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Amanda M. DeMatteis

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Biography

Amanda DeMatteis is a Connecticut employment lawyer who loves helping employees through tough situations at work. She has been ranked by Super Lawyers since 2022. She was previously ranked as a Rising Star, a distinction given to only 2.5% of Connecticut attorneys under the age of 40, consecutively from 2015 to 2021. Amanda has also been recognized by The Best Lawyers In America since 2021.

Amanda has extensive experience at every stage of representing Connecticut employees. She has helped individuals through discrimination (on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, pregnancy, or national origin), sexual harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, and contract disputes. Amanda has counseled employees and executives during negotiations with their employers, all the way through multiple successful jury trials, and virtually every step in between. No case is too big or too small – she has worked with employees making minimum wage and executives with compensation packages in the seven figures.

In addition to her employment practice, Amanda represents people who are injured at work or because of someone’s negligence. Her injury practice includes all aspects of litigation in Connecticut courts and the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission. Amanda is regularly advising clients through motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, motorcycle accidents, and more. The injury practice is supported by our paralegal of nearly 45 years, Linda DeMatteis. And Linda just so happens to be Amanda’s mom!

Amanda proudly serves as the President of the Connecticut Employment Lawyers Association (CELA), an organization for attorneys who represent employees in all aspects of employment law in Connecticut. Amanda is an active member of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) as an Affiliate Leader, the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association (CTLA), and the American Bar Association (ABA). She also serves as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation (ABF).

Amanda has proudly been a part of the Connecticut community her entire life. A native of Hamden, Amanda earned her law degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law, where she was the Founder and President of the Labor and Employment Law Society. Amanda received her B.S. from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, where she majored in Political Science and English. She also proudly served as a congressional intern for Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT) during her college years.

Amanda lives in North Haven with her husband and their daughters, Elle and Gia. She is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys staying active with family and friends in her spare time.

Representative Matters

Co-counseled with Josh Goodbaum in representing a senior executive in Title VII and Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act wrongful termination case against large Connecticut employer. Our work generated a negotiated confidential settlement worth approximately $1 million.
$850,000 settlement on behalf of employee who endured disability discrimination and FMLA retaliation.
Represented a former-Fortune 50 CEO in a failure to hire case based on age. Worked with Josh Goodbaum to negotiate a confidential multiple six figure settlement.
Represented an injured thirty-plus year employee of a large national employer who was severely injured on the job. The case ended in a confidential settlement in the mid-six figures.
Represented a transgender employee who endured egregious discrimination and retaliation while working for Fortune 500 company. Negotiated a confidential six figure settlement on the doorsteps of trial.
Successful arbitration decision for an executive in a national industrial distribution company for breach of contract and failure to pay wages.
Co-counseled with Josh Goodbaum in representing a woman who was egregiously sexually harassed and touched by the CEO of a Connecticut based company. We negotiated a confidential settlement worth multiples of her annual salary.
Langlois v. City of New Haven Board of Education
click here to read about the case
Rivera v. Rosa (2015)
Madeline Rivera sustained severe emotional harm following a motor vehicle accident on I-84 in 2012. Although Ms. Rivera had only minor physical injuries, the jury awarded her over $230,000. The insurance company’s final offer to settle the case before trial was $5,000.
Shazel v. Hines Sudden Service (2014)
Michelle Shazel was retaliated against and constructively discharged from her employment in a fast food restaurant after she complained that she was sexually harassed by her coworker. After trial, the jury awarded Ms. Shazel over $115,000, including $100,000 as compensation for her emotional distress.
Represented a senior executive in an age discrimination case. The case resolved at mediation for a six-figure result.

