Joshua A. Hawks-Ladds

Joshua A. Hawks-Ladds

Hartford, CT recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2011
Pullman & Comley LLC

36 Best Lawyers awards

Pullman & Comley LLC logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Labor Law - Management Litigation - Labor and Employment

Biography

Joshua A. Hawks-Ladds is chair of the firm’s Labor, Employment Law and Employee Benefits Department. His practice includes counseling on and litigating business, construction, labor and employment and civil rights matters and municipal law. Attorney Hawks-Ladds has tried cases in numerous state and federal courts, argued before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals and the Connecticut Supreme and Appellate courts and litigates extensively before administrative tribunals. Attorney Hawks-Ladds frequently lectures and consults on trial practice, business disputes, labor and employment law and municipal issues. Attorney Hawks-Ladds also regularly negotiates employment agreements, severance and compensation packages involving executives of some of the largest U.S. and international companies. He is cited as an authority in Covenants Not to Compete: A State by State Survey, 2005 Supplement.

From 1998 through 2008, Attorney Hawks-Ladds authored the Connecticut Bar Association’s official treatise on labor and employment law, “Labor Relations and Employment Law: Developments in Connecticut,” published annually in the Connecticut Bar Journal. He co-authors the Connecticut Bar Association’s “Annual Survey of Labor and Employment Cases.” He was a contributing author to the Hartford Business Journal on labor and employment matters through 2003, and has been interviewed for commentary on labor issues in periodicals nationwide. Josh’s recent articles include “Legality of Personality Tests Under the Americans with Disabilities Act,” (Connecticut Lawyer, June/July 2007); “Midstream Covenants Not to Compete: Is Continued Employment Enough?” (Connecticut Lawyer, June/July 2005); “May State Employees Sue Their Employer for Damages under FMLA’s Family Care Provision?” (PREVIEW of United States Supreme Court Cases, January 4, 2003); “Does Actionable Emotional Distress Exist in the Connecticut Workplace?” (Connecticut Lawyer, October 2002); and “A Case of Interpretation” (Connecticut Lawyer, November 2001). He also served as an adjunct instructor on human resources management at Saint Joseph College from 2001 to 2004.

Pullman & Comley LLC

36 Best Lawyers awards

Pullman & Comley LLC logo

Overview

  • Western New England University School of Law, J.D., graduated 1991
  • University of Connecticut, B. A., graduated 1987

  • Connecticut, Connecticut
  • New York, New York
  • Massachusetts, Massachusetts

  • American Bar Foundation - Fellow
  • Connecticut Bar Association - Mediator and Arbitrator, Legal Fee Resolution Board; past chair, Executive Committee, Labor and Employment Law Section; former chair, Common Law and Statutory Claims Committee
  • Connecticut Bar Foundation - James W. Cooper Fellow
  • Federal Bar Council - Member
  • Hartford County Bar Association - Founder and Former Chair, Labor and Employment Law Committee
  • Manchester Bar Association - Member
  • Massachusetts Bar Association - Member - Labor and Employment Law Section; Civil Litigation Section
  • New York Bar Association - Member - Labor and Employment Law Section
  • Oliver Ellsworth Inn of Courts - Bencher
  • Connecticut, Connecticut
  • New York, New York
  • Massachusetts, Massachusetts
  • American Bar Foundation - Fellow
  • Connecticut Bar Association - Mediator and Arbitrator, Legal Fee Resolution Board; past chair, Executive Committee, Labor and Employment Law Section; former chair, Common Law and Statutory Claims Committee
  • Connecticut Bar Foundation - James W. Cooper Fellow
  • Federal Bar Council - Member
  • Hartford County Bar Association - Founder and Former Chair, Labor and Employment Law Committee
  • Manchester Bar Association - Member
  • Massachusetts Bar Association - Member - Labor and Employment Law Section; Civil Litigation Section
  • New York Bar Association - Member - Labor and Employment Law Section
  • Oliver Ellsworth Inn of Courts - Bencher
  • Western New England University School of Law, J.D., graduated 1991
  • University of Connecticut, B. A., graduated 1987

