Practical, Strategic Counsel for Connecticut Employers
Employment law is complex, constantly changing, and the stakes are high. A single misstep can result in costly litigation, damage to your reputation, and disruption to your business. You need attorneys who understand the nuances of federal and state employment laws, provide practical guidance, and defend you aggressively when disputes arise.
At Willinger, Willinger & Bucci, we’ve been advising and defending Connecticut employers for more than 35 years. Our labor and employment team is led by Thomas Bucci, who has over 45 years of experience representing employers and employees in employment matters. Thomas successfully argued before the United States Supreme Court, winning a precedent-setting case in Connecticut v. Teal. This sophisticated experience—including representing both sides—better equips us to anticipate counterparty responses, strategies, and options.
We’re practical, efficient, and aggressive when necessary. We help you navigate employment law proactively and defend you fiercely when disputes arise.
Why Choose Us to Defend Your Company?
Sophisticated Experience. Thomas Bucci’s Supreme Court victory and 45+ years of experience demonstrate the highest level of legal expertise. His experience representing both employers and employees gives us unique insight into how opposing counsel will approach your case.
Practical and Proactive. We help you avoid problems before they start. Our attorneys provide practical guidance on policies, procedures, and day-to-day employment decisions that minimize legal risk.
Efficient and Cost-Effective. We understand that litigation is expensive. We work efficiently, assess matters pragmatically, and pursue strategies that serve your business interests.
Aggressive Defense. When disputes arise, we defend you aggressively. We know how to challenge claims, negotiate strategically, and win at trial when necessary.
Deep Understanding of Employment Law. Federal and state employment laws are complex and constantly evolving. We stay current on all developments and help you maintain compliance.
Strategic Advantage. Tom’s experience at the highest levels—including his Supreme Court win—means we can anticipate how plaintiffs’ attorneys will approach your case and develop strategies to counter them effectively.
Employer Services We Provide
We provide comprehensive employment law services to Connecticut employers:
Employment Litigation Defense
- Discrimination claims (race, sex, age, disability, religion, etc.)
- Harassment and hostile work environment claims
- Retaliation claims
- Wrongful termination claims
- Wage and hour disputes
- FMLA and leave disputes
- Contract disputes and non-compete enforcement
- Class and collective action defense
Compliance and Risk Management
- Employment policy development and review
- Employee handbooks
- Wage and hour compliance audits
- Leave policy compliance (FMLA, CFMLA, paid leave)
- ADA and disability accommodation guidance
- Classification audits (exempt vs. non-exempt, employee vs. independent contractor)
- Workplace investigations
Day-to-Day Counsel
- Advice on hiring, discipline, and termination decisions
- Performance management guidance
- Accommodation requests
- Leave requests and administration
- Workplace conflict resolution
Employment Agreements
- Executive employment agreements
- Non-compete and non-solicitation agreements
- Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements
- Severance agreements
- Settlement agreements
Workplace Investigations
- Internal investigations of harassment, discrimination, and misconduct complaints
- Documentation and recommendations
Training
- Supervisor training on harassment prevention, discrimination, and retaliation
- Management training on employment law compliance
Agency Proceedings
- Defense before the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO)
- Defense before the Connecticut Department of Labor
- Defense before the EEOC and other federal agencies
- Defense before the Connecticut State Board of Labor Relations
We represent employers of all sizes, from small businesses to large organizations, across all industries.
Our Approach: Practical, Strategic, and Results-Driven
We Understand Your Business. Before we advise, we take time to understand your business, your industry, and your workforce. Our counsel is tailored to your specific needs and challenges.
We Help You Avoid Problems. The best employment litigation is the kind that never happens. We help you develop policies, train managers, and make decisions that minimize legal risk.
We Respond Quickly. When an issue arises, you need guidance immediately. Our attorneys respond promptly and help you navigate the situation before it escalates.
We Assess Pragmatically. When a claim is filed, we assess it realistically. We help you understand the risks, the potential costs, and the best path forward—whether that’s aggressive defense, strategic settlement, or something in between.
We Defend Aggressively. When litigation is necessary, we defend you fiercely. We challenge weak claims, file dispositive motions, and aren’t afraid to take cases to trial.
Sophisticated Experience on Both Sides
Our team brings over 50 years of experience in labor and employment law, representing both employers and employees. This makes us formidable litigators as we are able to anticipate our adversaries’ strategies proactively.
- United States Supreme Court Victory: Successfully argued Connecticut v. Teal, a precedent-setting employment discrimination case.
- Experience Representing Both Sides: We have successfully represented employers and employees for decades. This dual perspective enables us to anticipate strategies and develop superior defense approaches.
- State and Federal Court Experience: Represented clients at all levels of Connecticut’s state and federal courts.
- Agency Experience: Extensive experience before the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, the Connecticut State Board of Labor Relations, and the Connecticut Board of Mediation and Arbitration.
- Public Service: Thomas Bucci served as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Bridgeport and as Bridgeport’s Mayor from 1985 through 1989.
Our team brings sophisticated experience at the highest levels, making us one of Connecticut’s most effective employment firms.
Serving Employers Throughout Connecticut
We represent employers throughout Connecticut, providing counsel on day-to-day employment matters and defending against claims in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. Whether you’re based in Bridgeport, Stamford, New Haven, Hartford, or anywhere in the state, we’re here to protect your business.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Employment Law Needs
Whether you need proactive compliance guidance, help with a difficult employment decision, or aggressive defense against a claim, contact Willinger, Willinger & Bucci to speak with an experienced Connecticut employment attorney.
Contact us today to discuss your needs or schedule a consultation.
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