Business Details
38 Years
experience
Trusted Employment Law Attorneys in Waterbury, CT
Summa & Ryan, P.C. has been a trusted legal partner for employers and municipalities since 1988. Our firm specializes in labor and employment law, offering strategic counsel to prevent disputes and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys serve clients across diverse industries, from small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations, while maintaining a strong focus on public sector governance.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our Martindale-Hubbell AV preeminent rating for over 30 years and our active involvement in community initiatives. We prioritize practical solutions, cost-effective representation, and fostering long-term client relationships through proactive legal guidance.
Services
Labor Law
Employment Law
Public Sector Law
Municipal Governance
Preventative Labor Relations
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in labor and employment law.
- Our team specializes in preventative labor relations strategies.
- We represent clients in both private and public sectors nationwide.
- Our attorneys hold leadership roles in municipal governance matters.
- We maintain a Martindale-Hubbell AV preeminent rating for legal excellence.
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
Services
Labor Law
We represent management in contract negotiations, grievance hearings, and arbitration proceedings. Our expertise spans both private and public sectors, ensuring compliance with labor regulations while protecting employer interests. Clients benefit from decades of experience in union organizing defense and interest arbitration.
Employment Law
Our practice includes advising on federal and state employment laws, such as Title VII and the ADA. We help employers develop policies, handle discrimination claims, and implement training programs to minimize litigation risks. Services extend to drafting employment contracts and defending administrative agency cases.
Public Sector Law
We provide legal guidance to municipalities on charter revisions, ordinance interpretation, and governance issues. Our work includes representing public employers in labor disputes and advising on disciplinary actions for elected officials, combining deep regulatory knowledge with practical problem-solving.
People
Joseph B. Summa
Founding Partner
Joseph B. Summa has over 40 years of experience in labor law, representing Fortune 500 companies and Connecticut municipalities. He holds degrees from Wesleyan University, Cornell University, and the University of Connecticut School of Law. A frequent lecturer on workplace issues, he has authored groundbreaking studies on state employee collective bargaining.
Mary Jane Ryan
Partner
Mary Jane Ryan specializes in public and private sector labor law, with a focus on healthcare and social service providers. A University of Connecticut Law School honors graduate, she has served as General Counsel to construction industry associations and as an adjunct professor of labor relations at Post University.
Questions
What areas of law does Summa & Ryan specialize in?
We specialize in labor law, employment law, and public sector/municipal governance matters for employers.
Do you serve clients outside Connecticut?
Yes, while based in Waterbury, we represent clients nationwide, particularly in labor and employment disputes.
How do you approach labor relations?
We emphasize preventative strategies to avoid litigation, including training programs and contract negotiation expertise.
What industries do you work with?
Our clients include healthcare, technology, manufacturing, retail, education, and public sector entities.
Are you involved in community activities?
Yes, we actively support organizations like the Greater Waterbury YMCA, United Way, and local hospitals.
