Darcy McAlister

Darcy McAlister is a founding partner at Carta, McAlister & Moore, LLC, in Darien, Connecticut, where she focuses her practice exclusively on family law. Guided by the belief that attorneys should truly serve as “counselors at law,” she approaches each case with compassion, strategic insight and an unwavering commitment to her clients’ well-being. She collaborates closely with individuals and families to craft personalized, comprehensive solutions to some of life’s most sensitive legal challenges. Whether through negotiation, mediation or litigation, her goal is to achieve resolutions that reflect both her clients’ legal rights and their emotional and practical needs.

Ms. McAlister’s dedication to client advocacy is deeply rooted in her professional journey. Before becoming an attorney, she worked to secure employment for developmentally delayed and physically challenged adults, and later completed a clinical externship counseling terminally ill cancer patients as part of her Master of Social Work studies. She also spent several years in the entertainment industry, managing world-renowned recording artists. Through these roles, she honed her skills in negotiation, management and personal advocacy, skills that now enhance her effectiveness as a family law attorney.

Ms. McAlister’s early training as a serious student of dance also shaped her professional philosophy. From daily lessons with New York City-based instructors, she learned the discipline, dedication and attention to nuance required to excel, traits that now define her approach in the courtroom and at the negotiation table. She understands that presentation and precision can make all the difference in achieving a successful outcome.

Ms. McAlister is actively involved in her legal community, serving as a special master for Superior Court family matters and as co-chair of the Collaborative Attorneys of Fairfield County. She is also a strong proponent of limited-scope representation for clients seeking cost-effective legal support.

A graduate of Skidmore College, where she earned her B.A. in psychology and sociology cum laude, Ms. McAlister completed graduate coursework in Social Work at Boston College before earning her Juris Doctor from Quinnipiac University School of Law. At Quinnipiac, she received multiple academic awards, served as a judicial extern, and was elected to the Quinnipiac Law Review. Her multifaceted background, compassion and professionalism make her a trusted advocate for clients navigating the complexities of family law.