Benjamin J. Wyatt, Esq.

ben-wyatt

he/him/his

Founder and managing partner Ben Wyatt assists employers and employees by ensuring compliance with relevant employment-related legal obligations through both wise advice and representation during the litigation process.

Ben assists large and small employers with developing practical solutions to the challenges of the modern workplace. He also provides dedicated trial representation to employees who believe their rights have been violated through wrongful termination or other hostile workplace actions, including harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Additionally, Ben assists both employers and employees in evaluating legal wage & hour obligations and addressing potential violations of applicable pay requirements. Based on his broad experience representing both employers and employees, Ben is able to provide his clients with unique perspectives and insights concerning the strategies of opposing counsel during the litigation process.

Ben is a zealous advocate for his clients when litigation is necessary, but also takes time to provide clear solutions-based advice concerning all phases of the employment process. Ben has represented his clients in court and before government administrative agencies concerning numerous employment law subjects, including employment discrimination, disability accommodation, FMLA leave administration, Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) compliance, and violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and equivalent state laws. Ben also utilizes his experience litigating class action lawsuits for the benefit of his clients.

Ben assists non-union employers with a variety of employment-focused services, including employment handbook drafting, wage & hour auditing and solutions, development of employment agreements and consulting contracts. Ben also provides employers with real-time human resources advice by answering time sensitive legal questions, running investigations, and providing counsel concerning employee questions and concerns. Ben leads numerous trainings to assist employers in minimizing risks and expanding the skill-sets of their management and HR teams.

Prior to founding Wyatt & Associates, Ben served as Senior Labor & Employment Legal Counsel at C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc., the tenth largest privately owned company in the United States. Earlier in his career, Ben served as a member of the labor & employment group at one of Boston’s largest law firms, where he advised and represented multiple Fortune 500 companies concerning a variety of employment law matters.

Ben earned his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School, where he founded and helped to lead the Law School’s Small Business Clinical Initiative, which provided a variety of legal services to small start-up businesses in economically depressed communities. Ben earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University, where he graduated with High Honors from the College of Social Studies.

Yale Law School, Juris Doctor
Wesleyan University, School of Social Studies, BA, High Honors Phi Beta
Kappa, Philip B. Brown Scholarship for academic and extracurricular achievement, John W. Macy Grant for academic excellence and public service, Parker Prize for distinction in public speaking

State Court Admissions:

  • Massachusetts
  • New Hampshire
  • New York
  • Connecticut
  • Vermont
  • Maine

Affiliations:

Federal Court Admissions:

  • District of NY: Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western
  • District of Massachusetts
  • District of New Hampshire
  • District of Connecticut
  • District of Vermont
  • District of Maine
  • 1st Circuit Court of Appeals
  • 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals

Michael R. Varraso, Esq.

he/him/his

As Head of Litigation/Supervising Attorney, Michael oversees and coordinates all court litigation functions at the Firm.  He represents employees and employers in a variety of employment law related matters, including cases of harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination. Michael also represents clients with regard to pay violations, including failure to pay overtime and minimum wage, tip pool violations, and other wage related issues. Michael assists clients in bringing and defending against cases before government administrative agencies, including the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the “EEOC”), the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (the “MCAD”), the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights (the “NH CHR”), and other agencies throughout New England and New York (including New York City). If claims are not successfully resolved during the agency process, Michael will zealously represent his clients within state and federal courts.

For employers seeking to avoid legal battles before they occur, Attorney Varraso also provides advice and legal services, such as comprehensive employment policy audits so businesses can catch issues before they become problems.

Michael graduated from Northeastern University School of Law.

Northeastern University School of Law, Juris Doctor
Champlain College, BA, Professional, Technical, Business and Scientific Writing

State Court Admissions

  • Massachusetts
  • Connecticut
  • New Hampshire
  • Maine
  • Vermont
  • New York

Federal Court Admissions

  • District of Massachusetts
  • District of Connecticut
  • District of New Hampshire
  • District of Maine
  • District of Vermont
  • Southern District of New York
  • Eastern District of New York
  • Northern District of New York
  • Western District of New York
  • 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals

Affiliations

  • New Hampshire Bar Association
  • Cheshire County Bar Association

      Timothy J. Brock, Esq.

      he/him/his

      Tim Brock is a Supervising Attorney at Wyatt & Associates. He has served as the senior attorney on a large number of cases and represents employees related to a range of employment law matters including wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, failure to accommodate disabilities, breach of contract, and improper retaliation.  Tim is licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York, and Connecticut.  He aggressively pursues his clients’ cases in State and Federal court, arbitration, and at various state agencies throughout New England and New York (including New York City).

