Albert "Al" Zakarian is a trial lawyer practicing in the areas of employment and business litigation. He has tried more than 100 cases to verdict in both state and federal courts. In addition, he has substantial experience in alternative dispute resolution, including service as an arbitrator and mediator. Al also advises clients on litigation-avoidance strategies and techniques in both complex and highly sensitive disputes.
Al is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an advocate of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and a fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. He is listed in Chambers USA's America's Leading Lawyers for Business (employment and labor law).
According to the 2013 edition of Chambers USA, "Observers describe him as 'a fabulous lawyer and a great manager, everything about him is A+.' One commentator added: 'He is the consummate professional; a wonderful gentleman and an amazing man.'"
Trials of class actions involving claims of sex, race, and age discrimination and ERISA violations
Defense of high-profile public figures in civil litigation
Counseling employers on employee terminations, reductions in force, and other personnel issues
Investigation and resolution of sex, race, and disability harassment claims
Defense of employers in covenants not to compete, breach of contract, and other employment-related litigation
Defense of insurers in litigation involving agent/insurer disputes and health, life, and disability claims
Service as counsel in arbitrations and mediations of business and employment disputes
Defense of whistleblower claims, including claims under Sarbanes-Oxley
Chosen for inclusion in the Chambers USA Legal Directory (Chambers & Partners) as a leading labor and employment attorney in Connecticut, 2009-2019
Chosen for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White, Inc.), Bet-the-Company Litigation, 2013-2020,Commercial Litigation 1993-2020, Employment Law - Management, 2011-2020, Labor Law Management 2011-2020, Litigation – ERISA 2011-2020, Litigation – Labor and Employment 2011-2020
Recipient of The Connecticut Law Tribune's Professional Excellence Award, 2016
Recipient of the Connecticut Bar Association Edward F. Hennessey Professionalism Award, 2015
Selected by the Hartford County Bar Association to receive the President's Award for Excellence, 2012
Selected as the Labor and Employment Lawyer of the Year in the Hartford Area by The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White, Inc.), 2010, 2012, 2014-2015
Selected as the Bet-the-Company Litigation Lawyer of the Year in the Hartford Area by The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White, Inc.), 2013-2015
Selected to the list of Connecticut Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters), Employment Litigation, Civil Litigation, Business Litigation 2006-2019
Selected to the list of Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters), Corporate Counsel edition, 2010
Selected to the list of Top 50 Connecticut Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters), 2007
AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell (LexisNexis)
Captain, United States Air Force J.A.G.
Bronze Star, Vietnam
Air Force Commendation Medal
No aspect of these advertisements has been approved by the highest court of any state. See Awards Methodology.
U.S. District Court, Special Master
U.S. District Court, Para-judicial Officer
Hartford County Bar Foundation, past president
Greater Hartford Legal Aid, director