Ferguson, Doyle & Chester, PC
"Fighting for the rights of working people"
About Our Firm
Fighting and winning for Unions, their members and working people throughout Connecticut
Our law firm has successfully represented Unions in negotiating, mediating and arbitrating labor contracts, fighting and winning grievance arbitrations and reversing wrongful terminations. We also take pride in representing individual clients whose rights have been violated in the workplace. If you need legal representation in dealing with your employer, you have come to the right place.
Areas of Practice
We represent Unions, their members and individual workers in a number of capacities
Wrongful
Terminations
Our firm has handled countless termination cases on behalf of employees who have been unjustly terminated from their employment. We do this on behalf of both union clients as well as individual clients.
Negotiations
We negotiate union contracts, individual employment contracts, separation agreements, litigation settlements and many other forms of contracts and employment agreements.
Workers
Compensation
If you have been injured at work or contracted an occupational disease, we can provide legal representation to you to ensure you get the benefits you are entitled to.
Workplace Discrimination
Our firm has handled a number of cases before the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights (CHRO) and the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC). We can also take your case to Superior Court to protect your rights to be free from discrimination in the workplace.
Wage and Hour Complaints
There are strict laws and regulations regarding pay, overtime and hours worked. Our firm can assist you if you feel you are not being paid correctly.
Investigations
Our firm has represented employees facing allegations in the workplace. Whether you are being investigated by your employer or an outside agency, we can provide legal representation to assist you in preserving your rights. Our experience in defending workers facing investigations has resulted in us being retained as independent investigators in cases.
Our Attorneys
James Ferguson
Attorney James Ferguson is a partner in this law firm. He graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 1968 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Geography. After teaching in the New Haven public schools for five years he matriculated at the Western New England College School of Law where he graduated in 1976 cum laude. After working as a staff attorney and in-house counsel to the Connecticut State Federation of Teachers he joined the law firm of Sherbacow, McWeeny and Ferguson which became Ferguson and Doyle and then, Ferguson, Doyle & Chester.
He concentrates on public sector labor relations and has represented clients in State and Federal Court as well as before the State Board of Labor Relations, Connecticut Commission of Human Rights and Opportunities, Unemployment Appeals Division as well as Workers’ Compensation Commission. He also currently serves as a member of the Governor’s Teacher Arbitration Panel as representing unions as an arbitrator for municipal employees in the state of Connecticut. Jim is from Wolcott where he is a member of the Democratic Town Committee. He is also a member of the Connecticut Bar Association and the Labor Law section of the Connecticut Bar Association.
He concentrates on public sector labor relations and has represented clients in State and Federal Court as well as before the State Board of Labor Relations, Connecticut Commission of Human Rights and Opportunities, Unemployment Appeals Division as well as Workers’ Compensation Commission. He also currently serves as a member of the Governor’s Teacher Arbitration Panel as representing unions as an arbitrator for municipal employees in the state of Connecticut. Jim is from Wolcott where he is a member of the Democratic Town Committee. He is also a member of the Connecticut Bar Association and the Labor Law section of the Connecticut Bar Association.
Eric W. Chester
Attorney Eric Chester grew up in Connecticut before enlisting in the US Army upon graduation from high school. He served as a US Army Ranger for the 3rd Ranger Battalion, where he served in combat operations. He graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 1997 with a major in History, Secondary Education and Special Education. He was a high school History teacher for 9 years in New Haven, CT. While teaching, he attended law school at the University of Connecticut School of Law. He received his JD in 2004 and began practicing law in 2006.
He represents a number of teacher unions, firefighter unions, state employee unions and healthcare unions. He has successfully represented both unions and individual employees in a number of forums including but not limited to contract negotiations and arbitration, grievances, complaints before the State Board of Labor Relations, the National Labor Relations Board, Superior Court, and the Workers' Compensation Commission. Attorney Chester finds great satisfaction in promoting and defending the rights of working people throughout the state of Connecticut.
He represents a number of teacher unions, firefighter unions, state employee unions and healthcare unions. He has successfully represented both unions and individual employees in a number of forums including but not limited to contract negotiations and arbitration, grievances, complaints before the State Board of Labor Relations, the National Labor Relations Board, Superior Court, and the Workers' Compensation Commission. Attorney Chester finds great satisfaction in promoting and defending the rights of working people throughout the state of Connecticut.
