Brattleboro, VT 05301-3668
dir: 802-258-3070
Driven and approachable labor and employment attorney with a wealth of national and international experience
Andrea Ortiz Wright understands the importance of tailoring her advice specific to the clients’ needs, and to offer creative and innovative solutions, while also actively listening to understand their risk tolerance.
Prior to joining DRM, Andrea was in-house counsel for the largest privately-held wholesale grocery supply company in the U.S. Using this experience, Andrea focuses on providing practical legal advice to management and Human Resources professionals in union and non-union environments. She has defended businesses responding to charges of discrimination as well as managed litigation in federal and state court.
Andrea’s approach to legal problems is based on empathy and providing respectful feedback. Whether it’s interviewing a witness about a sensitive topic or delivering difficult advice to a client, the ability to listen and communicate, understand and empathize, interact respectfully, manage conflict, and build trust is paramount.
- Defended multiple charges of discrimination in front of the EEOC and state agencies with persuasive position statements and provided representation at mediation conferences that led to dismissal of the charges.
- Represented company with 15,000+ employees (both union and non-union) in multiple states in all aspects of employment law and traditional labor issues.
- Successfully conducted multiple and lengthy investigation in a charge of harassment and discrimination based on disability in a union environment that led to successful creation of an Inclusive Work Environment. Through this complaint, Andrea discovered a group with lots of problems. It was a very complicated situation from both legal and organizational perspectives. Andrea dove in readily, not only to address the legal issues, but also to lead change management.
- Trained management and hourly workforce in various matters, including but not limited to: avoiding litigation landmines; preventing harassment and discrimination; managing in a unionized environment; respect in the workplace; and compliance with multiple laws (e.g. American with Disabilities Act, Family Medical Leave Act, Paid Sick Leave, NY Anti-sexual Harassment).
Boston University Law School, LL.M, 2014
Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Law Degree, 2009
U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, 2020
Massachusetts, 2017
Peru, 2012
Massachusetts Bar Association
American Bar Association
Impact Monadnock – Early Childhood Development Initiative. Strategic Plan Committee and volunteer – 2015- 2017
Spanish
Brattleboro, VT 05301-3668ph: 802-258-3070
dir: 802-258-3070
awright@drm.com