Education Law Employment Law - Individuals
Joseph C. Maya
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2018 
Firm
Maya Murphy PC
3 Best Lawyers awards
Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
Mr. Maya grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He attended New York University. While at NYU, he worked as a paralegal for Brown, Wood, Ivey, Mitchell & Petty (now Sidley Austin Brown Wood). He also interned for the Legal Aid Society of New York and Legal Services of New York City. Upon graduating from NYU, Mr. Maya worked full time as a paralegal prior to attending law school at the University of Michigan. Upon graduating from Michigan Law School, Mr. Maya began his legal career at Rogers & Wells (now Clifford Chance), as an Associate Attorney. In order to pursue his passion for employment law Mr. Maya joined the NYC Human Rights Commission, Law Enforcement Bureau where he prosecuted claims alleging employment discrimination against employers. After five years at the Commission, Mr. Maya started his own firm practicing exclusively in the area of employment law. Over the years many clients asked Mr. Maya to represent them in other matters, involving various practice areas. Eventually, Mr. Maya expanded the firm adding lawyers with expertise in other practice areas. Today, Mr. Maya represents both individuals and corporations in employment contracts, severance negotiations, non-competition agreements, and in complex commercial contract disputes. Several decades ago Mr. Maya began practicing in the area of Education law. Today, he represents children and families in educational matters related to Special Education (IEP/504) and accommodations, discipline, expulsion and suspension. Mr. Maya is licensed to practice law in New York and Connecticut. He is also admitted to the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the District of Connecticut. Mr. Maya also has extensive experience in arbitrations and mediations of disputes. Mr. Maya lives in Westport, CT with his wife (and law partner, Susan) and his children. He enjoys playing racquetball. He has finished the NYC Marathon three times. Mr. Maya can be reached in the New York office at (212) 682-5700 ext. 110. He can be reached in the Connecticut office at (203) 221-3100 ext. 110. His email address is JMaya@Mayalaw.com. He is available to consult evenings and weekends if necessary.
Firm
Maya Murphy PC
3 Best Lawyers awards
Overview
- English
- Spanish
- University of Michigan, Juris Doctor, graduated 1988
- New York University, Bachelor of Arts, graduated 1984
- Connecticut, 1996
- New York, 1990
- American Trial Lawyers Association - Member
- Avvo - Superior Rating by clients and peers
- Best Lawyers in America - Member
- Connecticut Bar Association - Member
- New York State Bar Association - Member
- New York State Bar Association - Member
- New York State Bar
- Connecticut State Bar
- Southern District of New York
- Eastern District of New York
- Connecticut District Court
- Connecticut District Court
- English
- Spanish
- Connecticut, 1996
- New York, 1990
- American Trial Lawyers Association - Member
- Avvo - Superior Rating by clients and peers
- Best Lawyers in America - Member
- Connecticut Bar Association - Member
- New York State Bar Association - Member
- New York State Bar Association - Member
- University of Michigan, Juris Doctor, graduated 1988
- New York University, Bachelor of Arts, graduated 1984
- New York State Bar
- Connecticut State Bar
- Southern District of New York
- Eastern District of New York
- Connecticut District Court
- Connecticut District Court
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Education Law
- Employment Law - Individuals
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Employment Law - Management
- Family Law
- Labor Law - Management
- Litigation - Labor and Employment
Special Focus:
- Education Law - Individuals
- Special Education Law
News & Media
Insights
Can a Non-Compete Agreement Be Modified in Connecticut?
Modifying the terms of a non-compete agreement to make it enforceable.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Forms of Relief Are Available in the Case of a Non-Compete Breach in Connecticut?
Exploring equitable and legal relief for a non-compete breach in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Happens If I Breach My Non-Compete in Connecticut?
Navigating the types of breach associated with non-compete agreements.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Factors Are Used to Determine the Reasonableness and Enforceability of a Non-Compete Agreement in Connecticut?
The test for non-compete reasonableness and enforceability.
Joseph C.
Maya
How Are Non-Compete Agreements Enforced in Connecticut?
What you should know about non-compete enforcement in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Are the Requirements for an Enforceable Non-Compete Agreement in Connecticut?
Exploring the key components of drafting a non-compete covenant.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Is a "Non-Compete" Covenant in an Employment Contract?
What Connecticut employees need to know about non-compete agreements.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Are "Non-Compete Clauses" in Connecticut Employment?
