Plaintiffs counsel John Montalbano knew the family of his client, a then-9-year-old burn victim, didn't want the girl to testify at trial and give a deposition. But the attorney made sure to keep that news close to his vest, until securing a $150,000 settlement.

Montalbano, a West Hartford solo practitioner, said he let defense counsel think he'd be interested in going to trial to leverage to a six-figure payout.