Formidable, discerning, dynamic, and empathetic; these words describe the women of Conlon Amendola, a highly regarded family law practice specializing in high net worth and highly complex divorces. Founded in Southport in 2024 and led by co-founders Jacquelyn Conlon and Bonnie Amendola, who have a collective six decades of combined experience, and associate Laura Brea, this women-led team embodies strength, clarity, and compassion.
Fairfield Lifestyle Magazine sat down with them to gain insight into law and leadership. It quickly became clear that they are true trailblazers. Attorney Conlon started her professional career at the Center for Naval Analyses, an independent organization dedicated to national security. While on track toward a graduate degree in Operations Research she realized she didn’t enjoy it at all and pivoted to law.
Attorney Amendola began her undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, where she initially explored business courses at Wharton. Finding them monotonous she turned instead to her true passion: political science and meaningful change through law. She ultimately followed in her mother Elaine's footsteps - one of the first women to graduate from Yale Law School and a passionate grassroots advocate for women's rights
The road wasn’t easy. It was a different time and the boys’ club was in full effect. Despite all that, Jackie and Bonnie built their careers and created the firm they once wished existed.
FLM: It was still very much a man’s world when you began, how did you hold yourground?
Jacquelyn Conlon: Back when I started, Law was mostly a man’s world. Power went to the heads of a lot of male attorneys, they became bullies and the workplaces could be toxic. Most men felt a “female attorney” didn’t belong - I’m very competitive, so I worked harder and proved I did. They stopped seeing me as just the “female attorney” after my second or third trial success.
I swore to myself when the day came that I had my own firm, I would not treat people the way I was treated. Everyone who works here is respected, and their opinions are respected and heard. It’s far more collaborative than the firms Bonnie and I started in.
Bonnie Amendola: My mother always said the only way to get people to respect you is to be exactly who you are. In that era, law firms were not friendly to young women. As well, Courts and law firms expected female attorneys to wear skirted suits and pantyhose. Following my mother’s advice to be myself, I let them know I wouldn’t dress in that way. I told the firm I would dress professionally - in my own way, or they could find another associate. They backed down.
Laura Brea:Being an attorney and starting in this field is challenging enough, I can’t imagine how hard it was to put up with the sexism and unrealistic expectations. Thankfully, however, those experiences led Bonnie and Jackie to create an environment that allows all to thrive, an environment where I’m not afraid to ask questions. My law school friends at more highly structured firms are often surprised by how open and collaborative we are. We do have structure, but it doesn’t get in the way of serving clients in the best way.
FLM: Why did you choose to create a firm together?
JC:We have the same philosophy about Family Law, the same vision, but very different approaches. We think differently, but we always come to the same solution. Bonnie is smart, loyal and honest, and I can’t ask for more in a partner.
BA: I trust Jackie completely. We share the same core beliefs despite very different styles, and having an equally experienced partner to discuss strategy with is invaluable.
Do you think having a female lawyer helps a man in a divorce?
JC: It depends on the client. People usually choose lawyers who think like them. Sometimes a man may prefer a female lawyer, but, I think, it's ultimately about the individual, not gender-based.
BA: You quickly learn that not all husbands are devils and not all wives are angels. We represent clients based on the facts—gender doesn’t factor into it. We typically have a healthy balance of male and female clients.
FLM: What drew you to family law?
JC: Family Law suits my personality. It touches on so many different facets of people’s lives. You have to understand business valuations, Trusts and Estates, psychology, family dynamics and so much more. It lets you see the full picture.
LB: Family law is one of the most important areas of law because we’re helping people. The decisions we help with will have a lasting impact on them and their children - whether it’s pre-nuptial or dissolution. It’s a multi faceted process with unique interpersonal relationships.
FLM: What is your philosophy and approach?
BA: Brevity and clarity are the keys to a successful trial lawyer coupled with respect for the law, the Court, and the process. You must maintain decorum, raising your voice just makes you loud, it doesn't make your argument any better.
JC: I strategize and do a lot of research. A lot of people think trial lawyers are good on their feet - but it's the result of a lot of research and studying to explore all scenarios that may or may not arise. Bonnie and I are Guardian Ad Litems. We won’t do something if it’s going to hurt a child, we won’t let children be used as pawns - and we won’t continue to represent a client that wants to do that.
FLM: What have been the most rewarding aspects?
BA: No matter what, I always equate success with success in Court, no matter how big or small because in family law, we don't win - we get an outcome, one that hopefully allows all parties to move forward with dignity.
JC: Seeing that our clients have moved on, and are happy - and that their kids are doing well and thriving. Knowing you provided the help that set that course — that’s what makes it worth it.
Conlon Amendola
281 Pequot Ave,
Southport, CT 06890
(203) 803-2943
conlonamendola.com