Joseph Maya

Managing Partner | Employment Law, Education Law & Complex Litigation
Connecticut & New York | 36 Years of Experience

Joseph Maya is a seasoned attorney with more than three decades of experience representing individuals, professionals, and families in complex legal matters across Connecticut and New York. He is the Managing Partner of Maya Murphy, P.C., where he leads a diverse practice focused on employment law, education law, criminal defense, probate, and related litigation.

Mr. Maya earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from New York University. He began his legal career in New York City, practicing in both state and federal courts before expanding his practice to Connecticut, where he is also licensed.

In employment law matters, Mr. Maya represents employees and executives in cases involving employment contracts, wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment, whistleblower claims, severance negotiations, and restrictive covenants. He has been repeatedly recognized as a Best Lawyer in Employment Law in Connecticut, reflecting his depth of experience and results-driven advocacy.

Mr. Maya is also widely recognized for his work in education law. He represents students and families in matters involving school discipline, expulsions and suspensions, bullying, special education, Section 504 plans, IEPs, PPTs, and private school placement. His practice spans both public and private educational institutions, including colleges, universities, and secondary schools throughout Connecticut and New York. He has been honored as a Best Lawyer for Education Law in Connecticut for his leadership in this area.

In addition to employment and education law, Mr. Maya handles criminal defense matters, including white collar crime, DUI & DWI, and serious felony charges, as well as probate, estate planning, and divorce cases. His broad litigation background allows him to provide strategic, comprehensive representation tailored to each client’s unique legal needs.

Practice Areas:

• Employment Law – Employment contracts, discrimination, sexual harassment, whistleblower claims, wrongful termination

• Education Law – School discipline, special education, 504 plans, IEPs, PPTs, private school placement

• Criminal Law – Appeals, drug offenses, fraud, gun crimes, internet crimes, sex crimes, theft, and violent crimes

• Probate – Probate administration, litigation, and will contests

• Estate Planning – Wills, trusts, health care directives, guardianship, and conservatorship

• Divorce – Contested and uncontested divorce, collaborative divorce, property division, and spousal support

• DUI & DWI

• White Collar Crime

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Jurisdictions Admitted:

• Connecticut (Admitted 1991)

• New York (Admitted 1991)

Professional Experience:

• Managing Partner – Maya Murphy, P.C. (1994–Present)

• Associate Attorney – Clifford Chance (1988–1992)

Education:

• University of Michigan Law School, J.D., 1988

• New York University, B.A. in Politics, 1984 (Cum Laude)

Awards & Recognition:

• Best Lawyer in America – Education Law (Connecticut) – 2019, 2024

• Best Lawyer in America – Employment Law (Connecticut) – 2024

• Super Lawyer – Employment & Education Law (Connecticut) – 2024

• Peer Review Rated – Martindale-Hubbell

Professional Associations:

• New York State Bar Association

• Connecticut Bar Association

• New York State Trial Lawyers Association

• American Bar Association

• New York County Trial Lawyers Association

Publications & Speaking:

Mr. Maya regularly writes and speaks on employment, education, and divorce law in both Connecticut and New York, including recent publications addressing non-compete law, school discipline, and employment practices.

Languages:

• English (Spoken and Written)

• Spanish (Spoken)