Essex County Employment Lawyers

Steven Altman has practiced law for more than 30 Years. In that time, he has litigated complex commercial cases at the highest standards of practice and numerous small and modest size matters on a cost effective basis. He has extensive dispute resolution experience designing, developing and implementing strategies to economically solve business problems for clients. As a business lawyer with numerous contacts in a wide array of business areas, he is a “go to” person for finding the most suitable person for countless tasks, including securing financing and structuring transactions.

Among innumerable others, Mr. Altman’s professional accomplishments include:
- Resolving a $10...

James R. O’Connor, Esq. is a labor and employment law associate in Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Buffalo office, where he focuses his practice on representing clients in federal and private sector employment law claims, including claims involving the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), New York Labor Law, New York Executive Law and Qui Tam claims.

Prior to joining Tully Rinckey PLLC, James was...

Adela graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a triple major in Health Services, Administration of Justice and Communications. She obtained her J.D., cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, with certificates in Civil Litigation and Health Services.

Following graduation, Adela spent almost three years in Boston, Massachusetts representing clients in a variety of matters, including personal injury, summary process, contract disputes, and class action cases. In 2017, she moved to Buffalo, New York where she concentrated her practice in litigation, medical malpractice defense, nursing home defense, employment discrimination defense, and corporate health care matters....

Kevin Burke is a Buffalo business attorney focused on the litigation of contract disputes, labor and employment issues, intellectual property protection, and trade secret cases. Kevin has represented both individuals and businesses since he moved home from Washington, D.C. in 1999, where he graduated with honors from Georgetown University and George Washington University Law School. Kevin has tried dozens of major commercial and employment cases to verdict. He regularly handles appeals before the Appellate Division, State of New York and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. He frequently writes and lectures on employee mobility issues, including the evolving area of...

We are Employment Law, Sexual Harassment, Wrongful Termination, Workplace Discrimination, Wage & Hour, and Whistleblower Attorneys in New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, & Miami. With decades of experience and over $200 Million recovered throughout this time, call now for free consultation. No fee unless we recover.

WAYNE N. OUTTEN is Chair and Founding Partner of Outten & Golden LLP. He was the Managing Partner from the founding of the firm in 1998 until the end of 2018. His practice focuses exclusively on representing individuals in all areas of employment law. He co-chairs the firm’s Executives and Professionals and Whistleblower Retaliation Practice Groups.

Mr. Outten’s practice focuses on representing high-level employees and professionals in all aspects of their employment, including negotiation of employment, compensation, and severance agreements. He is the author of the “Representing the Executive” chapter in Executive Compensation (BNA Books). His practice includes representing employees in...

ADAM T. KLEIN is Managing Partner of Outten & Golden LLP, and founded the firm's class action practice area. His practice focuses on the prosecution of class actions and impact litigation of employment discrimination and wage and hour claims. Mr. Klein currently serves as lead or co-lead plaintiffs' counsel in numerous major class action lawsuits involving discrimination claims in the financial services industry, the high tech industry, and challenges to the use of credit and criminal history records for employment decisions.

Mr. Klein represents the Metropolitan Council of the New York State Conference of the NAACP in challenges to the...

I founded Cordello Law PLLC to focus entirely on labor and employment litigation on behalf of employees throughout the Rochester, New York area. Since that time, my law firm has been instrumental in obtaining significant financial recoveries for clients through the litigation and negotiation of employment disputes. While a firm’s success is generally measured from a financial standpoint, I am proud of the fact that my cases have also led to changes in illegal and abusive employment practices.

WENDI S. LAZAR is a partner at Outten & Golden LLP in New York where she co-heads the firm’s Individual Practice and the Executives and Professionals Practice Group. Ms. Lazar practices in many areas of employment law with a focus on executive agreements, including retention, expatriate, non-competition, talent, severance, and compensation arrangements. She also represents teams of executives, founders and partners transitioning during a sale, merger and acquisitions and other corporate transactions. Ms. Lazar’s practice is international in scope, and she advises clients and attorneys in the U.S. and abroad on employment, contract, and often related immigration issues. Ms. Lazar...

Brendan focuses his practice on developing and managing global talent acquisition programs for large and small employers seeking to fill highly skilled positions in the United States. He counsels employers located throughout New York, the United States and internationally and assists with obtaining immigration status and employment authorization for employees in both nonimmigrant and immigrant (permanent resident/“green card”) visa categories. His practice includes an emphasis on assisting college/university faculty members and medical professionals with complex immigration issues such as J-1 waivers, O-1 visas, and permanent residency through the National Interest Waiver, Outstanding Professor/Researcher, and Alien of Extraordinary Ability categories. Brendan...

