Our Mission & History | A 65-Year Legacy of Service

The Found Principle – The satisfaction of helping people is better than a dollar bill in my pocket

The story of Ventura Law begins with the American dream. As the son of Portuguese immigrants, Americo S. Ventura understood the challenges his clients faced navigating an unknown legal system. He spoke their language, but more importantly, he understood their culture and their values.

He built his practice on a simple, powerful belief he shared with his son: “That satisfaction I get sometimes is better than the dollar bill in my pocket.”

In those early days, no clients were turned away for lack of money. Those without means often bartered for his assistance with homemade goods and services. By practicing law in this way, Americo became a vital part of the community and a trusted adviser to thousands of Portuguese and Spanish-speaking immigrants. He wasn’t just their lawyer; he was their advocate, their counselor, and their friend.

A Legacy of Firsts: Pioneering Diversity in Connecticut

Continuing his commitment to reflect the community he served, Americo was a trailblazer, bringing diversity to the local legal profession long before it was common practice.

In the early 1960s, he hired the city’s first female attorney, Diane Andersen, an accomplished advocate who received statewide acclaim for her legal ability.
In 1969, he was fortunate to add to his growing practice the city’s first African-American attorney, Thomas G. West, who later became a superior court judge and served on the Connecticut Court of Appeals.
This belief in the strength of diversity remains a core part of our identity today.

From Local Advocate to National Powerhouse

In the decades that followed, Ventura Law transitioned from a local practice to a national law firm with the strength to take on the most powerful corporations in the world. Led by Agostinho “Augie” Ribeiro, also a child of Portuguese immigrants, the firm expanded its personal injury practice to include complex litigation in federal courts across the United States.

We have gone head-to-head with corporate giants in high-profile proceedings: against British Petroleum for the world’s worst environmental oil disaster, and against General Motors for its deadly defective ignition switches.

We don’t take on these fights for the headlines. We do it because it proves our resolve. This national experience gives us the resources, the expertise, and the battle-tested power to ensure that when you are injured in a car accident or a slip and fall in Connecticut, no insurance company or corporation is too big for us to hold accountable.

Our North Star: The Mission & Values That Guide Us Today

As our Founder says, “Unless you know your roots, you’re easily conquered.” To honor our roots and the legacy of Americo Ventura, we officially became Ventura Law. Our name, which means “adventure” in Portuguese, and our logo, a modern compass rose, are constant reminders of our purpose.

We are guided by our cultural values:

Trust: People need to know that you’re giving them the full truth. We never fail to keep a commitment or tell the whole truth.

Teamwork: We work together to bring out the best in everyone. We never put our own interests above the interests of our team or our clients.

Compassion: We embrace our clients with respect. We never fail to respect our clients and each other, ensuring you feel heard, valued, and understood.

These values are our beacon, ensuring we continue to serve our community and our clients with the integrity our founder established over 65 years ago.

Let Our Legacy Be Your Strength

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you need more than just a lawyer.

You need a fierce advocate fighting for your rights. A legacy of trust. Compassion to understand your struggle. And teamwork to secure your future. That is Ventura Law, and this is what we live by.