People
Jarad M. Lucan

Jarad M. Lucan

he/him/his

Partner

Jarad is chair of the firm's Employment and Labor Practice Group. In his day-to-day practice, Jarad represents local and state governments, non-profit organizations, public and private educational institutions, health care entities, construction companies, manufacturers and service providers in traditional labor management relations and employment law. Jarad emphasizes legal representation that goes beyond matter to matter, and focuses on the business needs and goals of each client. This approach, coupled with his extensive experience in labor and employment law, allows Jarad to develop a deep understanding of his clients’ business and provide practical, effective counsel. A skilled negotiator, Jarad provides proactive counsel and secures positive resolutions for employers in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies, including the National Labor Relations Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, the Department of Labor and the Connecticut State Board of Labor Relations.

In labor matters, Jarad represents clients in collective bargaining, grievance and arbitration proceedings, labor disputes, unfair labor practices litigation, union-organizing efforts, matters related to business disruptions, and certification and decertification elections. Jarad has negotiated favorable contracts for major cities across Connecticut, serving as a lead negotiator during contract negotiations with unions.

Jarad understands the complications of the modern workplace, and regularly advises employers on a broad range of personnel-related matters such as disciplinary issues; requests for accommodations; personnel policies, handbooks and manuals; wage and hour issues; discrimination; wrongful discharge; harassment; and retaliation. Sought-after for his experience assisting employers in crisis-response and risk management matters, Jarad advises clients on employment issues complicated by difficult social and economic developments. In light of high-profile cases involving claims of sexual harassment and misconduct in the workplace, Jarad also provides a highly effective, interactive and engaging sexual harassment prevention training program to employers, consistent with the Connecticut Time’s Up Act, as well as other trainings geared towards developing more effective supervisors and managers.

A frequent speaker and author, both nationally and locally, Jarad is often contacted by the media to comment on labor and employment legal matters. He has written numerous articles, analyses and alerts on labor and employment matters, and is an ongoing contributor to a leading industry and legal journal.

In addition to being the Chair of the Employment and Labor Practice Group, Jarad is committed to furthering opportunities in the legal industry. He serves on the Firm’s Committee on Diversity and Inclusion and has been instrumental in developing the Firm’s robust mentoring program.

Credentials

Education

Villanova University, B.A., 1998
Quinnipiac University School of Law, J.D., 2007, cum laude

Bar Admissions

Massachusetts
Connecticut, 2007

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court, District of CT, 2008
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

Distinctions

Listed in The Best Lawyers in America®: Labor Law - Management (2021-2025)
Listed as a Connecticut Super Lawyer®: Employment & Labor (2018-2024)
Listed as a Connecticut Super Lawyer Rising Star®: Employment & Labor (2013-2017)
New Leader in the Law, Connecticut Law Tribune (2015)

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association
Connecticut Bar Association: Member, Labor and Employment Section
Hartford County Bar Association
Labor and Employment Relations Association
Connecticut Public Employer Labor Relations Association
National Association of College and University Attorneys
CBIA Labor & Employment Law Council, Member

Community Involvement

Fred D. Wish School Volunteer Tutor Program
Riverfront Recapture, Inc.: Board of Directors

Experience

Higher education

General Guidance Regarding Union Organizing by Adjunct Faculty and Graduate Students

Advised the administrators of numerous independent colleges and universities regarding attempted efforts to organize adjunct faculty and graduate students. Provided guidance on precautionary steps to take in advance of active organizing and what actions to take if there is organizing.

Successful Representation Against Union Organizing Effort by Adjunct Faculty

Advised an independent university of its rights during a union organizing drive among adjunct faculty, and represented the university in proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) regarding the scope of the bargaining unit. The university was successful in defeating the unionizing effort.

Settled Favorable Contract with Public Safety Officers

Represented an independent university at the bargaining table in connection with negotiations with the union representing its public safety officers. The university was successful in gaining significant management rights and economic savings, including tying wage increases, if any, to those afforded non-bargaining unit employees at the sole discretion of the university.

General

Victory in Connecticut Supreme Court for City of Norwalk

The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of the City of Norwalk to affirm an arbitration award upholding the discharge of a police officer. Overall representation included multiple proceedings for the City’s Police Department prior to the successful action at the Supreme Court.

City Defeats Claims Against Its Promotional Examination Process

Obtained a favorable result for a municipality in a state court action brought by an employee claiming that municipal officials acted negligently in connection with a promotional examination within the Fire Department. Following discovery, we were able to prevail on the matter at the summary judgment stage of litigation.

State Labor Board Dismisses Claims of Repudiation and Unilateral Change

Obtained a favorable ruling for a municipal client in a matter brought by a police union claiming that the Town repudiated an agreement and unilaterally changed terms and conditions of employment in connection with civilianizing the dispatchers.