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Stephen J. Fitzgerald

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Biography

Stephen Fitzgerald represents individuals in employment and personal injury matters in Connecticut’s state and federal courts. He also represents railroad workers in courts throughout the country. Steve has won several multi-million dollar jury verdicts for his clients. His peers have ranked him as a Connecticut Super Lawyer since 2011, as the Super Lawyer Employment Lawyer of the Year for 2012, and he has been named Best Lawyer of the Year for Labor & Employment Litigation in the New Haven area by Best Lawyers in America in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2024.

Steve’s employment practice involves the representation of a wide range of workers including physicians, executives, sales staff, academics, financial services and others. He has handled countless litigations and negotiations involving claims of discrimination, sexual harassment, breach of contract and retaliation. He has enjoyed significant success on behalf of physicians, scientists and others who have been retaliated against for blowing the whistle on employers engaged in unsafe practices. A significant portion of his practice is representing railroad workers who have been injured on the job or retaliated against. He has achieved courtroom victories and several favorable settlements on behalf of railroad workers who have been retaliated against and disciplined for speaking out about safety issues in violation of the Federal Rail Safety Act (FRSA). Steve also handles personal injury claims from passengers involved in train accidents.

Steve is an accomplished trial advocate, having served as lead counsel on over 40 jury trials. Before joining Garrison, Levin-Epstein in 2001, he served for over ten years as an Assistant District Attorney at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, where he rose to the rank of Supervising Attorney. Steve has also taught Trial Practice at both Fordham Law School and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

Steve prides himself on the personal attention he gives to each one of his clients, including those who have been injured.

Steve is admitted to practice in the state courts of Connecticut and New York, as well as in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the United States District Courts for the District of Connecticut, the Southern District of New York, and the Eastern District of New York. He is a member of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA), the New Haven County Bar Association, and the New Haven Inn of Court, and has published in the Connecticut Law Tribune. He graduated from Boston College and Fordham University School of Law.

An active participant in his community, Stephen Fitzgerald chairs the North Haven Open Space Committee for the preservation of public property, sits on the board of the North Haven Trail Committee, and has coached each of his three daughters’ softball teams. He was born and raised in Stamford, CT.

Representative Matters

McClain v. Pfizer (2012)
Becky McClain was disciplined and discharged after speaking out about dangerous conditions at Pfizer’s Groton, CT laboratory. Following trial, the jury awarded her damages totaling nearly $2 million. The case received extensive media coverage, including in the New York Times. The Second Circuit affirmed the verdict on appeal.
Won $1.8 million jury verdict for cardiothoracic surgeon in breach of contract action against his former employer, Hartford Healthcare Medical Group
Nelson v. Tradewind Aviation (2011)
When Jeffrey Nelson’s job offer was mysteriously revoked, he realized that his former employer, Tradewind Aviation, had defamed him, insinuating without any proof that he had used illegal drugs. At trial, the jury accepted evidence that Tradewind had lied to avoid paying Mr. Nelson unemployment benefits, and it took only two hours to award Mr. Nelson $307,000 in damages. The Connecticut Appellate Court affirmed the verdict on appeal. See 155 Conn. App. 519 (2015). We persuaded the Connecticut Supreme Court not to accept the defendant’s petition for certification. See 316 Conn. 918 (2015).
Nano v. Competitive Technologies (2011)
Secured a $775,000 arbitration award for the former CEO of a medical technology company on his breach of contract claim.
Schumann v. Dianon Systems, 2009 WL 3838914 (Conn. Super. 2009)
When Dianon Systems changed its test to detect kidney and lower urinary tract disorders, experienced pathologist Berry Schumann told his employer that he thought the new test could endanger patients. In response, he was discharged. A jury awarded Dr. Schumann over $4 million in damages. The jury’s verdict was ultimately vacated by the Connecticut Supreme Court.
Rosenfield, et al. v. Yale University (2004)
Dr. Rosenfield was disciplined and demoted because of his patient care advocacy. After a seven-week trial, a jury awarded both compensatory and punitive damages, eventually totaling approximately $6.3 million.
United States v. Matthew Bowden (2003)
Achieved acquittal following a jury trial of an individual charged with participating in a twenty-person conspiracy.
Obtained settlement of $625,000 on behalf of railroad passenger whose leg was broken as a result of negligence by conductors on commuter railroad.
Obtained settlement of $300,000 on behalf of railroad worker who required total knee replacement as a result of negligence by railroad-employer.
Obtained settlement of $300,000 on behalf of railroad passenger who injured her back when the train she was riding on collided with a truck negligently left on railroad tracks.
Obtained settlement of $750,000 on behalf of a physician who spoke out about unsafe practices at his employer-hospital.

Representative Speaking Engagements

Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association: 2012 Employment Law Seminar (Topic: Trial Themes and Strategies)
National Employment Lawyers Association: 2011 Annual Convention (Topic: Charting the Future of Employee Rights Advocacy)
Sexual Harassment Training for Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Trust (annually since 2009)
National Employment Lawyers Association: 2009 Annual Convention (Topic: Opening Statements)

Client Experiences

My experience with Mr. Fitzgerald was the best experience I’ve had with a lawyer. He was honest, straightforward, forthright, and acted in my best interests. I would recommend him highly without reservation for anyone with labor related legal issues.— M.F.