      Throughout his time at Wyatt & Associates, Tim has recovered millions of dollars for employees. Tim has litigated against both large and small companies. Tim is dedicated to providing each client with the individual attention their case deserves and using his experience to achieve the best possible outcome.

      Before joining the Law Offices of Wyatt & Associates P.L.L.C., Tim Brock assisted in the representation of plaintiffs in personal injury law suits at a Boston area law firm and also represented clients in discrimination, social security insurance, and unemployment cases.  In addition, Tim previously served in the Harvard Prison Legal Assistance Project, where he defended Massachusetts state prisoners in disciplinary hearings.
      Tim graduated cum laude from Boston University School of Law.

      Boston University of Law, Juris Doctor
      University of New Hampshire, Bachelor of Arts, History and Justice Studies

      State Court Admissions:

      • Massachusetts
      • Connecticut
      • New Hampshire
      • Maine
      • Vermont
      • New York

      Federal Court Admissions

      • District of Massachusetts
      • District of Connecticut
      • District of New Hampshire
      • District of Maine
      • District of Vermont
      • Southern District of New York
      • Eastern District of New York
      • Northern District of New York
      • Western District of New York
      • 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals

      Katherine Gabriel, Esq.

      she/her/hers

      Katherine Gabriel is a supervising attorney who is responsible for overseeing the Firm’s agency-related case work.  Katherine also represents clients in various employment law matters, including wrongful termination, workplace harassment, unlawful discrimination, and retaliation. Katherine represents clients with regard to wage related issues, including failure to pay overtime and minimum wage violations. Katherine zealously represents clients before various state government administrative agencies, as well as within state and federal courts.

      Katherine is a dedicated advocate for social justice, and she strives to bring that passion into her work at Wyatt and Associates. Prior to joining Wyatt and Associates, Katherine worked as a student clinician in the South Royalton Legal Clinic providing pro-bono services to indigent Vermont residents and Vermont’s military veteran population. She also served as a law clerk in the Windham County State’s Attorney’s Office. Katherine’s scholarly publications include an Article focusing on social justice and victim’s rights that was published in the Vermont Law Review. Over the years, Katherine has volunteered for various non-profit organizations, including the USPCA and Windsor County Youth Services.

      Katherine earned her Juris Doctor at Vermont Law School, where she graduated cum laude. She was the Alumni Editor of the Vermont Law Review and a member of the Moot Court Advisory Board.

      Vermont Law School, Juris Doctor
      Bard College, B.A. in Language & Literature, Concentration in Classical Studies

      State Court Admissions:

      • Massachusetts
      • Connecticut
      • New Hampshire
      • Maine
      • Rhode Island
      • Vermont
      • New York

      Federal Court Admissions:

      • District of Massachusetts
      • District of Connecticut
      • District of New Hampshire
      • District of Maine
      • District of Rhode Island
      • District of Vermont
      • Southern District of New York
      • Eastern District of New York
      • Northern District of New York
      • Western District of New York
      • 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals

      Affiliations:

      • New Hampshire Bar Association
      • Rhode Island Bar Association

      Catherine West, Esq

      she/her/hers

      Attorney Catherine West is a supervising attorney at Wyatt & Associates who represents employees and employers on a variety of employment related legal matters, including cases of wrongful termination, harassment, unlawful discrimination, and retaliation. Catherine strategically represents clients before various state government administrative agencies, as well as within state and federal courts.

      Prior to joining Wyatt & Associates, Catherine worked in the legal department at Endeavor, an agency representing clients in Television and Motion Pictures. Catherine was also part of the Executive Relations team at Harvard Business School before enrolling at New England School of Law as a Sandra Day O’Connor Merit Scholar. Catherine maintained her status on the Dean’s List throughout law school and since earning her Juris Doctor, Catherine has been using her passion for equal justice to advocate fervidly for her clients.

