Bar Admissions

  • New York, 1988
  • U.S. District Court, 1988
  • Admitted pro hac vice to various federal and state courts in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Texas

Education

  • State University of New York at Fredonia, Fredonia, New York, B.M., 1980
  • Columbia University Teachers College M.A., 1982
  • University at Buffalo Law School, Buffalo, New York J.D., 1987

Professional Association

  • Erie County Bar Association, Member (Committees: Labor Law, Federal Practice and Environmental Law)

Professional Recognition

  • AV Rated "Preeminent" by Martindale-Hubbell, 2022
  • Named Lawyer of the Year, Employment Law - Management, by Best Lawyers in America 2022
  • Named Lawyer of the Year, Litigation - Labor and Employment by Best Lawyers in America 2021
  • Selected by Best Lawyers In America/New York Area's Best Lawyers 2009-2024
  • Selected by New York Super Lawyers Upstate List, 2013–2023
  • Business First Western New York Legal Elite, 2018

News & Presentations

  • Panelist, "Legal and HR Issues Facing Employers Today," in conjunction with Employer Services Corp., June 2022. 
  • Social Media in the Workplace, 2011
  • Lecturer, “Trucking Accidents: Taking a Pro-Active Approach to Transportation,” New York State Motor Truck Association, 2002
  • Protecting Your Company's Most Valuable Assets: Your People and Your Proprietary Information, 2006
  • Meeting the Challenge of Workplace Technology, 2010

Hugh Carlin’s practice includes wide ranging federal and state court experience in civil litigation within employment law, environmental defense, class actions, product liability defense, corporate dissolution and shareholder disputes, “business divorce,” breach of contract, OSHA and insurance coverage disputes.

Hugh’s experience includes representing employers in connection with claims raised under federal and state civil rights law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Title IX, and the New York State Human Rights Law. He has defended client claims of unlawful discrimination in Federal and State courts as well as before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the New York State Division of Human Rights.

Hugh counsels employers on recent developments in employment law, and the implementation of policies and procedures which enable employers to be in compliance with federal and state laws.

Under Hugh’s leadership, the firm earned a first tier ranking for Labor and Employment Law by U.S. News and World Report for 2011 and 2012.