Howard Fetner

Counsel

New Haven, CT

| (203) 752-5012

Overview

Howard "Howie" Fetner represents employers in state and federal courts, arbitrations and before administrative agencies in employment matters, including discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination, non-competition, non-solicitation and breach of contract. He advises employers on matters such as employee hiring, discipline, and termination; employment contracts; employee policies and handbooks; wage and hour issues; internal investigations; disability accommodation and other employment-related issues. Howie also represents individuals and businesses in probate litigation, complex commercial disputes, and appeals.

Howie served as judicial clerk to Judge Barrington D. Parker, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, 2001-2003.

Experience

Successfully represented an employer in federal court jury trial of former employee’s race and national origin discrimination claims

Successfully represented a nonprofit employer in court trial of former employee’s breach of contract claim

Won summary judgment for an employer on former employee’s age discrimination and disability discrimination claims; successfully defended judgment on appeal

Won summary judgment for employers in state and federal court discrimination, hostile work environment and breach of contract lawsuits

Successfully defended an employer from an employee's whistleblower retaliation claim under Sarbanes-Oxley Act

Successfully represented an employer in obtaining damages from former employee for theft of confidential information

Won summary judgment for a university on a professor’s claims arising from denial of tenure; successfully defended judgment on appeal

Won summary judgment for a university on defamation, negligence and breach of contract claims seeking $55 million in damages; successfully defended judgment on appeal

Defended university against claims brought by vexatious litigant and successfully enjoined plaintiff from filing additional motions or claims against the client

Represented an independent school in defense of former student’s sexual abuse claim

Conducted an investigation for independent school of former student’s sexual abuse claim

Won judgment for a trust settlor on claim brought by trust beneficiary alleging fraudulent adoptions; successfully defended judgment on appeal

Successfully represented a trust beneficiary in claims against trustee concerning misuse of trust funds

Successfully represented family members in claims concerning undue influence and lack of capacity with respect to revisions to relative’s estate plan

Won summary judgment for a newspaper on defamation and false light invasion of privacy claims

Won summary judgment for a company on antitrust claim brought by competitor; successfully defended judgment on appeal

Obtained upgrade in discharge status in pro bono representation of a U.S. Army veteran

Education and Credentials

Education

Harvard Law School, J.D., cum laude, 1999
Yale University, B.A., magna cum laude, 1996

Admissions

U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut
State of New York
State of Connecticut
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
U.S. Supreme Court

Affiliations

American Bar Association, Litigation Section
Connecticut Bar Association

Recognition and Community

No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the highest court of any state. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. See Awards Methodology.