      New England School of Law, Juris Doctor
      Pepperdine University, B.S. in Business Administration

      State Court Admissions

      • Massachusetts
      • New Hampshire
      • New York
      • Connecticut

      Federal Court Admissions

      • District of New Hampshire
      • District of Massachusetts
      • District of Connecticut
      • District of New York- Northern
      • District of New York- Eastern
      • District of New York- Southern

      Affiliations

      • Massachusetts Bar Association

          Jackson Place, Esq

          he/him/his

          Attorney Jackson Place zealously represents clients on matters related to wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.

          Prior to joining Wyatt & Associates, Jackson gained legal experience at Unitil Services Corporation, focusing on energy regulation and compliance. While in Law School at Suffolk University, Jackson was awarded a Jurisprudence Award for the Study of Evidence, and served as the Vice President of the Christian Fellowship.  In addition, Jackson obtained a Masters of Business Administration degree from Suffolk University.  Beyond his legal work, Jackson has worked with multiple technology and bio-medical start-ups providing assistance on financial matters, business plans, strategic planning, and market studies.

          Suffolk University Law School, Juris Doctor & Masters of Business Administration
          Grove City College, BA in Economics

          State Court Admissions

          • Massachusetts
          • Connecticut
          • New York
          • New Hampshire
          • Vermont
          • Maine
          • Rhode Island

          Federal Court Admissions

          • District of Connecticut
          • District of New Hampshire
          • District of Massachusetts
          • District of New York- Northern
          • District of New York- Southern
          • District of New York- Eastern
          • District of Rhode Island
          • District of Vermont
          • District of Maine

          Brendan Sharp, Esq

          He/His/Him

          Attorney Sharp represents clients on employment matters related to harassment, retaliation,
          workplace discrimination, and wrongful termination. Prior to joining Wyatt & Associates, Brendan gained legal experience working for a law firm and by working with non-profits in the Boston and Nashua areas.

          At Suffolk University Law School Brendan studied employment law and employment discrimination law. Brendan is passionate about fairness in the workplace and is eager to obtain justice for his clients.

          State Court Admissions

          • Massachusetts
          • Rhode Island
          • Connecticut
          • New Hampshire
          • New York
          • Maine

          Federal Court Admissions

          • Rhode Island

          Katelynne Stockwell, Esq.

          she/her/hers

          Attorney Katelynne Stockwell represents clients on employment matters related to wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Prior to joining Wyatt & Associates, Katelynne gained legal experience interning at both the Norfolk Superior Court in Massachusetts and the Cheshire County Attorney’s Office in New Hampshire.

          At Suffolk University Law School Katelynne studied employment law and was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity. Katelynne is passionate about advocating zealously to achieve justice for aggrieved clients who have been treated improperly in their workplace.

          State Court Admissions

          • New Hampshire
          • Massachusetts
          • Maine
          • Connecticut
          • Rhode Island

            Talia Moorey, Esq

            she/her/hers

            Attorney Talia Moorey represents clients on matters related to wrongful termination, harassment, unlawful discrimination, and retaliation.  Talia’s prior legal experience includes working as an attorney at a law firm in Massachusetts focused on family law and mediating legal disputes matters.  Prior to becoming a lawyer, Talia worked as a paralegal at a national law firm focused on consumer protection and personal injury issues.  While attending Western New England Law School, Talia was awarded a CALI award for Constitutional Law, and served as the Assistant Managing Editor for the school’s Law Review. Talia has always been passionate about her work and is eager to obtain justice by zealously advocating for those who have been improperly treated in their workplace.

            State Court Admissions

            • Massachussetts
            • Maine
            • New Hampshire
            • Connecticut
            • Rhode Island

              Samantha Weeks, Esq.

              she/her/hers

              Samantha Weeks assists clients on employment matters related to wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Prior to joining Wyatt & Associates, Samantha gained legal experience advocating for survivors of sexual violence as a Rape Crisis Counselor trained in trauma-informed lawyering.

              While attending Suffolk University Law School, Samantha served as the Articles Editor for the Law School’s Transnational Law Review. Samantha is passionate about her work and is eager to obtain justice by advocating for those who have been treated improperly in their workplace.
              Suffolk University Law School, Juris Doctor
Ohio Wesleyan University, BA in Politics and Government, International Relations and History

              Admitted: District of Columbia Bar

              State Court Admissions

              • Massachussetts
              • New Hampshire
              • Rhode Island
              • Maine

              Ian Connors, Esq.

              he/him/his

              Ian Connors works on employment matters related to wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.  Prior to joining Wyatt & Associates, Ian attended Roger Williams University School of Law, where he became interested in pursuing a career in employment law. During his time at Roger Williams University, Ian interned within the Law Department of the Providence City Solicitor Office.

