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Robert M Fortgang

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About Robert

Whenever I am asked to speak in public I enjoy sharing with my audience that I do not write wills or do house closings ...but if they have employment issues relating to "hiring" "firing" or "managing-in-between" ...my message will likely hit home. I firmly believe that neither employers nor employees have an absolute lock on stupidity ...and given the right (or wrong) set of circumstances, either side will often launch otherwise avoidable disputes into outer space. In all of this ...We Can Help

 

The Stanger Stanfield Difference.     Employment disputes tend to be volatile and complex.  Whether you are an employer or an employee you need legal counsel who can handle difficult and sensitive issues with speed, skill and confidence.  At Stanger Stanfield, I practice exclusively in the labor and employment field. Together with my colleagues, we know the players, we know the rules, and we have the necessary practical experience to support our understanding of the law. We're experienced in handling both your stress and your issues; we roll up our sleeves and get at it. Members of the firm appear regularly before human rights commissions, state labor departments, arbitration boards, and a myriad of other administrative agencies. We have extensive experience litigating in State and Federal Courts throughout the New England States.

 

Creative, Practical Advice.     Knowing the law is the easy part of our job. The more difficult aspect is applying the legal principles in creative and practical ways, to achieve our clients' short and long-term objectives. We take pride in our ability to meet this challenge. Before we give an opinion, make a recommendation, or advance an argument on your behalf, the legal and practical implications are always considered.

 

We encourage settlement or alternative dispute resolution where that is the best course of action. If the only areas of compromise are excessive or unsuitable, we tell you so. The result is that you are put in the position of making an informed and pragmatic decision.

 

We are used to dealing with sophisticated problems on short notice. Whether you need an employment contract drafted, a severance package prepared, or a cease and desist order to protect your business assets, we respond promptly, skillfully and with confidence.

 

Proactive Solutions.     We encourage clients to seek our advice before problems arise. Employers can often avoid acrimonious and costly disputes through careful preparation and planning. By helping you take a proactive, preventative approach to labor and employment issues, we can save you time, money and aggravation.

Our lawyers are committed to providing individual, personalized service. We take the time to get to know you and to learn about your business. Once we understand your problem, we tell you in plain English about the legal framework, your options, and our recommendations.

 

We are easily accessible in person, by e-mail or by telephone. Voice mail messages are returned promptly.  Because employment problems don't always arise during business hours, we make our home and cellular numbers available to clients who expect to have difficulties in the evening or on weekends. 

We Can Help.

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Practice areas

OtherWrongful terminationSexual harassmentDiscriminationEmployment and labor
  1. Employment and labor: 20%

    Litigation in all New England state and federal district courts, including state human rights commissions law

    41 years, 1,000 cases

  2. Discrimination: 20%

    Litigation in all New England state and federal district courts, including state human rights commissions

    41 years, 1,000 cases

  3. Sexual harassment: 20%

    Litigation in all New England state and federal district courts, including state human rights commissions

    41 years, 1,000 cases

  4. Wrongful termination: 20%

    Litigation in all New England state and federal district courts, including state human rights commissions

    41 years, 1,000 cases

  1. Arbitration: 20%

    We will arbitrate any matter before the American Arbitiration Association or via private ADR

    41 years, 1,000 cases

Photos and videos

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1454306 1339622107

Contact

Stanger Stanfield Law, LLC

Corporate Center West
433 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT, 06110

