Gary S. Starr

Partner

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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)

Defense of Age Discrimination Case Before Federal Court

Won summary judgment for manufacturer in federal court age discrimination arising from a corporate downsizing in which 30 year employee claimed work she had done was assigned to a younger employee and that she was capable for performing the work of that employee and others.

Enforcing Non-Competition Agreement in Federal Court

Enforced in federal court a non-competition agreement against a former employee who claimed that the work he was being hired to do was not competitive as the new employer was involved in a different approach to gathering information on the internet.

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

February 13, 2012  Supervisors Can Be Personally Liable for Violations of FMLA
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

Practice Areas

Education

  • New York University School of Law, LL.M., 1978, with honors
  • University of Connecticut School of Law, J.D., 1975, with honors
  • Union College, B.A., 1972, cum laude

Bar Admissions

  • Connecticut

Court Admissions

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