Client Testimonials

Attorney Hawks-Ladds is a true professional, well-versed in labor law, litigation strategies and practices, and municipal law. He is more than a lawyer; he is a counselor in the truest sense. I rely on his professional judgment and value his insight and perspectives on a vast array of issues on which we work together. He is a trusted part of my team, and I have every intention of continuing this valuable professional relationship for as long as I have the good fortune to do so.

Jason Bowsza (Town of East Windsor, Connecticut)

Attorney Hawks-Ladds has represented the Town of East Windsor since approximately 2008. One of the very first things that I did upon taking office was to make sure that the relationship between Josh and the Town would continue. He takes the time to understand my community, understand our municipal charter, apply lessons and experiences that he has had in his career, and really and truly views himself as part of the Town of East Windsor team. We're lucky to have him, and as long as I'm in office, Josh will be my lawyer.

Jason Bowsza (Town of East Windsor, Connecticut)

Attorney Joshua Hawks-Ladds leads the team from Pullman & Comley, LLC who has represented this Town and the East Windsor Police Department for many years in labor law and complex employment issues that we face in today's society. Joshua is a very responsive and attentive attorney who brings a breadth of knowledge and energy when representing us on a variety of complex matters. Over the past decade he has represented the agency on Federal and State civil matters, CHRO complaints, FOI hearings, grievances and other labor actions, pension and contract negotiations, and legal opinions in a wide variety of human resources and risk reduction initiatives here at the Police Department. As the Chief of Police and Director of Emergency Management, I find him to be extremely knowledgeable and an advocate for the Town. He is supported by a dedicated firm of talented attorneys who support our diverse needs.

Joshua Hawks-Ladds is dedicated, detailed, thorough, and willing to listen. He is a true professional.

Christopher Mahler (Weeden & Co.)

Greenwich, CT

The Town of East Windsor is extremely fortunate to have found an attorney the caliber of Mr. Hawks-Ladds for our labor matters. He is very responsive, thorough and presents our proposals in a no nonsense yet non-confrontational manner. Very effective. We have made great strides toward better labor relations with his counsel.

Denise Menard (Town of East Windsor)

Broad Brook, CT

For many years now Attorney Joshua Hawks-Ladds, with the law firm of Pullman & Comley in Hartford, CT, has been the primary attorney who represents the East Windsor, CT Police Department and me, as the Chief of Police and 23 year law enforcement veteran, during my daily complex duties. He has represented my agency and me in various legal matters such as State and Federal lawsuits and litigation matters, labor grievances to include arbitration before the State labor board, CHRO complaints, FOI complaints and matters, pension and collective bargaining (contract negotiations), and legal guidance and advice during investigations and policy development. Attorney Hawks-Ladds has a strong work ethic and he works tirelessly to do what is best for the town and the police department. He is extremely competent in labor, employment, and management law. He is dedicated, committed to his clients, and extremely intelligent. He simply understands complex matters rapidly and assists immediately. I have found him to be very prepared, detail-oriented, easy to contact, and remains current with emerging trends. Josh is always available and provides professional legal assistance for the most difficult of subject matters. He has an approachable, likable and personable demeanor that lends to his abilities in the litigation or legal process. He brings strong oral and written communication skills to the process as well. Josh is supported by a strong law firm, fellow associates, and members of his legal team that can make difficult tasks much easier. Over the years, time and time again this legal team has been excellent and they often make the difference with the matters we face. As a veteran Police Chief I value integrity, competence, a strong work ethic, and loyalty when I have a tough assignment to complete. These are all attributes that Attorney Hawks-Ladds and Pullman & Comley bring to the table.

