Stuart M. Katz

Connecticut

Cohen and Wolf, P.C.
1115 Broad Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
United States

Tel: 203.337.4205

Email: skatz@cohenandwolf.com
Web: www.cohenandwolf.com

Stuart Katz leads the Employment Counseling & Litigation Group at Cohen and Wolf, P.C., a leading full service Connecticut based law firm with offices in Bridgeport, Danbury and Westport. Stuart serves on a number of the firm’s management committees and chairs its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. This committee has undertaken a number of initiatives aimed at promoting greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal field and at the firm.

He represents employers of all sizes in defending a wide range of discrimination and harassment suits and litigating restrictive covenant, breach of contract, and wage claims. Stuart’s employment practice includes representation of clients in state and federal courts, as well as administrative agencies, and he often acts as local counsel for out-of-state law firms and companies.

Stuart also represents professionals and executives in matters relating to their employment. He routinely provides workplace trainings and guidance to employers and employees regarding personnel policies, handbooks, internal investigations, and employee discipline. Stuart’s employment practice includes representation of clients in both state and federal courts, often acting as local counsel for out-of-state law firms and companies. He regularly handles matters before the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Department of Labor, and other administrative agencies. Stuart also serves as an arbitrator and mediator for employment disputes and is a member of the American Arbitration Association’s Panel of Employment Arbitrators.

Stuart is the only lawyer in Connecticut who has been named “Lawyer of the Year” by the Best Lawyers in America® for representing both Management and Individuals in the area of Employment Law, recognition that reflects his unique experience on both sides of the employer-employee relationship.  A strong advocate who brings a strategic, big picture approach to every case, these attributes have been recognized in Chambers USA where sources say: “He works with clients very well and keeps them informed. He is one of my go-to people for employment litigation and is all-around excellent.”

  • Benchmark Litigation Star, 2011-present
  • Benchmark Litigation Labor & Employment Star, Northeast, 2019-2023
  • Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year”, Employment Law-Management, Stamford, CT metro area, 2018
  • Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year”, Employment Law-Individuals, Stamford, CT metro area, 2016, 2022
  • Best Lawyers®, Employment Law, Management and Individuals, 2013-present
  • Best Lawyers®, Litigation, Labor & Employment, 2013-present
  • Chambers USA, Employment Law, 2008-present
  • Connecticut Super Lawyers® “Top Ten” List, 2013-2015
  • Connecticut Super Lawyers® “Top 50” List, 2012-2018, 2021
  • Super Lawyers®“Top 100 New England Super Lawyers”. 2013-2015, 2017-2019
  • Connecticut Super Lawyers®, 2009-present
  • Martindale-Hubbell®, AV® Preeminent™ Peer Rating
  • Moffly Media’s “Top Lawyers in Fairfield County”, Civil Law Litigation, 2021
  • Connecticut Law Tribune, “New Leader in the Law” Award, 2003
  • ADL Daniel Ginsberg Leadership Award, 1997
  • American Bar Association
  • Connecticut Bar Association
    • Labor & Employment Section, Executive Committee
  • Greater Bridgeport Bar Association
  • National Arbitration and Mediation (NAM): Arbitrator and Mediator

Cohen and Wolf’s Employment Counseling & Litigation Group provides practical legal advice on workplace matters.  Our experienced attorneys represent management and individuals in the areas of contracts, counseling and compliance, personnel management, employment litigation, and labor relations.  Our practice group has been consistently recognized by U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”® and Benchmark Litigation Labor & Employment for its work in these areas.

We help our clients comply with changing workplace laws, develop sensible policies and procedures, make effective personnel decisions, classify workers, and avoid legal risk.  We prepare employment contracts, severance agreements, and restrictive covenants and represent clients in contract negotiations.  We conduct workplace trainings and investigations for our clients.  When disputes arise, we zealously advocate for our clients’ interests.

Our attorneys regularly appear in state and federal court, in state and federal administrative agencies (including the EEOC, CHRO and DOL), in mediation and in arbitration.  Representative areas include: employment discrimination, harassment and retaliation, reasonable accommodation and leave administration, noncompetition agreements, trade secret protection, wage and hour disputes, wrongful discharge, and other workplace matters.

Cohen and Wolf is a full-service firm of about 50 lawyers with three offices in Connecticut. No matter how you measure success, we will help you reach your goals.

We’re ready to answer your questions, offer options and pursue your legal interests with diligence, skill and efficiency. Cohen and Wolf represents a diverse mix of businesses, individuals and municipalities. In many instances, we handle both the personal and professional legal needs of business owners and executives.

In everything we do, we take a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to ensure that the advice we give in each area of law works in concert with our clients’ overall goals. While intently focused on the small details required in legal work, we never lose sight of the big picture for our clients’ success.

Stuart Katz is highlighted for his diverse labor and employment practice. He has noted strength handling disputes such as wrongful termination and noncompete claims.”
Chambers & Partners