JIM BARNA BRINGS A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE TO EMPLOYMENT LAW REPRESENTATION. Throughout his career, Jim Barna has focused his practice on employment law. Jim did his undergraduate studies at Syracuse University and Stony Brook University. Jim attended law school at Washington University in St. Louis, a Top Twenty law school with an extensive employment law curriculum. While in law school, he had the opportunity to work for a national leader in employment law and womens rights litigation, Mary Anne Sedey. “From Mary Anne Sedey, I saw that big cases can bring big changes, and that a life devoted...

Jack Tuckner is a Women’s Rights in the Workplace attorney and a founding partner of Tuckner, Sipser, Weinstock & Sipser, perhaps the only law firm in the nation concentrating its practice on workplace gender rights. His practice is focused on helping working women combat sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, and other discrimination and illegal treatment faced by women, including illegal pay disparity, gender discrimination, maternity leave matters, unlawful retaliation, and wrongful termination. Jack has long fought for women’s rights and against the unequal and wrongful treatment of women in the workplace. In doing so, Jack has gained a reputation for feminist activism...

As an Associate at Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Binghamton office, Tyler defends the rights of federal and private employees who require assistance with harassment, disability retirement, retaliation, disciplinary, discrimination and adverse action, among a range of other legal matters including Title IX representation. Drawing from his experience as a litigation attorney with several notable law firms within the nation’s capital, Tyler brings a fresh perspective on federal labor and employment law to the area’s practice group at the firm.

Prior to joining Tully Rinckey PLLC, Tyler was a litigation attorney with a prominent Washington, D.C. law firm, where he gained extensive experience...

Currently, Kathryn is of counsel at Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP. She practices in the medical malpractice group. She also advises clients, both employers and employees, in all areas of labor and employment law, including preparation of employment agreements and employment manuals and policies, litigation including mediation and arbitration, as well as trials, appeals, and administrative hearings. She also advises clients on general litigation matters.

Previously, Kathryn practiced mainly military law; regularly handling cases involving Article 15s, letters of reprimand, courts-martial, security clearance and officer/enlisted separation proceedings. She also handled discrimination complaints before the Equal Employment Opportunity...

Richard Pawelczyk handles transactions and litigation for individuals, as well as companies of all sizes. He has represented household names, both individuals and companies, in music, sports, fashion, food & beverage. He was counsel to several prominent entertainment companies and helped guide their business development. Rich is also a seasoned intellectual property attorney, with vast experience in trademarks and copyrights for celebrities and media companies. He co-authored a legal brief that advocated for extension of copyright protection in a case that was before the United States Supreme Court. Rich’s experience includes corporate transactions, commercial real estate, food & beverage, fashion,...

Jon Bonavilla is a highly experienced and aggressive litigator. His practice focuses on civil matters with a particular emphasis on personal injury, matrimonial and family law, sexual harassment and discrimination, employment law, business disputes, and estate litigation. He also provides real estate advice and general estate planning for his clients. Jon’s focus is on assisting his clients successfully through the legal process. In dealing with any legal matter he seeks to ensure his clients are fully informed, taking the time to explain difficult issues and decisions that are often involved. Jon’s depth of experience makes him...

I am an experienced attorney specializing in no-fault insurance benefits, personal injury practice, employment law, and consumer protection law, with offices in New York and Florida. Over my career, I have written numerous articles for the New York State Law Journal on no-fault practice and authored more than 500 appeals on no-fault issues across New York, New Jersey, and Florida. My work has significantly impacted legal precedent, including successful arguments before the Appellate Division regarding standing rights for injured persons and attorney fees in no-fault master arbitration awards. I have also tried over 500 no-fault cases to verdict, representing both...

David Sanford is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP, a national law firm with offices in the District of Columbia, New York, California, Tennessee, and Maryland. He received his J.D. from Stanford Law School, M.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and B.A. from Vassar College. David has recovered more than one billion dollars for individual clients and the United States government since 2004.

David represents C-suite executives and non-managerial hourly employees throughout the US. He has served as lead counsel in more than 50 class actions and numerous qui tam cases around the country...

Gennady Litvin, Esq. is an associate with Law Office of Yuriy Moshes, P.C. Mr. Litvin graduated Pace University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Economics, and went on to pursue his Juris Doctorate at the University of Miami School of Law, where he was a proud member of the esteemed Business Law Review. Gennady Litvin was admitted into the Florida State Bar in 2008 and the New York State Bar in 2009. Also, Mr. Litvin is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, United States District Court for the Southern...

Nance L. Schick is an employment lawyer and mediator based in New York City, where her firm now known as Third Ear Conflict Resolution has been based since 2003. Author of DIY CONFLICT RESOLUTION, she gives legal advice to employers with workers in New York State and resolves workplace disputes worldwide—before they end up in court. Prior to law school, she worked in Human Resources and operations management at United Parcel Service, where she developed an interest in employment law. Planning to go to law school in the off seasons, she spent a few years working in Sport Administration, consistent...