What Connecticut employees should know about non-compete agreements.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Are "Post-Termination Benefits" in Connecticut?
Exploring employee eligibility for unemployment benefits.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Are "Separation" or "Severance" Agreements in Connecticut?
Navigating employment termination and separation/severance agreements in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
How May Employees Be Terminated in Connecticut?
Distinguishing voluntary and involuntary terminations.
Joseph C.
Maya
Can Employees Take Leaves of Absence in Connecticut?
Navigating paid and unpaid leave as a Connecticut employee.
Joseph C.
Maya
How Can Connecticut Employees File Discrimination Claims with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission?
Filing workplace discrimination claims with the EEOC.
Joseph C.
Maya
How Can Connecticut Employees File Discrimination Claims with the National Labor Relations Board?
Filing workplace discrimination claims with the NLRB.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Is the Process for Filing a Workplace Discrimination Claim with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities?
What to know about filing a workplace discrimination claim with the CHRO.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Workplace Discrimination Claims in Connecticut?
The timeline for filing a workplace discrimination claim in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
How Can Employees File Workplace Discrimination Claims in Connecticut?
The process Connecticut employees should follow to file a workplace discrimination claim.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Are the Laws in Connecticut Regarding Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
Navigating the laws in Connecticut that protect employees from sexual harassment.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Rights Do Connecticut Employees Have Under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993?
Exploring the rights of employees under the FMLA.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Rights Do Connecticut Employees Have Under The Civil Rights Act of 1991?
Navigating employment discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1991.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Rights Do Connecticut Employees Have Under the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008?
What Connecticut employees should know about their rights under Title II of GINA.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Rights Do Connecticut Employees Have Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990?
Exploring employee accommodations and rights under Titles I and V of the ADA .
Joseph C.
Maya
What Rights Do Connecticut Employees Have Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967?
Navigating age discrimination in the workplace in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Rights Do Connecticut Employees Have Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?
Navigating employment discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws Are Available to Connecticut Employees?
Exploring the federal anti-discrimination laws that Connecticut employees should be aware of.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Anti-Discrimination Employment Laws Are Available in Connecticut?
Understanding the laws that are in place to protect Connecticut employees.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Constitutes "Employment Discrimination" in Connecticut?
Navigating the bases for employment discrimination claims in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Are the Different Types of Employment in Connecticut?
Distinguishing "at-will" and "contractual" employment.
Joseph C.
Maya
Can I File a State Claim Against My Child's Connecticut School If They Have Been a Victim of Bullying?
Understanding school liability for acts of student bullying in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
Can I File a Federal Claim Against My Child's Connecticut School If They Have Been a Victim of Bullying?
Understanding your options when your child is being bullied at school in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Obligations Do Connecticut Schools Have to Address Bullying?
How Connecticut schools approach and resolve bullying complaints.
Joseph C.
Maya
How Can I Inform My Child's Connecticut School That They Are Being Bullied?
Informing schools of incidents of bullying in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Types of Actions Constitute "Bullying" in Connecticut Schools?
What parents need to know about bullying in Connecticut schools.
Joseph C.
Maya
Can My Child Be Disciplined For Off-Campus Speech in Connecticut?
What parents and students should know about the implications off-campus speech in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Happens If a Connecticut School District Challenges My Child's Residency Status?
How to approach student residency disputes in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
How Is Residency Determined for Purposes of School Enrollment in Connecticut?
Key considerations in determining the residency of students in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Is "Truancy" and Who Qualifies as a "Truant" in Connecticut?
The policies and procedures parents should be aware of concerning truancy in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Are the Attendance Requirements for Students in Connecticut?
What parents should know about their child's school attendance and related requirements.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Should I Do If I Think My Child's Connecticut School is Violating FERPA?
How to approach a suspected FERPA violation by a Connecticut school.
Joseph C.
Maya
When Can My Child's School Disclose Information Regarding Their Educational Record in Connecticut?
What to know about the disclosure of student information by schools and consent requirements.
Joseph C.
Maya
How Do I Request to Amend My Child's Educational Records in Connecticut?
Navigating requests by parents and students to amend educational records.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Are "Educational Records" and What Rights Do Parents and Students Have to Access Them in Connecticut?
Understanding educational records and the rights of parents and students to access them.
Joseph C.
Maya
Can a Student Be Arrested at School in Connecticut?
