Overview

Abigail L. Giarrusso advises clients concerning various employment-related matters, including fair employment practices, employment offers, paid sick and safe leave, leaves of absence, wage and hour obligations, requests for accommodations, and disciplinary issues. She routinely partners with legal and human resources departments to help clients remain compliant with ever-changing employment laws by preparing and auditing multistate employee handbooks and policies. Abigail regularly provides legal advice to employers concerning issues related to COVID-19, including vaccine mandates and related requests for accommodations, supplemental sick time, leaves of absence, and remote work.  

Abigail defends employers against discrimination, harassment, retaliation, failure to accommodate, wage and hour, and class and collective claims in federal and state court. Abigail’s litigation work includes representing employers in administrative proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and state and local administrative bodies.   

Prior to joining Littler, Abigail practiced with a Rochester-based litigation firm, where she represented businesses, universities, and healthcare organizations involved in litigation. She defended clients against claims related to employment law, higher education law, commercial law, insurance law, and medical malpractice. She also counseled clients on litigation prevention.  

Professional & Community Affiliations

Member

Greater Rochester Association for Women Attorneys

2014-present

Member

Monroe County Bar Association

2014-present

Recognition

Named, Ones to Watch

The Best Lawyers in America®

2022-2025

Recipient

Western District of New York Pro Bono Award

2018

Named, Rising Star

Super Lawyers

2016

Order of the Coif

Recipient

George Washington Law School Pro Bono Recognition Award

Speaking Engagements

2022 New York Employment Law Update - Union Organizing

Fairport, NY

November 8, 2022

A Primer for Effective Pro Bono Representation in Section 1983 Civil Rights Litigation

Western District of New York, Pro Bono Counsel Training

October 21, 2020

Everything Changes in a New York Minute

April 30, 2020

Social Media and the Workplace: The Blurred Line Between Personal and Professional

Salvation Army of Greater Rochester Rochester, NY

April 28, 2017

Education

  • J.D., George Washington University Law School, 2013Highest Honors
  • B.A., Vassar College, 2009General and Department Honors

Bar Admission

New York

Courts

  • U.S. District Court, Western District of New York
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York