Ryan A. O'Donnell

Ryan O'Donnell focuses his legal practice on the representation of management in labor and employment matters. Counsel to both the Connecticut Restaurant Association and the Connecticut Lodging Association, Ryan specializes in issues unique to the restaurant and hospitality industries and routinely works with restaurants to ensure they remain compliant with an array of legal challenges distinct to the restaurant industry, including wage and hour issues and discrimination/Title VII claims. Ryan serves as chair of the firm’s Hospitality practice group.

Ryan has handled national labor matters and advised both private employers and public entities in issues impacting the employment relationship in unionized and nonunionized workforces. Ryan frequently represents and counsels employers in union avoidance and union decertification campaigns, contract negotiations and unfair labor practice charges. On behalf of his clients, he appears before state and federal agencies, including the National Labor Relations Board and the Department of Labor.

A trusted source of guidance and advocacy for the hospitality industry, Ryan has garnered considerable recognition from clients, including being named the Connecticut Restaurant Association’s 2021“Vendor of the Year.”

Clients confronted with employment law disputes routinely turn to Ryan for representation and guidance in wage and hour issues, use of social media, discrimination and harassment suits, retaliation claims, and assistance with the specific challenges of operating restaurants and hotels.

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Professional Affiliations

Connecticut Bar Association

Connecticut Restaurant Association Board of Directors

Community Involvement

Canton Board of Education Member

Honors & Recognitions

Connecticut Restaurant Association Vendor of the Year, 2021

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