Andrea O. Wright
Of Counsel
- ph: 802-258-3070
- dir: 802-451-2312
Suite 212
Brattleboro, VT 05301-3038
Andrea Ortiz Wright provides practical legal advice to management and Human Resources professionals in union and non-union environments.
Diligent and dedicated labor and employment attorney with an empathetic approach, and focused on getting clients the results they seek.
Andrea Ortiz Wright understands the importance of tailoring her advice to your needs, offering innovative solutions while also actively listening to understand your risk tolerance. Prior to joining DRM, Andrea was in-house counsel for the largest privately-held wholesale grocery supply company in the U.S. She has defended businesses against charges of discrimination and managed labor and employment litigation in federal and state court.
Andrea’s approach to legal problems is based on empathy and providing respectful feedback. Whether she’s interviewing a witness about a sensitive topic or delivering difficult advice, her ability to listen and understand, manage conflict, and build trust is paramount. Born in a Latin-American country, Andrea also brings her unique heritage to her work – including her enthusiasm to teach a few Spanish words to her teammates.
Education
Boston University Law School, LL.M
Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Law Degree
Experience
- 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).
Admissions
U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont, 2023
Vermont, 2021
U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, 2020
Massachusetts, 2017
Peru, 2012
Memberships & Activities
Vermont Bar Association
Massachusetts Bar Association
American Bar Association
Community Involvement
Impact Monadnock – Early Childhood Development Initiative. Strategic Plan Committee and Volunteer – 2015- 2017
United Way of Windham County. Member of Board of Directors, 2021
Languages
Spanish