Gary Starr provides practical advice to a wide range of clients in the private and public sector, bringing over 30 years of experience to counseling clients in traditional labor relations matters as well as human relations problems. His experience helps clients avoid the "big mistakes" as well as the day-to-day hassles. Gary also defends employers in state and federal courts, regularly appearing before judges, juries, and administrative agencies. He provides strategic and creative approaches to difficult employee issues, seeking practical solutions and aggressively litigating where and when necessary. Gary is the author of many articles on labor relations matters, including articles which regularly appear in the Connecticut Association of Nonprofit's newsletter. He is a frequent speaker to business and professional groups on labor and employment law topics. Distinctions · BV Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell · Listed as a Connecticut Super Lawyer®: Employment & Labor; 2007-2012 · Volunteer of the Year: Union College, Admissions Department (2002) · Editor, Connecticut Law Review (1974-1975) Professional Affiliations · American Bar Association: Labor and Employment Law Section; Litigation Section · Connecticut Bar Association: Labor and Employment Law Section; Federal Bar Section Community Involvement · The Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity: Nominating Sub-Committee Chair, Edwin Archer Randolph Diversity Award (2007), Committee Member (2006-2011) · Beth El Temple, West Hartford: President (2009-2011); Vice President (2005-2009); Chair, Personnel Committee (1995-present); Endowment Fund Board of Trustees (1997-2011) · Greater Hartford Jewish Federation: Allocation Committee (2000-2004); Long Range Planning Committee (2011-present); Community Trustee (2011-present) · Jewish Association for Community Living: President (2002-2004); Vice President (1998-2002); Board of Trustees · Union College: Coordinator, Alumni Interviewing · Connecticut Association of Nonprofits, Inc.: Board of Trustees (2005-present) Experience Defense of Age Discrimination Case Before Federal Court Enforcing Non-Competition Agreement in Federal Court Advise private sector employers on the analysis and selection process for conducting downsizing of organization Successfully defend challenge to employers' selections in downsizing in federal court Negotiate and resolve disputes challenging employers' selections in downsizing Won summary judgment in termination cases involving age and disability claims in Ohio and Connecticut Settle federal court actions challenging employer decisions in disability cases involving determination of the essential job functions and the scope of reasonable accommodations Obtained dismissal before the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities in age, sex and race discrimination cases Enforced non-competition agreements in federal and state courts Negotiated limits on the extent former employees can compete Litigated and won claims brought by retirees that their medical benefits and pension benefits should be enhanced on behalf of municipal employers Litigated and negotiated successful resolution of claim by union trustees regarding the calculation of contributions by public sector employers Obtained dismissal by the NLRB in Iowa of unfair practices claim brought by union challenging changes to contractual benefits Won Second Circuit appeals challenging on Constitutional grounds changes made in labor contracts and pension plans Advised employers and negotiated plant shutdown with unions Defended municipality in reverse discrimination claim Defended employers in claims of breach of employment based on employer policies and handbooks Represented employers in workers compensation retaliation claims Represent executives in negotiating employment agreement and separation packages Publications January 18, 2012, NLRB Bars Waivers of Collective Action in Arbitration and Litigation October 7, 2011, NLRB Postpones Requirements for Employers to Post Employees' Rights September 1, 2011, NLRB Requiring Posting of Employees' Rights February 9, 2011, New Massachusetts Legislation Mandates Changes in Hiring Practices for Schools February 1, 2011, Supreme Court Broadens Protections for Employees Who File Discrimination Claims--And May Create Protections for Their Closest Friends and Relatives January 24, 2011, Patient Choice Versus Employee Rights: Conflicting Obligations? September 14, 2010, New Protections Afforded Whistleblowers Under Dodd-Frank Act September 7, 2010, New Massachusetts Legislation Mandates Changes in Hiring Practices July 7, 2010, Supreme Court Clears Way to Monitor Electronic Messages - Sort Of July 2, 2009, Supreme Court Answers City's Quandary and Upholds Promotional Test Despite Adverse Impact March 26, 2009, Connecticut FMLA Complicates Compliance With Federal Law March 2009, New Regulations both Simplify and Complicate Family & Medical Leave February 4, 2009, President Obama Signs Equal Pay Law January 12, 2009, Employers Must Comply With New FMLA Regulations July 22, 2008, Reading Employee Text Messages - A Cautionary Tale April 17, 2008, Connecticut Supreme Court Ends Health Insurance Continuation for Surviving Dependents in Public Sector Workers' Compensation Cases August 2002, Connecticut's New Requirement Related To Inquiries About Criminal Histories Of Job Applicants News October 28, 2010, "Super Lawyers" Recognizes 47 Lawyers From Shipman & Goodwin LLP October 27, 2009, Shipman & Goodwin Attorneys Named 2010 Connecticut Super Lawyers & Rising Stars March 2, 2009, Shipman & Goodwin Attorneys Named 2009 Connecticut Super Lawyers & Rising Stars and Featured in Connecticut Magazine November 7, 2008, Shipman & Goodwin Attorneys Named 2009 Connecticut Super Lawyers & Rising Stars April 25, 2008, Attorneys Named By Super Lawyers® Events October 12, 2011, 2011 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training - Hartford, CT April 28, 2011, Sexual Harassment Prevention Training - Hartford, CT April 1, 2010, Protecting The Business Jewels October 14, 2009, Sexual Harassment Prevention Training - Hartford, CT October 1, 2009, FMLA/ADA/Workers Compensation Workshop October 31, 2008, Labor & Employment Fall Seminar May 9, 2006, Hot Topics in Risk Management: Do's, Don'ts and Musts for Nonprofit Leaders May 2006, Employee Trouble Ahead and Steps to Avoid November 15, 2005, Emergency Response to Difficult Human Resource Issues: Putting Out The Fire Before It Gets Out Of Control June 2-3, 2005, CBIA's Human Resource Conference June 2-3, 2005, Human Resource Issues March 2005, Overview of Employment Law for Connecticut Businesses November 14, 2003, Employment Issues That Cause Sleepless Nights November 14, 2003, The Face of Nonprofits: Strength in Challenging Times Planning on Staying out of Trouble Investigating Employee Misconduct Can Be Treacherous - Do It Right Employer Strategies During the Termination Process Supervision of the Problem Employee |