Respected. Responsive. Results.

Zabel Schellenberg offers a multidisciplinary approach to labor and employment law, drawing on our experience in litigation, appellate advocacy, day-to-day business and corporate matters, and municipal law to serve clients across a broad range of workplace issues.

As a team of seasoned practitioners with decades of combined experience, we are equipped to address labor and employment matters ranging from routine personnel questions to sophisticated disputes and complex litigation. We take pride in providing personalized attention and developing meaningful working relationships with our municipal, business, nonprofit, and individual clients, who rely on us for thoughtful, practical, and strategic legal guidance.

Our attorneys understand that employment issues rarely arise in isolation. Personnel decisions may implicate contractual obligations, collective bargaining agreements, statutory requirements, internal policies, governmental procedures, or potential litigation. Our multidisciplinary experience allows us to evaluate these issues in context and provide advice that accounts for both immediate legal concerns and the broader practical consequences for our clients.

Comprehensive Labor & Employment Counsel

We provide legal services across a broad spectrum of labor and employment matters to employers and employees in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Whether counseling a client on a developing workplace issue or advocating in contested proceedings, our attorneys focus on understanding the client's objectives and developing strategies designed to address both legal risk and practical realities.

For our municipal clients, we provide advice on disciplinary matters, personnel policies and procedures, employee relations, and other workplace issues unique to the public sector. We also represent municipalities in collective bargaining, interest and grievance arbitrations, prohibited practice proceedings, and other labor matters involving public employees and their representatives.

Our business clients rely on us for guidance concerning human resources matters, personnel policies and procedures, workplace investigations, employment agreements, restrictive covenants, separation and severance agreements, and the many other issues that arise throughout the employment relationship. When disputes cannot be resolved through counseling or negotiation, our attorneys are prepared to represent clients in administrative proceedings, trial-court litigation, and appeals.

We also represent individuals in employment-related matters, providing strategic advice concerning workplace disputes, employment and separation agreements, and claims arising from the employment relationship. Our experience representing parties on different sides of employment disputes gives us valuable perspective in evaluating claims, anticipating opposing arguments, and identifying practical paths toward resolution.

Recognized Experience

Zabel Schellenberg is proud to have Courtney A. George and David B. Zabel recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Employment Law – Individuals and Litigation – Labor and Employment. Courtney has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2016, and David since 2018.

Courtney has also been selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers® list from 2013 through 2026, including recognition among the Top 25 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers in 2024, and was recognized by Benchmark Litigation as a Labor & Employment Star in 2019. David has been selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers® list for Business Litigation in 2009 and annually from 2013 through 2026, and was named “Lawyer of the Year” for Litigation – Labor and Employment in Stamford by The Best Lawyers in America® in 2021.

Zabel Schellenberg was also named a Regional Tier 1 firm in New Haven for both Employment Law – Individuals and Litigation – Labor and Employment in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®. The firm was also ranked Regional Tier 1 in New Haven for Litigation – Labor and Employment in the 2025 edition, the same year Zabel Schellenberg was founded, reflecting an established strength in labor and employment law from the firm’s outset.

Practical, Strategic Solutions

Effective labor and employment counsel requires more than an understanding of the law. Workplace issues frequently call for careful judgment, timely advice, and an appreciation of the operational, financial, and human considerations that accompany employment decisions. We work closely with our clients to identify potential issues early, evaluate available options, and develop solutions tailored to their particular circumstances.

Our litigation and appellate experience also informs the advice we provide before disputes arise. By understanding how personnel decisions, investigations, policies, agreements, and internal procedures may later be examined in an administrative proceeding or courtroom, we are able to help clients approach employment matters with an eye toward both effective decision-making and risk management.

From day-to-day employment counseling and labor negotiations to workplace investigations, administrative proceedings, complex litigation, and appeals, our clients benefit from the multidisciplinary, collaborative, and responsive approach that defines Zabel Schellenberg’s practice.

For More Information

For more information about our executive and workforce labor and employment services, schedule a consultation today.