New York Litigator and Trial Lawyer

Lisa Renee Pomerantz has more than thirty-five years of varied legal experience. After graduating cum laude from Radcliffe College of Harvard University and from Boston University Law School where she was on the Law Review, Lisa spent a year as a law clerk to a federal court judge. Following a stint as a litigation attorney in private practice, she worked for more than fifteen years as a senior level in-house attorney for a major corporation. Since 2003, Lisa has had her own practice. She works with innovative and creative enterprises to structure and foster successful business relationships...

LAURENCE S. MOY is Deputy Managing Partner, and has been practicing law almost exclusively in the area of representing individuals in employment matters since 1985. Mr. Moy co-chairs the firm’s Financial Services Industry Practice Group. He enjoys representing clients and groups of clients in these highly specialized fields by counseling them, as well as negotiating and litigating on their behalf.

Mr. Moy has extensive experience in arbitration before FINRA (and, previously, the NASD and the NYSE), the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”), and JAMS, as well as trials, appeals, and other litigation experience before federal and state courts concerning employment and...

OSSAI MIAZAD is Partner and Co-Chair of the Discrimination and Retaliation Practice Group and is also active in the firm's Class & Collective Action Practice Group at Outten & Golden LLP in New York. She represents employees in class action and impact litigation aimed at eliminating systemic discrimination. She has experience litigating before federal and state courts and arbitration panels. Ms. Miazad currently serves as plaintiffs' counsel in numerous major class action lawsuits involving challenges to the use of credit and criminal history records for employment decisions, challenges to U.S. citizen and legal permanent resident requirements in contracting on behalf...

Senior legal executive with proven success in leading legal and risk management functions for global companies; demonstrated success with creating new risk management and ethics/compliance functions cost-effectively. More than 16 years of legal experience in a broad range of matters that include investigations, ethics and compliance counseling, risk management, product safety/product liability matters, business and human resources counseling, and litigation.

Susan M. Maya graduated Magna Cum Laude from Quinnipiac University School of Law where she attended as a Dean’s Scholar. While at Quinnipiac she received seven outstanding academic achievement awards. Ms. Maya was an academic invitee on the Quinnipiac Law Review where she held the position of Associate Editor. Ms. Maya graduated Magna Cum Laude from the State University of New York at Binghamton. Ms. Maya practices in the areas of Trusts and Estates, Special Education Law, and Executive Compensation Law. She is admitted to practice in New York and Connecticut. She lives with her family in Westport, CT.

Bill has 20+ years of litigation and law firm management experience. He is hardworking, efficient and detail oriented with strong leadership skills and a proven track record. He is extremely organized with a strong ability to multi-task. Bill works well in a team environment and is capable of handling complex matters and providing guidance to other team members to ensure that all matters are handled properly. EDUCATION Juris Doctor ...

Susan Chana Lask, Esq. is a nationally recognized litigator with over 35 years of experience in state, federal, and appellate courts, including the United States Supreme Court. Frequently described by the media as “New York’s High Powered, High Profile Lawyer,” she has led precedent-setting litigation in civil rights, consumer protection, foreclosure fraud, and pharmaceutical cases. Her clients have included former Attorneys General, judges, legislators, and large companies, as well as private individuals facing high-stakes litigation. She has been called upon by the U.S. Department of Justice, the New York Attorney General, and members of Congress to advise on complex legal...

Rachel Wright is an attorney within the Corporate Department of Rupp Pfalzgraf. Rachel's practice has a heightened focus on the needs of the hospitality industry, nonprofits, small businesses, and compliance. Prior extensive experience in the hospitality industry gives Rachel a unique understanding of the legal needs of that industry. Rachel is equipped to handle Joint ventures, issues in corporate governance and structuring, commercial contracts, entity formation, business compliance, mergers and acquisitions, liquor licensing for bars and restaurants, and issues in employment law. Ms. Wright obtained her Juris Doctorate from the University of Buffalo School of Law. She also holds a Master...

The managing partner at Phillips & Associates, William K. Phillips dedicates his practice to protecting the rights of employees in the workplace. His firm has handled thousands of employment cases, including discrimination and sexual harassment claims. Mr. Phillips has been recognized as one of the “10 Best Labor and Employment Attorneys in New York” by the American Institute of Legal Counsel and among the “Top 100 Labor & Employment Lawyer in New York” by the American Society of Legal Advocates.

