Top 10 Most Influential Labor & Employment Lawyers in Connecticut 2023

Labor and employment law plays an integral role in overseeing business arrangements between employees and their workplaces. Legal experts in this field handle complex cases involving anti-discrimination law, employee benefits, wage & hour law, workplace safety, and labor relations. Connecticut boasts many seasoned and competent labor & employment attorneys who provide invaluable legal assistance in such cases. This article introduces a selection of these distinguished lawyers, providing a snapshot of their experience in this critical field of law.

Through their dedicated service, these legal experts have made positive contributions to the business world, helping both businesses and their employees achieve fair and just outcomes. When disagreements occur, as they invariably do in any commercial setting, a skilled labor & employment lawyer can make all the difference—negotiating agreements, navigating disputes, implementing policies and procedures, and ensuring compliance with labor and employment laws.

The attorneys highlighted in this article have proven themselves through their exceptional expertise and impressive results. They consistently provide high-quality representation and strategic advice, earning the trust and respect of both their clients and peers in the legal community. Let’s get to know them better.

Stuart M Katz

Based at Cohen and Wolf PC, Stuart M Katz has a diverse labor and employment practice. His specialty involves handling disputes such as wrongful termination and noncompete claims. One of Stuart’s professional peers has remarked: “Stuart Katz is excellent in all categories.”

Hugh Murray

Hugh Murray, associated with McCarter & English, LLP, is recognized for his expert counsel on collective bargaining negotiations, discrimination lawsuits, and wage and hour disputes. He has been described as “A very good attorney with a very solid reputation.”

Giovanna Weller

Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP houses Giovanna Weller who represents academic institutions and various employers in cases such as discrimination and whistle-blower suits. Her clients appreciate her talents, saying, “A great legal strategist and a talented advocate with excellent, clear-eyed judgment.”

Peter J Lefeber

Over at Wiggin and Dana LLP, Peter J Lefeber has cultivated a reputation as a standout labor and employment attorney. He has gained considerable experience in NLRB proceedings, discrimination suits, and collective bargaining.

Patricia Reilly

Patricia Reilly’s successful employment practice at Murtha Cullina LLP is enhanced by her considerable litigation expertise. She efficiently represents clients in discrimination claims and sexual harassment investigations and frequently appears before administrative boards. An observer noted, “Watching Patricia in action is like witnessing a masterclass in litigation.”

Joshua A Hawks-Ladds

Joshua Hawks-Ladds maintains a successful labor and employment practice at Pullman & Comley, LLC. Noted for his skill in handling complex labor negotiations, litigation, and grievance arbitrations, he is a go-to resource in the field.

Jason Stanevich

Based at Littler Mendelson, PC, Jason Stanevich is known for his comprehensive work in traditional labor law issues. He often handles collective bargaining negotiations, union avoidance strategies, and arbitrations. A client said, “Jason offers excellent legal advice and the litigation skills to effectively follow through on that advice to produce results in arbitrations, board matters, and at the bargaining table.”

Elizabeth Torkelsen

At Epstein Becker & Green PC, Elizabeth Torkelsen advises employers on workforce restructuring, litigation, employment policies within her extensive practice. A satisfied client praised her saying, “Liz is an excellent advisor, strong litigator and generally very easy to work with. She anticipates key issues and provides clear and concise advice. She is exceptionally responsive and always takes the initiative to drive matters forward.”

Barry J Waters

Stephen J. Fitzgerald is an expert labor and employment attorney at Murtha Cullina LLP, where he defends employers in antitrust and labor law violations and noncompete disputes.

Margaret ‘Peggy’ Strange

Peggy Strange enjoys a strong reputation for her employment litigation practice at Jackson Lewis P.C. She is often consulted for her advice on a range of discrimination, retaliation, and regulatory compliance mandates. A client expressed, “She’s well respected and does a very good job.”