              Roger Williams University School of Law, Juris Doctor
              University of Rhode Island, BA in Political Science and Economics

              State Court Admissions

              • Massachussetts
              • New Hampshire
              • Connecticut
              • Rhode Island
              • New York

              Madalyn McGunagle, Esq

              she/her/hers

              Madalyn McGunagle works on employment matters related to wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Prior to joining Wyatt & Associates, Madalyn served as a judicial law clerk with the Workers’ Compensation Court of Rhode Island, where she became interested in employment law. Madalyn graduated magna cum laude from Roger Williams University School of Law. While at Roger Williams University, Madalyn served as a Notes and Comments Editor for the Roger Williams University Law Review and as a Third Year Representative on the Student Bar Association.

              Roger Williams University School of Law, Juris Doctor
              American University, BA in Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government

              State Court Admissions

              • Rhode Island

              Jay Shah, Esq

              he/him/his

              Jay Shah works on employment matters related to wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Prior to joining Wyatt & Associates, Jay gained legal experience at a law firm outside of New York City, followed by a stint at the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office where he assisted in criminal prosecutions. Jay attended the Washington University School of Law, where he received the Scholar in Law Award, was a member of the Sports & Entertainment Law Society, and served as the Secretary of the South Asian Law Student Association.

              Washington University School of Law, Juris Doctor
              Boston College, BS in Biology

              State Court Admissions

              • Washington DC

              Lillie Goldman, Esq

              she/her/hers

              Lillie Goldman works on employment matters related to wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Prior to joining Wyatt & Associates, Lillie gained legal experience working as a litigation paralegal for Law Offices of PIP Collect as well as interning for the Department of Justice, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and a law firm near Boston.

              Lillie earned her Juris Doctor at University of Massachusetts School of Law, where she graduated magna cum laude. She was the Managing Editor of UMass Law Review. Additionally, Lillie obtained a Masters of Business Administration from University of Massachusetts. Lillie is passionate about pursuing justice for her clients.

              University of Massachusetts School of Law, Juris Doctor & Masters of Business Administration
              University of Rochester, BA in International Relations

              State Court Admissions

              • Massachusetts

              Mongina Osoro, LL.M.

              she/her/hers

              Mongina Osoro provides assistance on employment matters related to wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination and retaliation.

              Prior to joining Wyatt & Associates, Mongina obtained her law degree from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, where she graduated with a first-class honor (highest academic distinction). Mongina then obtained her LL.M. (Master of Laws) at Duke University, where she served as a pro bono volunteer and was a recipient of the Pro Bono Recognition Award Certificate recognizing her commitment to pro bono services. While at Duke, Mongina also externed with the Duke Office For Institutional Equity, where she dealt with matters related to harassment and discrimination claims and served as research assistant to Professor Donald L. Horowitz. Mongina is passionate about social justice concerns and is committed to addressing such matters through her work with clients at the firm.

              University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, LL.B. Law
              Duke University School of Law, LL.M.

              Sarah B. Patriquin, M.S.

              sarah-patriquin

              she/her/hers

              Sarah is a professional office manager and consultant with significant experience developing and administering human resources compliance systems and procedures. She specializes in the technical support elements of the services provided by Wyatt & Associates and has an extensive background in management, systems development, and event planning.

              After receiving her Master’s Degree in Resource Management and Administration from Antioch University New England, Sarah worked as a regional planner, assisting towns in Southwestern New Hampshire to write master plans, hazard mitigation plans, natural resource inventories, and inventories of roads and transportation features throughout the region. As part of this work, she often led focus groups of town officials in order to customize solutions based on the distinct histories and needs of each town. Sarah also has extensive experience as property manager in charge of leases, book-keeping, advertising, and contracting. She has also provided specialized consulting and management services for a number of local businesses, with particular focus on the streamlining of processes and projects.