Representative Speaking Engagements

How to Make Your Workers’ Rights Practice Profitable | Fundamentals of Employment Law, National Employment Lawyers Association Annual Conference, Chicago, IL (June 2023)
The American Rescue Plan Act: Key Provisions Impacting Employees and Employers, Connecticut Bar Association Labor and Employment Law Section (May 2021)
Labor and Employment Law Section Meeting, Connecticut Bar Association (May 2021)
Sex Discrimination, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, National Employment Lawyers Association Annual Convention, New Orleans, LA (June 2019)
Quinnipiac University School of Law, Gateway to Practice (January 2018, January 2019, January 2020)
Three Views from the Bench: Questions & Answers with Hartford’s Federal Judges: Judges Alfred V. Covello, Michael P. Shea and Donna Martinez (April 2018)
CHRO: How to Bring and Defend an Employment Case, Connecticut Bar Association Young Lawyers Section (Apr. 2017)
Building a Moot Court Program & Case Assessment Services For Your Members, National Employment Lawyers Association 2017 Affiliate Leadership Workshop (June 2017)
“Lessons We’ve Learned from Cases We’ve Won AND Lost,” Connecticut Trial Lawyers Associations Annual Meeting (June 2015)

Client Experiences

Powerless in my employment situation, I was subjected to active disability retaliation despite 12 years of excellent reviews and promotions. Nina Pirrotti and Amanda DeMatteis listened to my story and walked with me through what would be my final month of employment, empowering me when I felt helpless and demoralized. My unyielding confidence in my legal team was a source of strength and comfort throughout this difficult chapter of my life. Their professionalism, artful skill, thoughtful strategy, and no-nonsense ability to help me discern the important from the trivial resulted in an outcome that clearly let my former employer know their actions were unacceptable. — S.S., Essex

After a long and successful career, I faced a challenging and devastating situation at work. I sought advice from friends and then reached out to Attorney Amanda DeMatteis. From the first time we spoke, I felt validated and heard. Throughout this stressful time, she listened carefully, helped me manage my emotions, and gave my situation her full attention. Amanda kept my wife and me informed every step of the way, clearly explaining my options, and worked diligently until reaching a settlement that was fair and in the best interest of me and my family. Her compassion, expertise, and excellent negotiation skills gave me peace of mind from beginning to end. Amanda’s dedication, availability, and support made all the difference, and I highly recommend her as a trusted and committed attorney. — R.M.

Thank you so much for your time and guidance. You gave me confidence and hope that I have rights as an employee, but also as a human being. — S.A.

Amanda DeMatteis was great to work with. She was sincere, empathetic, knowledgeable, and diligent with my case. She continually followed up until there was a resolution. Would highly recommend her and the firm. — M.H.

Amanda DeMatteis was fantastic in providing the support I needed to help me navigate through a number of employment agreement matters I was facing. From the get-go, it was crystal clear to me that her #1 priority in working with me was achieving an outcome that was in my best interests. I would not hesitate in recommending Amanda to individuals that have any employment agreement/law related matters they may need advice with. — D.W.

I reached out to a few employment attorneys before speaking with Amanda DeMatteis. There was no comparison in how she explained how she would approach my case and no need for me to speak with anyone else after speaking with Amanda. From our first conversation I felt at ease, and I knew that I would be in good hands. Amanda is extremely knowledgeable about employment law and was able to quickly pinpoint the crux of the issue of my case. She kept me informed and worked with me to make sound decisions throughout the process. I am grateful for the time Amanda took to ensure our goal to reach a fair settlement was met. She handled my case with perseverance and passion. Amanda has grit! I highly recommend Amanda to anyone in need of an employment attorney, she is a star and will go above and beyond. — M.C.

Amanda DeMatteis was recommended to me and I am grateful for it as well as her guidance and recommendations! I always felt that my best interest was her priority. She listened, relistened and asked many questions. She was very responsive to my emails even while out of the office. She is extremely knowledgeable and confident and always made me feel that I in fact was competent and took the time to explain each process in detail! I HIGHLY recommend Amanda for representation! Thank you, Amanda, for making sure my family and I would be fine! — M.S.

