is a shareholder at Updike, Kelly & Spellacy P.C., and chairman of the Employment Practices Group. Mr. Brigham focuses his practice on representing and counseling schools and businesses with respect to workplace and employment law issues. He defends clients in a wide variety of employment claims in both federal and state court. Mr. Brigham also represents and counsels clients on matters before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, the Department of Labor and the Workers' Compensation Commission. Mr. Brigham counsels clients about issues facing employers during all stages of the employment relationship and conducts human resource audits to ensure compliance with the most recent state and federal laws. He also conducts internal investigations involving all forms of workplace disputes and claims of discrimination, sexual misconduct and/or harassment. Mr. Brigham also conducts Title IX investigations at the college and university level. He earned his B.A. degree from Middlebury College and his J.D. degree from Vermont Law School.

is an attorney with Jackson Lewis P.C., where he represents employers in employment law and litigation including wage and hour, breach of contract, wrongful termination, discrimination, and sexual harassment matters. Mr. Lyke also advises private and public sector clients and represents employers in a broad range of workplace matters. He is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association. Mr. Lyke earned his B.A. degree, cum laude, from Saint Joseph's University and his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Boston University School of Law.

is the managing partner at the law firm of Minchella & Associates, LLC in Middlebury, Connecticut. He represents Fortune 50 financial services companies, physician groups, healthcare providers, small and large specialty products companies, and contractors. The principals and general counsel of these companies turn to Mr. Minchella and his firm to represent their interests in corporate governance, employment litigation, trade secret and non-competition litigation, unfair trade practice claims, department of labor investigations, and construction litigation. Sometimes, these companies choose Mr. Minchella as a trusted advisor and attorney to represent the company as local counsel in Connecticut state and federal court. He also represents corporate shareholders and LLC members in member and shareholder litigation, including dissolution and receivership actions that typically involve breach of fiduciary duty claims. Mr. Minchella's practice also involves representing individuals, including professionals and executives in employment, real estate litigation and other matters. He earned his B.A. degree from St. Bonaventure University and his J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from Quinnipiac University School of Law. Mr. Minchella is admitted in the Connecticut and New Jersey state courts; as well as the U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut; Eastern, Southern and Western districts of New York; and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Minchella has been recognized as a New England Super Lawyer for the past 13 years, is AV rated with Martindale Hubbell and is listed as a Best Lawyer for commercial litigation.

is counsel in the employment and labor practice at Shipman & Goodwin LLP, where she evaluates, investigates and litigates employment-related disputes for a broad range of clients, both public and private sector, advising employers and reviewing policies for compliance on matters including FMLA, ADA, discrimination avoidance, disability, and accommodations. Ms. McDonough Souza also provides training to HR professionals and managers on various employment-related issues, including sexual harassment prevention. She has experience with workplace investigations and litigates cases in both state and federal courts. Additionally, she represents employers before the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL). Ms. McDonough Souza is very active in her community, currently serving on the Board of Directors for the non-profit Beth-El Center, Inc., located in Milford, and previously serving as an elected representative on the Board of Education for the City of Milford. She also volunteers as pro bono attorney for the Lawyers for Children America, representing children who are the subject of abuse and neglect petitions. She earned her B.S. degree, magna cum laude, from University of Connecticut and her J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from Quinnipiac University School of Law. Ms. McDonough Souza is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association, New Haven County Bar Association and the New Haven Inn of Court. She is admitted to practice in Connecticut and U.S. District Court, District of CT.

is a Shareholder with Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C. in the firm's Hartford office. She is a member of the Employment Practices Group and the School Law Practice Group. Ms. Ferdon counsels employers through all stages of the employment relationship. She develops employment agreements, handbooks and workplace policies to ensure that businesses comply with legal requirements. Ms. Ferdon conducts internal investigations of workplace disputes and suspected violations of company policy. Her work also encompasses federal and state court litigation of employment discrimination claims, breach of contract issues, and claims arising under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the federal and Connecticut Family and Medical Leave Acts. Ms. Ferdon has successfully defended charges before administrative agencies, including the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission, the Department of Labor and the Workers' Compensation Commission. Her School Law practice involves advising independent schools on all aspects of day-to-day operations, including student discipline, mandated reporting obligations, employee relations, harassment prevention and anti-discrimination practices. Ms. Ferdon works with school leaders in developing compliant policies and other documents such as enrollment contracts, employment contracts and handbooks. She earned her J.D. degree, with honors, from the University of Connecticut School of Law, where she was a member and editor of the Connecticut Law Review. Ms. Ferdon is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association, Hartford County Bar Association and the Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity (Board Member). She is admitted to practice in the State of Connecticut, U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.