      Stanger Stanfield Law, LLC

      Attorney Robert Fortgang
      339 Main St / PO Box 912
      Webster, MA, 01570

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      MAActive201009/16/2019
      CTPermanent Retirement198011/24/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers491
      Legal guides3
      Awards
      Award nameGrantorDate granted
      BV RatedMartindale-Hubbell2015
      Clients' Choice 2012Avvo2012
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      Senior Vice President and Counsel, Human ResourcesConnecticut Small Business Federation1984 - Present
      Counsel, Human ResourcesConnecticut Human Resource Reports1984 - Present
      AttorneyRobert Fortgang Associates1984 - Present
      Director of Industrial Relations and Small Business ServicesConnecticut Business & Industry Association1982 - 1984
      Assistant Director of Human ResourcesThe Hartford Courant1980 - 1982
      Personnel ManagerGerber Scientific Instrument Company1978 - 1980
      Compensation AnalystAetna Life & Casualty1976 - 1978
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      United States Court of Appeals for the Second CircuitAdmitted as an Attorney2008 - Present
      Connecticut Employment Lawyers AssociationMember2007 - Present
      Simsbury Chamber of CommerceMember1997 - Present
      Connecticut Bar AssociationMember1980 - Present
      Connecticut Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law SectionMember1980 - Present
      Publications
      Publication nameTitleDate
      Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLCLegal Counsel and contributor of employment related forms and articles, including the At-Will Hiring Package1999
      Personnelly Speaking©Series of monthly newsletters for the membership of the Connecticut Small Business Federation1998
      Employee Manual Maker©Chief legal consultant and Senior contributing author1994
      Connecticut Heating & Cooling Contractors Human Resource PublicationHow To Develop an Employee Handbook1993
      Personnelly Speaking©Series of monthly newsletters for the membership of the Connecticut Association of Builders and Contractors1990
      Personnelly Speaking©Series of monthly newsletters for the membership of the Connecticut Society of Association Executives1989
      Personnelly Speaking©Negligent Hiring ...Choose With Care1989
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      University of Bridgeport School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1980
      Adelphi UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts1972
      Speaking Engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      Employment Issues UpdateHiring, Firing & Managing In-Between2011
      Windsor Chamber of CommerceThe Employment Law Answer Man2010
      Simsbury Public LibraryHelp! I think my job is in jeopardy.2009
      Granby Public LibraryEmployment Law Answer Man2009
      Avon Public LibraryHiring, Firing & Managing In-between2009
      Connecticut Club Managers Association Educational ConferenceContemporary Legal Issues Affecting Employment1998
      Connecticut Club Managers Association Educational ConferenceAn Examination of Some Critical Legal Issues Affecting Connecticut Employers1997
      Connecticut Club Managers Association Educational ConferencePreventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace & Hiring, Firing & Managing-in-between1997
      New England Wholesalers ConventionHow To Avoid Employee Lawsuits1993
      1992 International Remodeling Contractors AssociationStrategies To Stay One Step Ahead1992
      West Hartford Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Seminar SeriesWage & Hour Laws and Labor Practices1991
      CSCPS's Industry, Government and Education ConferenceLegal Issues Affecting Employment1991
      CECA - Management SeminarFederal & State Minimum Wage and Overtime Laws1990
      A Personnel Compliance SeminarHow to Meet Your Legal Obligations1990
      Legal cases
      Case nameOutcome
      Daniel Santos v Brooks Pharmacy d/b/a Maxi Drug, Inc. and Jean Coutu Group PJC USA, INC.Defendants Motion for Summary Judgment was granted
      Karen Smigel v State of Connecticut Insurance DepartmentThe matter was settled prior to trial.
      David Donovan v. Anderson MerchandisersThe matter was amicably settled prior to trial.
      Suzanne Desrochers v. Brooks PharmacyDismissed following investigation
      NAMCO, LLC v Anthony GiovanniPlaintiff Judgment in the amount of $53,093.21
      See all Legal Cases

      Reviews

      (41)5.0 stars
      5 Star
      		98%
      4 Star
      		0%
      3 Star
      		0%
      2 Star
      		0%
      1 Star
      		2%
      Review Robert Fortgang

      Excellent support

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Rob was great from the beginning. After I followed through with my part of filing the complaint (making it a serious situation), he represented me on contingency basis for an age discrimination /failure to hire case with a major, national corporation.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Excellent consultation

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Mr. Fortgang not only answered the phone, he listened to my problem and gave a thoughtful and educated response. He spoke in professional but personable manner that set me at ease. I would hire him for any future needs.
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney
      Robert Fortgang's response: Thank you so much for this very kind recommendation.

      Willfull Misconduct Appeal

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Attorney Fortgang went above and beyond representing my Husband in a Willfull Misconduct Appeal. From contacting us over Thanksgiving weekend to preparing him for the Appeal. He straight shooter what exactly to expect Either way it turned out. Which in this case was a Home run
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Extremely patient and knowledgeable

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      I spoke with Robert and his partner Katie at length about my case over the course of a few days. I know I was asking a lot of questions again and again, yet they took the time to answer them professionally each and every time. I felt like more than a case to them with the time they took to help me during the rough patch in my life. If ever I find myself in another situation where I need consul I would not hesitate to call them again
      More
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney

      Very Helpful Attorney

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Attorney Fortgang contacted me and over the phone provided very sound advice for my situation without charge. I found his insights valuable and he spent a considerable amount of time speaking to me. In the event I do need a labor lawyer, I would not hesitate to contact him for representation. Highly recommend.
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney

      This attorney is very passionate to help people.

