Ethan G. Zelizer

I hired Ethan to negotiate my severance agreement with my previous employer. I believe that I was terminated for not going along with some unsavory activities in the CFO's office. They claimed I was let go due to a reorganization that only impacted ME. Ethan was able to marshal together all of my ...information and advance a clear and formidable narrative of what was actually going on at the company. We mediated the situation and Ethan delivered on every issue I had (and then some). He is professional but also extremely down to earth and frankly, just a good guy to know and have in your network. He is no-nonsense, hands-on, and smart as a whip (without having to advertise it) and I love that.

I had met Ethan during one of the most challenging situations I had found myself in and did not only find the best attorney possible, but an amazing source of support and reassurance in the time of complete uncertainty on all levels. I was forced to part ways with my employer, one of the largest real... estate companies, where I had been in a Director role for the last few years. I had also just recently become Permanent Resident (which my employer at the time had sponsored) and my wife (we’re a same sex couple) was employed by the same company, so my situation was especially sensitive and personal. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pursue legal action, but I felt I needed help negotiating appropriate severance package and potentially, a consulting agreement that the company had put on the table. Ethan took the time to talk with me in-depth about all the options and together we decided to try to work out a consulting arrangement to help jump-start my career, minimize the reputational damage by being let go and spare me the stress of potential litigation. Even though he had nothing to gain from it, he still recommended that we try that route first, because he truly had MY best interest at heart, not his financial one. At the same time, he was still thinking through a back-up plan and preparing letters and documentation for the law suit, just in case this doesn’t work out - which ended up being exactly what happened. After working diligently and with full dedication for weeks to work out a fair agreement with the opposing counsel, they walked away from any negotiations and refused to show any movement toward reaching a resolution. Once again, I felt like I was at square one, diminished all over again and seriously doubting whether I am capable of going through this whole process against a proven bully, or if I should just surrender and take the high-road. But once again, Ethan had just the right words and right approach. He talked with me about our new plan, best case scenarios and worst case scenarios. He was honest and fair, but also extremely reassuring, which was all together totally therapeutic at the time of such uncertainty. Ethan carefully prepared a 25 page letter and went from a strategic negotiator to a very firm, full force attorney, leaving no room for doubt in his absolute dedication to taking this all the way to trial. He revised the letter countless times, making sure that every word was measured but also as impactful as possible and had carefully listened to any additional information I would provide, just in case it would help us. His upfront effort to make our case and give a snippet to the opposing side of what would come if we were to go to court allowed us to move on to mediation and successfully reach an agreement the same day. Not only did my employer end up paying way more than what they had originally offered, but more importantly, Ethan exposed all the wrongdoing and discriminatory behavior that was happening within the company to its owners. Ethan, I can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done for me as my legal counsel, but more importantly, for who you were as a human during this very difficult time. You’re the best!

Ethan really helped me come to a quick resolution with a former employer regarding a severance package. He kept things very professional and provided me with substantial information throughout the process. Not only was he very savvy in dealing with the other side, but he made sure that I was comforta...ble and informed the entire time. He takes his time to listen and will be straightforward on what to expect. He recommended mediation before resorting to litigation and the Company agreed. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to get things resolved with their employer.

Ethan was a consummate professional who steered me through a difficult situation and allowed me to separate from my employer with dignity and grace. I am a senior executive female employee who is in her 50s. The Company decided to let me go in February and offered me a severance agreement. It was ...probably a good idea for us to part ways but the severance wasn't enough. I met with Ethan for a consultation at his office. We went much longer than an hour but he kept the fee the same. He then sent me a retainer agreement and although Ethan cost more than some other employment attorneys that I spoke with, he clearly was the best. I hired him immediately -- although he wanted me to take a day to think about it. We attempted to negotiate but the Company was not interested. We had a good case for age and gender discrimination because my boss would call me "old mother hen" and constantly asked what it felt like to be "over the hill." Worse still, he hired a a 30-something year old guy to train with me last year and now he is assuming my role. Ethan and I discussed what it meant to "turn down" the severance and press on with litigation. We discussed the risks and I decided that it was worth it. Ethan prepared an EEOC Charge and we immediately asked for a "Right to Sue Letter" to go to federal court. My employer requested that we try and mediate. We did and a successful resolution was reached within 6 weeks of hiring Ethan. Ethan learned my case but more importantly, really cared about what happened to me and what would happen in the future. After we concluded the mediation, the mediator, a retired federal judge, told me that Ethan was "the best of the best" and he was right. Thank you Ethan.

Ethan is the best! No matter how busy He is he makes time to see you and talk to you over the phone. He made me feel very comfortable, explained everything to me in detail, gives great advice and always makes sure you have all the details you need for your case. He was also understanding that I had t...o bring my kids to my consultation and was great with my little one. Carol in the office is great too! She is sweet, great listener, calls you back right away and gets what you need quickly. I recommend Ethan. he was able to mediate my case in a manner that was fair and rewarding. If only every attorney was as solid as Ethan...