Navigating student arrests at school in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
Can a School Conduct a Search without Reasonable Suspicion in Connecticut?
What parents should know about searches at their child's school in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Is Subject to Search and Seizure at School in Connecticut?
Navigating school searches of your child's personal property, locker, desk, and social media account(s).
Joseph C.
Maya
How Is the Fourth Amendment Applied to Students in Connecticut Schools?
Understanding your child's Fourth Amendment rights when facing search and seizure at school.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Are Students' Rights When They Are Removed From Class in Connecticut?
Understanding your child's rights when he or she is removed from class.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Are My Child's Rights When They Are Facing School Expulsion in Connecticut?
What to know about students' rights when facing expulsion from school.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Are the Laws on School Expulsion in Connecticut?
What you should know if your child is expelled from school in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Are My Child's Rights When They Are Facing School Suspension in Connecticut?
How to approach your child's school suspension.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Are the Laws on School Suspension in Connecticut?
What you should know if your child is suspended from school in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Are Due Process Hearings and Alternative Dispute Resolutions for Special Education Students in Connecticut?
What you need to know about special education due process hearings and alternative dispute resolution.
Joseph C.
Maya
Are Children with Disabilities Subject to the Same Disciplinary Rules as Non-Disabled Students in Connecticut?
Navigating special education student discipline in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
Can I Be Reimbursed if My Child Is Placed in or Referred to a Private School in Connecticut?
Navigating reimbursement if your child receives a special education referral to a private school.
Joseph C.
Maya
Where Will My Child Be Placed if They Qualify For Special Education Services in Connecticut?
What parents need to know about special education placements in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Are "Related Services" and "Assistive Technology" Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act?
What to know about special education "related services" and "assistive technology" in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Is an Individualized Education Program in Connecticut Special Education?
What to know about your child's special education IEP.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Are "Planning and Placement Teams" in Connecticut Special Education?
What you need to know about your child's special education PPT.
Joseph C.
Maya
How Will My Child's Special Education Needs Be Evaluated in Connecticut?
What to know about initial evaluations, independent educational evaluations, and re-evaluation.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Does "Informed Consent" Mean in Connecticut Special Education?
When parental consent is required in special education.
Joseph C.
Maya
How Do Special Education Referrals Work in Connecticut?
Understanding the referrals process for special education services.
Joseph C.
Maya
How Do I Know if My Child Is Eligible For Special Education Services in Connecticut?
What to know about your child's eligibility for special education services.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act?
What parents of Connecticut students need to know about IDEA.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Is the Every Student Succeeds Act?
What to know about the ESSA if your child is a student in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Is a "Postnuptial Agreement"?
What you need to know about postnuptial agreements formed in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Is a "Prenuptial Agreement"?
What you should know about prenuptial agreements formed in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Is a "Motion for Contempt" in a Connecticut Divorce?
What to know about post-judgement motions for contempt in divorce cases.
Joseph C.
Maya
Can I Modify a Child Support Order After It Is Entered in Connecticut?
Circumstances that allow for the modification of a child support order.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Additional Child Support Expenses May Be Included in My Divorce Settlement Terms in Connecticut?
Requirements for providing child support for medical and college expenses.
Joseph C.
Maya
How Is Child Support Calculated in Connecticut?
What to know about the Connecticut Child Support Guidelines.
Joseph C.
Maya
How Are Psychological Evaluations Used in Connecticut Divorce Proceedings?
Conducting psychological evaluations to properly evaluate family law cases.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Is the Family Relations Office and What Is its Role in Child Custody and Visitation Disputes in Connecticut?
How the Family Relations Office evaluates child custody and visitation disputes.
Joseph C.
Maya
Can I Relocate Out of State with My Minor Child Post-Divorce in Connecticut?
What you need to know about child relocation in the case of divorce.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Are the Third-Party Rights to Custody and Visitation in Connecticut?
What you should know about third-party child custody and visitation rights in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
Can I Modify My Child Custody Order After My Divorce Is Finalized in Connecticut?
Modifying and renewing a child custody order to address changing circumstances.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Is the "Best Interests Standard" Used to Determine Child Custody in Connecticut?
Using the best interests standard to form a child custody order in the case of divorce.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Forms of Child Custody Are Available in Connecticut?
Distinguishing legal and physical custody, as well as joint and sole custody in the context of divorce.
Joseph C.
