for law school), he mowed lawns, waited tables, and was also a middle school substitute teacher. 

"I think those experiences directly inform how I deal with people and their problems as a judge and lawyer," Steck said. "I learned to respect people even when they have a different perspective from my own. As a judge, I can ensure everyone feels heard in court."

Gesturing to the kids' art he's taped to his office walls, Steck jokes: "Ultimately, being a parent has been the best training I've had for difficult court hearings." 

Steck also draws from his Roger Williams University School of Law education on a daily basis–where he gained the confidence in the classroom to argue for what he believed was right.

"I loved the Socratic method and having to come to class on your toes," he explained. "A professor would put you on the spot in front of 100 people, and maybe someone would challenge your response, and you'd argue. I found that dynamic to be fun at the time, but I also think it was great training for the job." 

Growing up, Steck didn't know a single lawyer. At RWU Law, he focused on building lasting connections within his field. He said, "I call or message friends from Roger Williams University Law all the time. I got a great network from law school—we lean on one another for everything." 

After graduation, a one-year clerkship with the Connecticut Superior Courts helped Steck realize that he preferred transactions to litigation. He deeply enjoyed explaining complex processes to people going through tough times. "I like meeting people where they are at and helping them through," Steck realized. 

As a young practicing lawyer in Torrington, Steck got involved in his community. He sat on the boards of the Arc of Litchfield County (LARC), a local nonprofit supporting those with special needs, Torrington Affordable Housing, Inc., Torrington Area Youth Service Bureau, and is a member of the Rotary Club. 

A decade later, when he ran for probate judge, Steck visited all these organizations while on the campaign trail. He already had meaningful relationships built on trust and service. 

In his court and private practice, Steck mainly covers commercial and residential real estate. "I enjoy the feeling of making things work," he said. "You have a buyer and a seller, and unlike other legal sectors, the goal isn't for one party to win or lose. Everyone has the goal of coming to an agreement."