Farrell Fritz partner, Irene Zoupaniotis, has been named to the City & State New York 2025 Above & Beyond: Women list. This honor highlights women in New York who are driving change and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to making New York a better place.
As a partner in the firm’s Labor & Employment practice group, Irene represents businesses and organizations across various industries. A trusted advisor and litigator, she provides strategic counsel on day-to-day employment matters and vigorously defends clients in complex workplace disputes.
From the article:
Labor and employment law was not on Irene Zoupaniotis’ radar until a law school writing competition changed everything for her.
“It was a little bit of an accident,” says the Queens native of her career trajectory. After getting placed on a labor and employment law journal following her first year, Zoupaniotis was drawn to the field’s variety and relatability. “After that, I realized that I really liked it,” she says. “You’re helping businesses navigate these personnel issues that all of us experience because all of us have jobs.”
An array of diverse clients keeps every day different for Zoupaniotis, who represents small and medium-sized businesses as well as nonprofits. She provides advice and counsel, defending clients against wage and hour disputes, and takes on discrimination, harassment and retaliation cases. Her work also involves government audits and investigations, helping clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
While litigation often takes a long time, it’s the everyday victories that keep Zoupaniotis going.
“Anytime you win a motion or win a proceeding for your client, that always is a good feeling,” she says.
Zoupaniotis, a member of the Queens Theatre and Long Island City Partnership boards, is passionate about her Greek heritage and seeks to bolster cultural enrichment throughout the city.
She points to her mother, a former diplomat, as her first mentor.
“She worked, she raised children, had a home and had a serious job,” Zoupaniotis says. “Seeing those things and having these people as examples really made me believe I could do it.”
Read the full 2025 Above & Beyond: Women list here: