Education: Mr. Godley earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut in 1984, where he laid the foundation for his career in law. He then went on to pursue his Juris Doctor at Western New England College School of Law, graduating in 1987. While at Western New England, Mr. Godley was actively involved in the
Western New England Law Review
, serving as both a Staff Member and the Managing Editor, where he demonstrated strong academic capabilities and leadership skills. During his time there, he authored a notable article on the CIA’s exemption under the Freedom of Information Act, further showcasing his deep understanding of complex legal issues.
His academic and professional journey has continued to shape his comprehensive legal expertise, which he now applies in the areas of real estate, banking law, and municipal governance.
Bar Admissions
ConnecticutU.S. District Court for the District of ConnecticutUnited States Court of Appeals, Second CircuitMashantucket Pequot Tribal CourtMohegan Gaming Disputes Court
MEET Attorney
Jeffrey R. Godley
Attorney Jeffrey R. Godley is an accomplished attorney with a diverse legal practice encompassing residential and commercial real estate, banking law (including commercial litigation and foreclosures), municipal law, and planning and zoning law. With decades of experience, Mr. Godley has earned a reputation for providing practical legal solutions tailored to the needs of his clients—ranging from businesses to municipalities and individuals. His expertise allows him to navigate complex legal matters with efficiency and precision.
Experience: Mr. Godley began his legal career shortly after earning his Juris Doctor from Western New England College School of Law in 1987. During his time in law school, he was an active contributor to the Western New England Law Review, serving as a Staff Member (1985-1986) and later as the Managing Editor (1986-1987). His academic work included authoring the article “Defining the CIA’s Intelligence Sources as an Exemption to the Freedom of Information Act – CIA v. Sims”, which was published in the Western New England Law Review in 1987.
After law school, Mr. Godley served as a legal research clerk for the Connecticut Judicial Department before joining Brown Jacobson in 1989. His extensive career has seen him work in areas as diverse as real estate, banking, municipal law, and zoning, where he is known for his in-depth knowledge of the law and his ability to provide effective legal counsel.
Community and Civic Organizations
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Godley is deeply committed to his community and has held leadership roles in numerous organizations. He currently represents the State of Connecticut as a public member of the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, where he helps oversee accreditation processes for higher education institutions across the region.
Mr. Godley is also Legal Counsel and an ex officio member of the Board of Directors for The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, Inc. He is a past President of the Three Rivers Community College Foundation, which supports the educational and cultural initiatives of the college. Additionally, he has served on the Executive Board of the Connecticut Rivers Council, Boy Scouts of America, where he has been recognized for his service and leadership. In 2006, Mr. Godley received the National Distinguished Service Award from the Boy Scouts of America, and in 2013, the Connecticut Rivers Council presented him with the Outstanding Leadership Award. He is also a Corporator of Chelsea Groton Bank.
Professional Organizations: American Bar Association; Connecticut Bar Association; Florida Bar Association; Mashantucket Pequot Bar Association; Mohegan Bar Association; New London County Bar Association; Estate and Tax Planning Council of Eastern Connecticut.
