Five Garrison, Levin-Epstein Partners Selected to Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Guide For 2020

Oct 16 2020

Five Garrison, Levin-Epstein, Fitzgerald & Pirrotti, P.C. partners have been selected to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Guide for 2020. This is the third year Lawdragon has released this list, which was determined by the views of peers and competitors in the employment law practice area.

For the third year in a row, Partners Joseph Garrison and Stephen Fitzgerald have made the list. This is the second year Partners Nina Pirrotti and Joshua Goodbaum have made the list. This is Partner Ethan Levin-Epstein’s first time receiving the honor.

Since founding the firm in 1977, Garrison has become the leading employment lawyer in Connecticut and one of the most prominent employee rights advocates in the United States. His current practice draws upon his vast experience as a trial lawyer and negotiator and combines the representation of individuals in litigation with an expanding focus on mediation and arbitration.

Levin-Epstein is a seasoned trial lawyer with over 45 years of experience in criminal law. He has tried more than 30 jury trials to verdict for the prosecution and the defense. Prior to joining Garrison, Levin-Epstein in 1991, Levin-Epstein spent fourteen years as a federal and state prosecutor, ending that portion of his career as the First Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Connecticut. Levin-Epstein’s experience in criminal law has enhanced his ability to effectively represent individuals in their employment-related matters. There is significant overlap between the two fields and where clients face situations which have implications from both an employment and criminal perspective, Levin-Epstein’s experience in both areas has proven invaluable.

Fitzgerald joined the firm in 2001, after serving for over ten years as an Assistant District Attorney at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, where he rose to the rank of Supervising Attorney. His employment practice involves the representation of a wide range of workers including physicians, executives, sales staff, academics, financial services and others. He has handled countless litigations and negotiations involving claims of discrimination, sexual harassment, breach of contract and retaliation. A significant portion of his practice is representing railroad workers who have been injured on the job or retaliated against. He has achieved courtroom victories and several favorable settlements on behalf of railroad workers who have been retaliated against and disciplined for speaking out about safety issues in violation of the Federal Rail Safety Act (FRSA). Steve also handles personal injury claims from passengers involved in train accidents.

Pirrotti represents individuals in employment and civil rights litigation and negotiation. A member of the Executive Board of the National Employment Lawyers’ Association, Vice Chair of the American Bar Association Labor and Employment Section’s Trial Advocacy Committee, and a past president of the Connecticut Employment Lawyers’ Association, she is well versed in all aspects of employment law. She also advocates on behalf of students and university employees seeking to discharge their rights under Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination (including sexual harassment) in educational institutions. Pirrotti has written extensively on a variety of employment and civil rights related issues. She regularly speaks nationally in this arena as well, with a particular emphasis of late on sexual harassment issues in the wake of the #MeToo movement.

Goodbaum’s experience in Connecticut employment law runs the gamut, from discrimination and sexual harassment, to wrongful termination, retaliation, non-competition agreements, contract disputes, and wage and hour issues, including claims for unpaid overtime and commissions. He regularly assists his fellow lawyers with appeals and other complex legal projects, regardless of the subject matter.

The lawyers of Garrison, Levin-Epstein, Fitzgerald & Pirrotti, P.C. have been advocating for employee and civil rights throughout Connecticut for 43 years and are Lawdragon 500 approved. From our offices in New Haven, we provide award-winning representation in all aspects of employment law.

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Garrison, Levin-Epstein, Fitzgerald & Pirrotti, P.C.

Advocating for Employees
since 1977.

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    Client Experiences

    During a very difficult employment situation, I was referred to Joe Garrison. Recognizing the volatile and time sensitive nature of my employment situation, Mr. Garrison met with me immediately (on the weekend no less). He listened to the details of my case, was able to think through possible creative solutions to offer the employer, and was responsive to my myriad of questions. He understood my concerns about litigation versus settlement, and he worked to find the best resolution possible. I am grateful to have had his support at a very difficult time. —J.C., New Haven, CT

    You will never meet a more knowledgeable and compassionate professional than Steve Fitzgerald. My employment situation was very complex, and Attorney Fitzgerald kept me focused while remaining extremely adept and “thinking on his feet.” Should the need present itself again, I would never seek anyone else’s counsel regarding employment issues. I cannot recommend him highly enough. — J.R., New Haven, CT

    Nina Pirrotti provided outstanding legal advice and was trustworthy, dependable, and responsive. From the start, I was confident that her knowledge and experience would obtain favorable results. On a more personal note, I enjoyed working with her and her staff and felt I was included in every part of the process. The dedication, concern, and interest in me as a client was greatly appreciated, and Nina has earned my highest recommendation. — J.H., Monroe, CT

    I recently found myself in need of a lawyer in handling a dispute with my former employer. I was fortunate to retain Josh Goodbaum as my legal counsel. His legal skills knowledge and professionalism shone through in every step of the process resulting in a very positive result. I highly recommend Josh if you find yourself in need of legal counsel. — S.R., Guilford, CT

    When I go to a lawyer for advice, I am usually anxious, particularly the first meeting. Amanda DeMatteis was clear in describing my options and immediately set me at ease. Realistic assessment is important, and Amanda was clear as to how to set up the case and the direction she felt we should go. I had total confidence in her abilities and knew I was being well represented against a large corporation. More importantly, we were successful! —N.M., Haddam, CT

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