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      It is no wonder why Attorney Robert recipient of all 5-star reviews only. In fact, Robert was very passionate about helping people. He was very patient to understand my situation and reviewed all my documents and did not charge me a dime. He even called me at 8 PM same day and went over information. He was very upfront explaining all my options without taking a retainer. I can't believe people like him exist in this world. It was a blessing to find him.
      More
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney

      State of Connecticut prevailing wage

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      star only rI found Robert Fortgang through a friend's recommendation that I use Avvo to find an attorney to help me with the State of Connecticut prevailing wage, I was being sued by the State of Connecticut. I chose Robert based on his rating with Avvo. Robert himself responded to my inquiry, very promptly. He talked to me about the position I was in regarding State of Connecticut's prevailing wage. He was able to negotiate a settlement with the State of Connecticut in a very short period of time. I would definitely recommend Mr. Fortgang and his firm for any legal needs.eview
      More
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATION, HIRE HIM………

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      I contacted Robert Fortgang & Associates through his web site (www.fortgangemploymentlaw.com) after my Unemployment Benefit was declined and I had to file an appeal. My case was little complicated and I was desperate to give clear picture to DOL that I was under no fault. I saw Robert Fortagang for a consultation and hired him. He was patient with me, very professional and thorough and was able to make me feel at ease and well taken care of. He helped me understand the process, the time frames involved, and prepared me for the hearing. He was always replied to my phone and emails. His presentations to the referee was extremely well versed and given in a very strong professional manner and because of that I was able to win. I felt very comfortable being represented by Robert. I would strongly recommend Robert Fortgng for any employment/DOL related issues.
      More
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Extremely Helpful

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      I had an unpleasant experience as part of the 'old guard' for a fairly new company whereby the Board of Directors brought in a new President and the new President brought in a number of his own people (hence, I was unfairly demoted and ultimately forced out). I consulted with Mr. Fortgang 3-4 times on what my options where and he was extremely helpful in explaining what they were and what each option would require from me - all prior to determining or charging any fees. I've never had a reason to consult an employment lawyer in my 25+ year career and was concerned over costs just to determine if I had a case worth pursuing. I was very relieved and pleased with the manner Mr. Fortgang consulted with me in order to determine what my best plan of action would be prior to establishing and charging any fees. Therefore, I would highly recommend Mr. Fortgang to anyone searching for an employment lawyer in the future.
      More
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney

      Rob is like having a family member as an attorney!!

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Robert Fortgang has helped our small business whenever we need HR advice. He gives us logical straight-forward answers to our questions. Rob has represented us during a dispute with an employee and we were able to settle with arbitration. We feel like we have a trusted friend on our side.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney
      See all reviews

      Attorney endorsements

      (42)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
      No photo

      Charles Houlihan, Employment and labor Attorney on Feb 1, 2011
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. Rob has extensive experience in employment controversies and diligently stays on top of this rapidly changing legal specialty. I have been adverse to Rob's client and have sat as an arbiter in a case he presented. In both instances, he was thorough, well prepared and creative in his approaches to the situations. He always presents his clients in a logical, forthright manner, and therefore avoids the confusion and entanglements displayed by lessfocused lawyers. I recommend Rob highly as an intelligent and resourceful problem-solver. Charles D. Houlihan, Jr.

      No photo

      Leon Lemaire, Employment and labor Attorney on Apr 15, 2010
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer's work. For over 35 years I have made referrals to Rob on matters of his expertise. He is one of the finest attorneys I have ever met, very intelligent and perceptive. I had the pleasure of watching him in action, when we shared offices and in the courtroom. Matters beyond my practice were always referred to Rob and he never let me down. As counsel for a small business association, I had many inquiries that needed follow-up by an outside attorney. Rob was always available to help these folks.

      Lawyer Rachel S London

      Rachel London, Wrongful termination Attorney on May 29, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Lawyer Dmitriy Shakhnevich

      Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Arbitration Attorney on Sep 28, 2014
      Relationship: Other

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Lawyer Richard Geller

      Richard Geller, Unknown Attorney on Sep 15, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse Robert. Highly respected in the legal community with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication.