Josh Goodbaum and Steve Fitzgerald represented my husband in a three-week trial in Hartford Superior Court involving his employer’s breach of his contract. I am grateful that the jury came back on our side and compensated us for what we lost, and I am just as grateful for Josh and Steve’s incredible advocacy and support. That first day in court, I was so nervous that I wanted to throw up, cry, and go home. But Josh in particular was so calming and reassuring that I knew I could do it and that we could prevail, which we thankfully did. If you need an employment lawyer in Connecticut, you should not hesitate to contact Josh Goodbaum and Steve Fitzgerald at the Garrison firm!— V.P.

I was lucky to have found this firm. Steve guided me through the very difficult process with ease and determination. I relied on his expertise and I always felt like he had my best interest. He was very responsive and always kept me updated. Would strongly recommend Steve for any of your cases. Thank you for making my life easier and navigating through all this with me. — M.S.

I had gone my entire life and never needed legal counsel before. Then I found myself twice within a few short years period experiencing two very different and unrelated, but very stressful and challenging circumstances requiring expertise. I did not know whom to turn to for help for the first circumstance, especially as it involved my place of employment. But Stephen Fitzgerald and his firm came highly recommended and it was the best decision I could have made. It was also why I turned to Stephen again years later for a personal injury I had suffered. Stephen is incredibly knowledgeable and thorough, provided expert advice and guidance, and displayed a genuine sensitivity to me each time with both of my cases. Any questions or concerns I had at any time were always quickly answered. I found Stephen Fitzgerald to be a truly fair, honest, and ethical lawyer. He provided the voice I needed in my first case, which was a very delicate one. And he was the creative solution finder I needed in my second case, one which very few lawyers would have taken. I was particularly struck by his compassion, since as the latter case unfolded it offered no financial benefit to Stephen whose only concern was that I was compensated. I have the highest regard for Stephen Fitzgerald and wholeheartedly recommend him. — L.B.

I was referred to Attorney Stephen Fitzgerald for a labor dispute by another attorney that had a conflict of interest with my case. I could not have been better represented. Attorney Fitzgerald reviewed my case and was very upfront, clear and concise about what to expect every step of the way. I would highly recommend Stephen Fitzgerald for any labor dispute. — B.S.

You will never meet a more knowledgeable and compassionate professional than Steve Fitzgerald. My employment situation was very complex, and Attorney Fitzgerald kept me focused while remaining extremely adept and “thinking on his feet.” Should the need present itself again, I would never seek anyone else’s counsel regarding employment issues. I cannot recommend him highly enough. — J.R., New Haven, CT

If you need an employment lawyer, go no further! After spending three long years with another firm who did not have our best interests in mind, we were so fortunate to find Steve Fitzgerald. It was such a relief after we started working with Steve to feel like we finally had someone on our side! Steve knows the law and is very intelligent, professional, compassionate, and diligent— everything you need when your world seems turned upside down by the decisions and actions of your employer! Steve genuinely cares about his clients and never made me feel like a nuisance. My only regret is that we didn’t find him first and save those awful first three years with another lawyer. Don’t make the same mistake— if you believe in your case and that you were wronged, you will not regret making a call to Steve! — P.L., Plainville, CT

As a police officer facing a complex employment situation, I needed the best. And that is exactly what I got. I have no doubt that Steve Fitzgerald’s reputation, experience and legal skill was responsible for brokering an incredibly favorable resolution to my problem. I spent little time worrying about the outcome, as it was clear from the onset of his involvement that I was in good hands. I would recommend to any public servant faced with similar employment predicaments that they look to Steve and his firm for assistance. — E.S., Wethersfield, CT

My legal battle was one of the hardest and most emotional situations I have ever been in. Throughout the process, Steve Fitzgerald went above and beyond the call of duty to resolve the matter as fairly as possible. Steve’s patience and professionalism were impressive given the nature of the situation, but his sincere caring and concern was what really set him apart from most attorneys. Steve is truly an anomaly, and I will be forever grateful to him. I highly recommend him and his law firm for anyone in need of a wrongful discharge, employee rights, or workplace discrimination attorney. — V.C., Bridgeport, CT

Steve Fitzgerald was the best lawyer our family could have asked for. A consummate professional who was always available to answer our questions and who always took time to explain the very complicated legal matters of our civil case to us, he was the rock our family leaned on during a very difficult time in our lives, and we will be forever grateful for his dedication and service. I give him my full endorsement. —A.S., Philadelphia, PA

Steve Fitzgerald provided superb legal representation and client education. I was fortunate to have an experienced advocate successfully represent my interests. — D.C., Orange, CT

Having never needed legal counsel before, and experiencing very stressful circumstances at my job, I did not know who to turn to for help. But Steve Fitzgerald and his firm came highly recommended and it was the best decision I could have made. Steve is incredibly knowledgeable and thorough, provided expert advice and guidance, and displayed a genuine sensitivity to me and my case throughout the entire process. Any questions or concerns I had at any time were always quickly answered. I found Steve to be a truly fair, honest, and ethical lawyer who provided the voice I needed. I have the highest regard for Steve and wholeheartedly recommend him. — L.B., Milford, CT