James Demetriades
Attorney James Demetriades joined the firm in September 2019 and is passionate about protecting and advocating for worker’s rights. James graduated from Fordham University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science. He then attended Quinnipiac University School of Law where he graduated in 2018 Cum Laude with two concentrations with honors in workplace law and civil advocacy. James has successfully represented clients in Connecticut State Court, as well as represented clients at the State Board of Labor Relations, Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, Connecticut Unemployment Appeals Division, and Workers Compensation Commission.
James is from Cromwell, where he serves on the Cromwell Town Council, as Deputy Treasurer of the Cromwell Democrats, and as Chairman of the non-profit Cromwell Creative District. James is also a member of the Connecticut Bar Association and LGBT section of the Connecticut Bar Association.
Timothy J. O’Flynn
Attorney Tim O’Flynn joined the firm in the Spring of 2022. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History. After college, Tim became a professional firefighter and was elected as a Union official early in his career. He served as a Union officer for 8 years, which included the positions of Vice-President, Chair of the Grievance Committee, and Contract Negotiator. Tim’s dedication and passion for advocating for and protecting workers’ rights led him to pursue a Juris Doctorate degree at Quinnipiac University School of Law where he graduated in December 2021 Magna Cum Laude with two concentrations with honors in workplace law and civil advocacy. Tim was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 2022.
He concentrates in employment and labor law and has represented clients in several forums including but not limited to grievances, mediation, arbitration, contract negotiations, complaints before the State Board of Labor Relations, Connecticut Commission of Human Rights and Opportunities, Workers’ Compensation Commission and Connecticut Superior Court. Tim continues to proudly serve as a professional firefighter and remains active with his local union and serves as the Parliamentarian for the Uniform Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut. He is also a member of the Connecticut Bar Association and The Young Lawyers Section.
He concentrates in employment and labor law and has represented clients in several forums including but not limited to grievances, mediation, arbitration, contract negotiations, complaints before the State Board of Labor Relations, Connecticut Commission of Human Rights and Opportunities, Workers’ Compensation Commission and Connecticut Superior Court. Tim continues to proudly serve as a professional firefighter and remains active with his local union and serves as the Parliamentarian for the Uniform Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut. He is also a member of the Connecticut Bar Association and The Young Lawyers Section.
Testimonials
If you require serious, first class legal representation regarding employment and civil rights issues, I would highly recommend, in the strongest possible terms, that you work with Attorney Chester. He is an extremely brilliant and talented Attorney and one of the finest people you will ever meet. I am fortunate and proud to have had Eric Chester as my Attorney.
Umesh Vig
College Faculty Member
Local 1148 has been represented by Ferguson, Doyle & Chester for over 20 years and it has been a great relationship. We’ve had the opportunity to work extensively with Jim Ferguson and Eric Chester and they have demonstrated time and time again they are willing to go the extra mile. Whether it’s just a call for advice or in depth negotiations Ferguson, Doyle and Chester have our back.
Meriden Firefighters
Local 1148 Executive Board
Ferguson, Doyle, and Chester, PC has served the Norwalk Federation of Teachers for over forty years. Mr. Ferguson, his partners and associates have expertly guided us through contract negotiations, grievance arbitrations, workers’ compensation appeals, and the defense of our members when needed. The NFT relies on Ferguson, Doyle and Chester's knowledge of and focus on legal details, as well as their broad understanding of the labor union movement.
Mary Yordon
President of the Norwalk Federation of Teachers, AFT-CT, AFT, AFL-CIO
I wholeheartedly recommend James Demetriades as an outstanding attorney in cases of sex-based discrimination and harassment. His exceptional organizational skills and clarity allowed me to understand the legal complexities, ensuring my voice was authentically represented. James fought tirelessly for a fair resolution, resulting in significant restitution that positively impacted my life. His integrity and commitment to justice make him an invaluable ally in these difficult matters.
The Law Office of Ferguson, Doyle & Chester negotiated the best contract our teachers have seen in well over 25 years. Attorney Chester's communication, attention to details, and understanding of the depth and breadth of educational and labor law have benefited the West Haven of Teachers and School Nurses greatly.
Kristen Malloy
President, West Haven Federation of Teachers