Maya
Can I Modify My Alimony Award After My Divorce is Finalized in Connecticut?
Modifying alimony obligations and addressing income changes post-divorce.
Joseph C.
Maya
How Do Remarriage and Cohabitation Impact Alimony Payments in a Connecticut Divorce?
The effect remarriage and cohabitation have on post-divorce alimony obligations.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Types of Alimony Awards Are Available in a Connecticut Divorce?
Distinguishing periodic and lump-sum alimony awards.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Is "Earning Capacity" in the Context of Divorce in Connecticut?
How earning capacity impacts the calculation of alimony in a divorce.
Joseph C.
Maya
How Is Alimony Determined in a Connecticut Divorce?
The factors that should be taken into consideration when calculating alimony.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Marital Property Is Subject to Division in a Connecticut Divorce?
How your marital residence, inheritance, gifts & trusts, and pension benefits will be affected by your divorce.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Is "Marital Property" and "Equitable Distribution" in Connecticut Divorce?
What you need to know about marital property and how it is distributed between divorcing spouses.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Is "Mandatory Disclosure" in a Connecticut Divorce Action?
What you should know about mandatory disclosure in the case of divorce.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Is a "Financial Affidavit" in the Case of Divorce in Connecticut?
Understanding financial affidavits and the role they play in divorce actions.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Is a "Case Management Program" in a Connecticut Divorce?
What you should know about case management and initial court involvement in your divorce case.
Joseph C.
Maya
How Do I File An Action For Divorce in Connecticut?
A guide to filing for divorce in Connecticut: Summons, complaint, automatic orders, and service of process.
Joseph C.
Maya
What Basic Information Should I Know Before Pursuing a Divorce in Connecticut?
No-fault divorce, residency requirements, venue, and fees associated with divorce in Connecticut.
Joseph C.
Maya
Q&A
I was trained at one of the largest and most prestigious law firms in New York. I was also trained prosecuting employers for violating various employment and labor statutes. When I opened the firm in 1993, my goal was to provide clients with the best representation as though clients were at a huge firm with the resources and support of a major international firm. Yet, I also wanted clients to have access to me - personally. I did not want clients to go through secretaries and paralegals before speaking with me. I wanted to have a personal relationship with each client, and for each client to feel as though I was their best friend helping them through their difficult legal situation. Today, I am please with the growth and dedication our firm provides to each and every client. Our resources are the same as any major firm. Our attention to detail is the same as the best firms anywhere in the world. But, most importantly, each client has access to me seven days a week.
Clients wan to know who will be working on their case? The answer depends on the type of case, the practice area and the complexity. Fortunately, we have enough lawyers to handle almost any case.
Clients also want to know about our fees. We structure each representation so that each file is handled as efficiently and cost effectively as possible. When possible, a paralegal assists with the representation to contain costs. Often an associate attorney is able to assist on a file, at a lower hourly rate.
Clients often ask if we are available evenings and weekends. Absolutely. When clients need us, we are available.
Clients also want to know about our fees. We structure each representation so that each file is handled as efficiently and cost effectively as possible. When possible, a paralegal assists with the representation to contain costs. Often an associate attorney is able to assist on a file, at a lower hourly rate.
Clients often ask if we are available evenings and weekends. Absolutely. When clients need us, we are available.
The most exciting case for me personally this year was winning a Motion for Summary Judgment in Echevvarria v. Utitec, Inc. The case involved complicated issues of law, and we were able to set precedent on Reckless Supervision as a recognized cause of action in an employment case in Connecticut.
Non-competition agreements are very challenging. It is very difficult to help clients navigate agreements, and their enforceablility while they are trying to find a new job. Another area that is difficult is when a client loses a job and is negotiating a severance agreement that is simply unfair. But, often we are able to work out a settlement with the former employer where both sides walk away with a favorable result.
My law professor in law school: Professor Theodore St. Antoine inspired me to pursue employment law.
I enjoy running and cycling. I have run many half marathons and the NYC Marathon twice. Endurance sports help keep my mind sharp and prepare me to go the distance against any adversary. Often I think to myself: I could outrun and outcycle any adversary on the road or in court.
I truly enjoy being a lawyer and helping people. My wife is also a lawyer and partner in the firm. Practicing law is terrific when you can go home and discuss cases, clients and files with someone you love. It often helps to strategize with someone who is brilliant, a law partner and a best friend.
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