      Lawyer Peter L Thompson

      Peter Thompson, Employment and labor Attorney on Jun 11, 2014
      Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

      Robert is an extremely competent employment lawyer. I recommend him highly.

      Lawyer Stacey M. Washington

      Stacey Washington, Employment and labor Attorney on May 22, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Although i no longer practice labor and employment law, I did so for more than a decade and recognize a good attorney in that area of law when I see one. Mr. Fortgang has provide quite a few insightful answers to questions on AVVO about labor and employment issues. I wouldn't hesitate to refer a client in need to him for representation. I endorse this lawyer.

      Lawyer Sean Cleary

      Sean Cleary, Arbitration Attorney on May 19, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community.

      Lawyer A.J. Arias

      A.J. Arias, Arbitration Attorney on May 13, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I personally endorse Attorney Fortgang for being an outstanding practitioner in his field and for delivering quality legal work to his clients.

      Lawyer Luis Sandino Friedri Monroy

      Luis Monroy, Unknown Attorney on May 6, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Lawyer Ligia M Melendez Parmenter

      Ligia Parmenter, Unknown Attorney on Apr 17, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Robert M Fortgang is an experienced attorney whose participation and comments in Avvo show his commitment to serving clients very, very well. He is an excellent attorney that I recommend wholeheartedly.

      Lawyer Richard Todd Rosenstein

      Richard Rosenstein, Unknown Attorney on Apr 14, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Fortgang is a highly experienced and well respected member of the legal community. He is a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of his clients.

      Lawyer Michael Eric Christiansen

      Michael Christiansen, Unknown Attorney on Apr 14, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. Not only is he a reputable (and nice) guy, he is an excellent and ethical lawyer.He has a total command of the law and its practical application.

      Lawyer Michael P Devlin

      Michael Devlin, Employment and labor Attorney on Apr 11, 2014
      Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

      I heartily endorse Attorney Fortgang. His professional expertise, extensive and broad experience, and problem solving orientation have resulted in a very strong demand for his services.

      Lawyer Gary Ralph Ilmanen

      Gary Ilmanen, Employment and labor Attorney on Apr 11, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this Mr. Fortang for his well-thought-out and cogent answers to questions posed on AVVO. I would not hesitate to retain him in his practice areas!

      Lawyer Thomas O. Moens

      Thomas Moens, Unknown Attorney on Apr 11, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I have read many of the answers provided by Mr. Fortgang on Avvo. He provides clear, concise, and thoughtful answers. His answers on Avvo display expertise in the area of employment law, and he certainly is an asset to the legal community.

      Lawyer Joseph E Maloney

      Joseph Maloney, Employment and labor Attorney on Apr 11, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Fortgang is highly rated by Martindale-Hubbel, which is the mostly widely regarded rating in the legal community, as the ratings are the result of peer review and input from judges. Mr. Fortgang's contributions on AVVO are tremendously helpful. For example, I recently came across his legal guide about accommodating religious practices. His guide explained clearly that the interactive process is the employer's opportunity to create a record of good faith, whether successful or unsuccessful; that is a keen insight that can only come from deep experience.

      Lawyer John M O'Brien

      John O'Brien, Arbitration Attorney on Apr 11, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community.

      Lawyer Randal Moore

      Randal Moore, Employment and labor Attorney on Apr 8, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Lawyer Morris James Busca

      Morris Busca, Employment and labor Attorney on Jan 10, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. Lawyers can endorse other lawyers. The genuine mark of an excellent attorney comes through praise from clients and former clients, as Bob has demonstrated. Mickey Busca

      Lawyer Christian K. Lassen II

      Christian Lassen, Unknown Attorney on Jan 9, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Top-notch employment & labor law attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.

      Lawyer Christopher Daniel Leroi

      Christopher Leroi, Employment and labor Attorney on Aug 29, 2013
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Mr. Fortgang is an exceptional attorney. Although I have been practicing law for 24 years as a judge, magistrate, law professor, prosecutor, and private attorney, I learn from his responses on Avvo every time that he posts. If I needed an attorney, I would hire him. I recommend him with no reservation. It would be the best investment of your life to hire him to represent you.

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