              Antioch New England Graduate School, Master of Science, Resource Management and Administration
              Brandeis University, BA, Biology

              Julie Emineth, M. Ed.

              she/her/hers

              As Director of Operations, Julie handles all aspects of financial management, performance management, and operational procedures within the firm.  Among other responsibilities, Julie is the primary leader in charge of forecasting, financial projections & strategy, and development of the Firm’s annual budget.  She focuses on developing, documenting and monitoring key performance indicators across the Firm and ensuring accurate data reporting to management to ensure that Firm goals are met on monthly, quarterly, and annual bases.  In addition, she is responsible for maximizing the efficiency, effectiveness, and accurate documentation of the Firm’s operational procedures and best practices, including ensuring continuous improvement and efficiency over time.  Before serving as Director of Operations, Julie was the firm’s Litigation Manager where she specialized in scheduling, document management, and paralegal support for the Firm’s attorneys.

              Plymouth State University, Master of Education, Heritage Studies
              Granite State College, Bachelor of Art, European History through Literature

              Josie Fernandez-Andersen

              she/her/hers

              Josie is one of the Firm’s Litigation Coordinators, working closely with attorneys who litigate cases in court.  She assists with deadline management, case management, paralegal duties, and communication with clients related to their cases from start to finish.  Josie has a well-rounded background in administrative support and event development.

              While receiving her Bachelor’s Degree from Macalester College, Josie worked as a social media and marketing assistant for the college’s multicultural affairs department. She led the development and promotion of departmental programs, including designing programs to foster a culture of diversity and justice on campus. Josie brings her passion for social justice into her work helping to pursue justice for Firm clients.

              Juliauna Olivo

              she/her/hers

              Juliauna Olivo is the Firm’s ADR Coordinator/Administrative Supervisor.  In addition to supervising the intake coordinator and administrative assistant, Juliauna also specializes in settlement-negotiation assistance, damages analysis, mediation preparation, and settlement logistics.

              Juliauna graduated Magna Cum Laude from The University of North Georgia with both her Associates degree and Bachelors of Science degree in Political Science, with a focus in Sociology. This field of study along with her previous social justice work have shaped her passion for serving the community. Juliauna brings her education to her position at the Firm to provide the best possible assistance and outcome to our clients.

              Charmaine Adler, JD

              she/her/hers

              Charmaine Adler is one of the Firm’s Litigation Coordinators, working closely in a paralegal role with the Firm attorneys who litigate cases in court. She assists with deadline and case management, paralegal duties and communication with clients throughout their representation with the Firm. Charmaine has a well-rounded background in administrative support and client relations.

              After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Russell Sage College, Charmaine had the opportunity to work on the LEAN Initiative at the Office of Children and Family Services in New York. This experience inspired Charmaine to earn her Juris Doctor degree at Suffolk University Law School. Charmaine’s education and experience allow her to provide the best possible assistance for the Firm’s clients.

              Crystal Emond

              she/her/hers

              Crystal is the Firm’s workflow coordinator. She assists attorneys by performing a variety of duties, such as coordinating deadline management, case management, and communication with clients related to their cases from start to finish. Crystal has a well-rounded background in administrative support and client coordination.

              After graduating with her Associates Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology, Crystal moved on to a career as a Production Supervisor. In this role she coordinated logistics and helped create recording solutions for Military, 911 call centers, and other municipalities. During this time, Crystal also graduated Summa Cum Laude from Southern New Hampshire University with her Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration. Crystal’s customer relations and project management background allows her to provide the best possible assistance for the Firm’s clients.

              Elizabeth Alves

              she/her/hers

              Elizabeth is the firm’s Intake Administrator, interfacing with prospective clients who are potentially interested in utilizing the Firm’s services, and coordinates the Firm’s overall client intake and case initiation process. In addition, Elizabeth communicates with current clients related to their cases and supports the Attorneys with scheduling.

              Elizabeth is a Criminal Justice graduate from East Carolina University. As a published co-author in the Journal of Criminal Justice Education, she’s conducted research on diversity courses taught in the field. Elizabeth’s passion lies in teaching and expanding her knowledge of diversity and the intersectionality of the law.

              Adrianna Pearo

              she/her/hers

              Adrianna is an Administrative Assistant for the Firm. She specializes in Client support including scheduling conferences and hearings as well as being the first point of contact on phones.  Adrianna is the contact between clients and the agencies, conveying case status and next steps.  She is always eager to assist clients who call or email asking for information.

              Adrianna graduated from Elmira College with a BA in Theatre and is an asset to the Firm with her willingness to go the extra mile for staff and clients alike.