Edward DeMarco, Jr. (Town of East Windsor, CT)

East windsor, CT

Mr. Hawks-Ladd is a very direct and forthright attorney. His advice is both pragmatic and to the point. Mr. Hawks-Ladd has represented my agency for 3 years and has assisted us with very difficult labor negotiations as well as general litigation. I recommend Mr. Hawks-Ladd without reservation.

Gail Lawson (Sound Community Services, Inc.)

New London, CT

Cabrera Services has worked with attorney Joshua Hawks-Ladds for several years and we are very pleased with the services he provides. Josh has been very easy to work with and is extremely responsive. I would highly recommend him.

Lorenzo Cabrera (Cabrera Services, Inc.)

East Hartford, CT

Attorney Joshua Hawks-Ladds has represented my company for three years. During that time, he and the firm have provided valuable education and advice to make sure my company is compliant with the employment law. Because of his proactive approach and willingness to educate us, we have avoided making costly mistakes which we might have made otherwise without his expertise. I have and will continue to recommend Josh Hawks-Ladds and Pullman & Comley

Steven Weir (American Integrity Restoration, LLC)

Milford, CT

Joshua Hawks-Ladds is an excellent employment practices lawyer with outstanding business sense as well as incredible eye for detail. He is an accomplished litigator. Mr. Hawks-Ladd knows the law. He is easily accessible and accommodative.

Christopher Mahler (Weeden & Co.)

Greenwich, CT

Working for Pullman & Comley, attorney Joshua Hawks-Ladds is the primary attorney who represents my Municipal Police Department in federal and state lawsuits, litigation, and appeals, State Labor Board mediation hearings and grievances, CHRO complaints, FOI matters, and all other labor matters to include pension and collective bargaining negotiations within the agency. For many years I have found him to be professional and extremely experienced in complex labor/litigation matters faced by the department. He is always prepared, organized, highly detailed while handling our complex issues, and he remains current with emerging trends and the law. Mr. Hawks-Ladds is extremely intelligent and rapidly comprehends the most difficult situation(s) and subject matter, and provides professional legal assistance that ends successfully. He has strong verbal and written communication skills, is very attentive, rapidly responds to all of my inquiries and needs, and is effective in dealing with others. His clarity of communication and approachable personality style has been a great benefit to this Police Department. He enjoys an exemplary reputation in his profession and within my community. He is a well-respected and trusted representative for the Town and the East Windsor Connecticut Police Department. As a progressive Chief of Police working in a complex and evolving industry, I find the level of commitment and service provided by Mr. Hawks-Ladds, supported by a great law firm (Pullman & Comley), to be a tremendous benefit to me as I go about my daily business.

Edward DeMarco, Jr. (Town of East Windsor, CT)

East windsor, CT

Our company trusts Attorney Hawks-Ladds implicitly. The expertise and attention he brings to the matters brought to him are insightful and thorough. He is willing to deal with whatever is presented but is conscious of our costs. We value our relationship with him immensely.

Louise Michaud (REM, Inc.)

REM trusts Josh Hawks-Ladds completely. He has been there when we needed him providing his expertise in a timely fashion. He is highly interactive, listens to what you say, and takes care of business effectively.

Louise Michaud (REM, Inc.)

Awards & Focus

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Labor Law - Management
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Employment Law - Management
Special Focus:
  • Litigation
Awards:
  • named to CBA's "Distinguished Volunteers Roster" for 2003
  • AV Peer Review Rating by Martindale Hubbell
  • Listed as a "Top Lawyer" in Hartford Magazine in the areas of employment/labor and litigation, April 2010; July 2012
  • Recipient of the 2014 Corporate International Magazine Global Award: Labor Attorney of the Year in Connecticut
  • Hartford Business Journal's 2003 "40 Under Forty" Award - recipient; recognized him as one of Greater Hartford's top "young leaders"
  • 2002 Distinguished Advocate for the Arts Award from the State of Connecticut Commission on the Arts - recipient

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