I had the pleasure of working with Amanda DeMatteis, and throughout the process, Amanda believed in me and was completely accessible and transparent with me. Once she had my case, I had nothing to worry about and knew she was on it. I HIGHLY recommend this law firm and make sure to ask for Amanda DeMatteis. Thank you! — B.M.

I feel very lucky that my husband found this firm through researching CT employment attorneys, and I am especially grateful to have worked with Amanda DeMatteis. From the beginning, it was clear that Amanda had my best interest in mind. She was able to clearly explain my options and provide valuable guidance along the way, patiently explaining and answering any questions that arose. As my situation progressed, she was always timely in responding to my needs, including meeting with me during her vacation at one point. My outcome was very positive as a result and I would highly recommend Amanda to anyone seeking an attorney well versed in employment law. — L.R.D.

Working with Attorney Amanda DeMatteis and her legal assistant, Linda, at Garrison et al, often under trying circumstances, was a refreshing experience in that they always lightened the burden and the pressure throughout the process. These are top professionals who diligently work hard for you and truly earn their fees. At a time when so many lawyers boast to be the best, Amanda and Linda demonstrate it in action. I recommend them without reservation. — J.G.

I THOROUGHLY enjoyed working with an ultimate professional, and genuinely nice, person like you. — M.L.

I cannot speak highly enough about my experience working with Amanda DeMatteis. Amanda is professional, kind, knowledgeable, and showed a true interest in helping me. From our very first call, Amanda was attentive and asked all of the right questions to ensure that she had all the information she needed to move forward. I was kept updated daily (sometimes multiple times a day) and Amanda was always available and accessible if I needed to speak with her. I felt I was always involved with each decision that was made and Amanda explained in detail what my options were at each stage of the process. Our communication could not have been stronger. I was very happy with the result we achieved in the end. I strongly recommend working with Amanda DeMatteis. — L.K.

Dear Amanda, I start this letter with your first name, as I believe we have become friends during this process. From day one, I was very comfortable with your knowledge of the process we were about to walk into together. And it is with the expertise that you have attained over several years that gained my trust in you during a process I had no knowledge of. You took the time to be sure I understood each and every aspect of this endeavor and for that I am truly grateful. You and your firm will always be held in high regards and while I hope to never have to go through that type of process again, you will be the first place I reach out to. My sincerest thank you to and your firm. — P.S., Enfield, CT

I wanted to express how grateful my family and I are for all your hard work. I want to thank you for being an amazing attorney, who shows empathy, understanding, and is able to put her clients at ease. I know this because this is how you made me feel. This was an intimidating process and I would not have been able to get through it without you. So from the bottom of my heart, Thank you so much!!!! You are truly the best. — H.R.

Standing up for yourself in employment matters can be scary and daunting. After making no less than half a dozen calls I was fortunate enough to find Amanda DeMatteis. As soon as I met her and shared my situation she took the time to explain and shared options of how to navigate the situation to obtain the results I wanted. She was trustworthy, diligent and made me at ease through a very difficult time. She saw it through till the end- which was a journey far more intricate than I imagined. I feel fortunate that I put my faith in her as she delivered the outcome I was hoping for and took away the anxiety of the situation. She is a pleasure of a person, both personally and professionally. And while I hope I am never in need of her services again, I would, without hesitation, engage her again for representation. — M.F.

During one of the most challenging times of my life, Amanda was a source of strength and guidance. She led me through a difficult process in a way that made me feel respected and valued as a human being. I never felt as if I was just a client - I was always treated as a person who needed help. I left my initial meeting with Amanda feeling confident in her skills and the services she could provide. Throughout the entire process, that confidence only grew. I will always remember her as someone who helped in ways I didn't think possible at that time. And although that was a result of her skill, it was mostly a result of how she treated me. — J.M.B.

