Serving Santa Cruz with Experience, Integrity & Focus
The Law Office of James C. Eschen has been part of the Santa Cruz legal community since 1997, offering trusted counsel in business disputes, real estate matters, and civil appeals. Led by James C. Eschen-a seasoned Santa Cruz attorney with over four decades of legal experience-our firm is known for clear communication, realistic guidance, and a hands-on approach to every case. Se habla español.
About Collier & Manning, Trial Lawyers LLC
Our Story & Mission
For more than 45 years, Collier & Manning Trial Lawyers has represented Connecticut residents with honesty, skill, and compassion. Edmund Collier founded the firm to serve injured clients who deserve more than impersonal representation. Today, that mission continues as our team combines experience, trial readiness, and creative problem-solving to help clients get the results they need.
We’re proud to be part of the Milford community, helping clients from New Haven to Waterbury navigate some of life’s hardest challenges. Every case we handle is personal—because for us, success is about more than compensation; it’s about making things right.
Meet Our Team
Attorneys
Edmund Q. Collier
Edmund (Ned) grew up in Redding, Connecticut. He received his B.A. degree in Economics from Rutgers University in 1980. In 1983, he graduated from University of Bridgeport School of Law (now Quinnipiac University School of Law). Attorney Collier is a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
He is a member of the Milford Bar Association, Connecticut Trial Lawyer’s Association, and American Association for Justice. He has been deemed qualified by a superior court judge to sit as an attorney trial referee and fact finder. In addition to the State of Connecticut, he is admitted to practice in the US District Court for the District of Connecticut.
Katelyn E. Manning
Katelyn received her B.A. in Legal Studies from Quinnipiac University in 2016. She began working for Attorney Collier as a paralegal after graduating and continued to work for him remotely through law school. She graduated cum laude and received her Juris Doctor degree from New England Law | Boston in 2020.
During law school, Katelyn was a member of law review. As a 2L, Katelyn wrote a Case Comment that was selected for publication in Volume 54, “Voting Right Issues Are Not a Thing of the Past: Voter Registrations Disenfranchise Thousands.” She completed a judicial internship with the Honorable Thomas Connors of the Superior Court of Massachusetts.
She is a member of the Milford Bar Association, New Haven Bar Association, Connecticut Trial Lawyer’s Association, and American Association for Justice. In addition, she serves as a director of the Milford Bar Association and as Secretary of the Young Lawyers Section of the New Haven Bar Association. She is admitted to practice in Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts.
Paralegals
Jennifer Davis
Jenn received a B.A. in Communications from Quinnipiac University. She worked for Consumer Legal Services for ten years, prior to joining our firm in 2014. Throughout her 20’s, she worked for a nonprofit organization that she describes as a very rewarding experience. In her free time, Jenn enjoys spending time with her family. Jenn grew up in Cheshire, Connecticut.
Kelsey Novak
Kelsey received her B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven in 2020. While in school, she was a volunteer notetaker for her peers, a member of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, and a Co-Founder for the Juvenile Justice Club. Before joining the firm, she had accumulated over 150 hours while interning with the Connecticut Division of Public Defender Services. Kelsey enjoys spending her time with friends and family and is always looking for the next adventure.
Colby Collier
Colby grew up in Ridgefield, CT. He graduated from Plymouth State University in Plymouth, NH with a Major in Psychology and Minor in Law. He enjoys fine dining and good drinks. Colby spends his free time skateboarding and spending time with his Hound mix.
Lesly Reinoso
Lesly is a student at Southern Connecticut State University studying Computer Science. She graduated from Gateway Community College with an A.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2018. One of her assets is being fluent in both English and Spanish. She grew up in New Haven, CT and enjoys spending time with her family, dogs, and traveling to new places.
Our Trial Philosophy
At Collier & Manning, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That approach ensures no detail is overlooked and every client’s case is taken seriously.
While some firms focus on quick settlements, our team’s reputation as
true trial lawyers often encourages insurers to settle fairly—knowing we’re fully prepared to take a case before a jury if needed. This readiness gives our clients confidence that they’re being represented by attorneys who will stand by them from start to finish.
Commitment to Clients & Community
We’ve built our firm around relationships—both with clients and our community. Most of our new cases come through referrals from past clients who trust us to help friends and family after serious accidents.
We believe that communication and trust are the foundation of every strong attorney-client partnership. Whether you’ve been hurt in a
car crash, a
fall, or a case of
medical negligence, you’ll always work directly with your attorney—not an assistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your consultation fees?
We offer low-cost initial consultations. You'll get a focused session to discuss your legal concerns and explore next steps.
What types of clients do you represent?
We serve individuals, professionals, and business owners throughout Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. If you're facing a dispute or need strategic legal advice, we may be able to help.
How do you communicate with clients?
We're reachable by phone and email, and we make responsiveness a priority. Spanish-speaking service is available for all stages of your case.
How experienced is the firm with appeals and litigation?
James Eschen has over 40 years of experience and has argued more than 50 appeals in California courts. Our practice is designed to handle both trial-level litigation and post-trial review.
Next Steps: Free Consultation
If you or someone you care about has been injured, we’d be honored to help. Contact Collier & Manning Trial Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how our Connecticut trial attorneys can support you.