Steven Fingerhut is a Partner at Phillips & Associates. He takes an aggressive approach to the representation of his clients and is proud to give a voice to those who may otherwise have none. Mr. Fingerhut has obtained over $10 Million in settlements for his clients in the past five years. Most recently, in January 2024, Steven Fingerhut received a Plaintiff’s verdict and an award of $260,000 for his client after successfully trying hostile work environment, retaliation, and defamation claims, in the Eastern District of New York. Smart v. USA Labor for Hire, Inc., et al., Case No.: 1:20-cv-5594 (TAM). The...

Gregory Calliste, Jr. is a New York employment discrimination attorney at Phillips & Associates. He possesses 13 years of experience handling civil, and criminal law matters, including employment law matters, at the federal, state and administrative levels.

If you are a victim of racial or national origin discrimination at work, you should be aware that there are federal, state, and local laws in place to protect you. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, for example, prohibited racial discrimination occurs when an employer treats someone unfavorably due to their race or because of personal characteristics associated with race,...

Attorney Emre Polat is an experienced New York City employment attorney. He has substantial litigation experience in all aspects of employment law, including lawsuits arising out of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage and hour violations, medical leave violations, whistleblower claims, retaliation, non-compete agreements, and severance agreements. Mr. Polat has personally litigated countless matters from inception through trial. He has represented both employees and employers who need a discrimination attorney or assistance in other claims. His advocacy and experience has earned him notable recognition and respect. Mr. Polat has personally litigated countless matters from inception through trial. His advocacy and experience has...

Andrew’s first job as a lawyer was with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, where he was a Deputy Attorney General for approximately seven years. As a government trial attorney, he learned “his way around a courtroom” as well as how to effectively and persuasively write legal documents. As a Deputy Attorney General, Andrew gained invaluable litigation experience in both State and Federal Courts, arguing motions before judges, negotiating settlements before mediators, taking and defending over 800 depositions, and trying both bench and jury trials.

After working with the New Jersey Attorney General, over the next eight years, Andrew further honed...

D. Maimon Kirschenbaum represents employees in class action and individual wage/hour cases, individual discrimination cases and other employment matters, such as severance negotiations. Maimon has successfully taken on employers ranging in size from Fortune 500 Companies to "mom and pop" local businesses.

From an early point in his career, Maimon has been recognized in the media as a "wunderkind of the plaintiff's bar" and the "patron saint of stiffed waiters." Now a partner at the law firm of Joseph & Kirschenbaum LLP, he is well known throughout the restaurant and hospitality industry and its lawyers as a dedicated and effective advocate...

Attorney Stuart Meissner was born in 1962 in Brooklyn, New York. He earned his Bachelor’s and Juris Doctorate from Hofstra University. He went on to earn his masters of law degree from New York University Law School. He opened his own practice, Meissner Associates, twenty years ago in 2001 in Manhattan, New York. His practice focuses primarily on SEC whistleblower cases, investment disputes, securities violations, and FINRA arbitration. After 9/11, Attorney Meissner volunteered at Ground Zero on “the pile” on the “bucket brigade” along with fire and police officers, sifting through debris trying to find survivors. He was later subsequently...

JUSTIN M. SWARTZ, a partner at Outten & Golden LLP in New York and Co-Chair of its Class Action Practice Group, represents employees in class action wage/hour and discrimination cases, as well as individual discrimination cases and other employment matters. He is also Co-Chair of the firm’s Public Interest Committee.

Mr. Swartz is currently litigating cases challenging the practice of classifying workers as independent contractors and failing to pay overtime compensation. He and Outten & Golden LLP's Public Interest Committee have represented hundreds of low-wage workers in minimum wage and unpaid overtime cases, including construction workers, farm workers, and low-wage cleaning...

Katherine Liebner is a shareholder attorney with Buffalo-based Gross Shuman P.C. Her practice areas include estate planning, estate and trust administration, and labor and employment law. Katherine received her J.D. from the University at Buffalo and is admitted to practice before all New York State Courts, Florida State Courts, the federal district courts for the Western District of New York, the Northern District of New York, the District of Colorado and the United States Tax Court. Katherine was named to Buffalo Business First’s inaugural 30 under 30 class in 2012 and selected as a Super Lawyers Upstate New York Rising...

Glen A. Kendall has an exceptional track record representing small and medium-sized businesses and individuals in complex, high stakes litigation and arbitration across the New York area.

He regularly serves as lead counsel in business and employment matters involving breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, employment discrimination, restrictive covenants, defamation, trade secret misappropriation, and copyright and trademark infringement. Mr. Kendall also handles trusts and estates matters involving probate, will contests, contested accountings, and fiduciary removal proceedings. Clients entrust Mr. Kendall because of his compassion, zealous advocacy, and creativity in problem-solving.

A significant portion of Mr. Kendall’s practice involves...