Top notch explains my experience with Amanda DeMatteis as my attorney. What stands out is that she was not only extremely professional but she was also conscientious, personable and a great communicator. From the first day I met her with my husband she made me feel comfortable no matter the question or circumstance. Amanda kept me well informed and on the same page. Never having gone through anything like this she always led me in the right direction, gave encouragement and I knew she had my back. The personal touch was an important aspect of the whole experience and allowed me to feel totally at ease in our discussions. It was a real pleasure to work with her. I am extremely grateful she was on my side. I would not hesitate for a second to recommend her. She is definitely an asset to the firm. — S.P.

When I reached out to the firm and spoke with Amanda, I was unsure whether I should obtain an attorney to help me with my employment situation or simply pursue negotiations on my own. When I discussed my situation with Amanda, there was no ‘hard sell’ or ‘scare tactic’ to entice me to move forward with her—just a knowledgeable, friendly professional who took the time to listen and explain the process and potential outcomes. The decision was easy, with Amanda taking the reins, emotion was left out and progress was swift. From the first telephone discussion to the acceptable outcome of my situation Amanda was professional, knowledgeable, easy to communicate with and overall made what could have been a long daunting process, relatively smooth and painless for me! She took the time to listen and fully understand my goals, level set my expectations, and promptly proceeded to move things through the process—communicating with me each step of the way.
My advice to anyone faced with challenging employment situations, reach out to Amanda and let her take the emotion out of the situation and work toward the best possible outcome on your behalf. Just do it! — Pam H.

During the majority of 2017 I was involved in a dispute with my former employer regarding a non-compete/non-solicit disagreement. Thanks in great part to Amanda DeMatteis, we were able to come to a suitable settlement agreement. Her knowledge of the law, procedures and protocols greatly facilitated us moving forward throughout this process. Attorney DeMatteis helped translate much of the language and relay the scenarios to me on a level to better help us achieve our goals. Lastly, I’d like to state that she was very available and easy to communicate with. —S.L.

When you go through something that changes your life in any capacity, you want someone there that will make you feel at ease. For me, my advocate and my person for nearly 3 years was Amanda DeMatteis, and the entire Garrison, Levin-Epstein, Fitzgerald and Pirrotti team. It wasn’t just a law firm, I truly felt part of a family. To really feel like a human being and not just a number was definitely a factor in the success of my justice. Amanda is such an understanding, kind and real person who listened to my story, and not only genuinely believed in me, but fought long hours, and hard. She never hesitated to talk to me whether on the phone or email, and always explained everything in depth, even things that “weren’t important,” just to educate me on the process. Overall, I have Amanda, and the entire Garrison team, to thank for finally getting closure for me. — A.J.

Three months ago, I was hit with a curve ball. But then I listened to my son and met with (Amanda DeMatteis). While losing a career after 37 years is a game changer, you were able to make me feel better about the whole ordeal. You are an incredibly confident, competent, and gracious young woman -- so well-suited for your career. Thank you for all you have done and how you did it. — Gail M.

I found Amanda DeMatteis in the Yellow Pages and I’m so glad I did. She handled my case very professionally and in a timely manner. At the time, I was having serious health issues and lost my job. She not only acted as my attorney but she also would talk to me as a friend. She never made me feel as though my questions were unimportant and always put me at ease. I would recommend Amanda DeMatteis to anyone seeking a professional and compassionate attorney. — M.W., Hamden, 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

Amanda DeMatteis not only helped me legally, she showed care and empathy as I relayed my story. Amanda was a godsend. She worked hard at getting the amount of money I asked for in my discrimination suit. She always kept me informed about the status of my suit. She gave me good advice. And the bottom line – she won the case! I would definitely recommend Amanda to anyone who needs a good attorney. — D.Y., Ellington, CT

Amanda M. DeMatteis

Biography

Representative Matters

Representative Speaking Engagements

Client Experiences

Blog Posts

News

Amanda represents employees in both state and federal courts in a wide variety of employment matters, including wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment, defamation, retaliation, and hostile work environment.

Client Experiences

Advocating for Employees since 1977