Employment and Labor
We have 25 years of experience handling labor and employment matters in Massachusetts and other states, involving both litigation and client counseling designed to avoid litigation. The firm's clients include numerous privately-held businesses and financial institutions, as well as executives and other individuals. The firm is also approved by various insurers who provide EPLI (employment practices liability insurance) coverage. Our employment law experience includes trials (both jury and jury-waived) and evidentiary hearings before courts and administrative agencies, as well as appeals before state and federal appellate courts.
Discrimination, harassment and wrongful termination
Our attorneys have handled hundreds of cases before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, anti-discrimination agencies throughout New England and New York, Massachusetts state courts, and federal courts. We have dealt with claims of discrimination based on disability, age, race, sex, national origin, and sexual preference, as well as sexual harassment. While most cases are resolved or dismissed before trial, we have substantial experience trying cases before courts and administrative agencies, as well as in arbitration.
Client counseling
We often help our clients solve problems and avoid litigation in areas such as state and federal wage and hour laws; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Family and Medical Leave Act; reasonable accommodation to disabled individuals; collective bargaining; employment contracts; non-competition agreements; termination; discipline; and severance. Our attorneys take pride in being accessible, responsive and practical.
Employment agreements
We have represented companies and executives in drafting and negotiating the terms of employment agreements. We have also advised clients regarding the impact of employment contracts in the context of employment termination.
Non-competition and trade secrets
To protect intellectual property, confidential information and trade secrets, we draft noncompetition and confidential information agreements. We also litigate claims when such agreements are breached, most often in the context of seeking or defending against injunctive relief and restraining orders. We also provide advice and representation when employees depart an existing business to start competitive firms.
Wage and hour claims
In the current economic and legal environment, wage and hour claims (including state and federal overtime laws and state wage payment laws) have become the subject of much litigation, due to the potential for multiple damages, attorneys' fees awards, and class action certification. We have handled many such claims, both in state and federal court and before administrative agencies, including the United States Department of Labor and the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General.
Severance agreements
We often draft severance agreements and negotiate terms of severance on behalf of employers and employees.
Employment handbooks and policies
We draft and review employment handbook and policies. In today's fast-paced and litigious world, employers need to update handbooks to include areas such as social media, internet and computer use, leaves of absence and drug and alcohol use.
Labor relations
We have handled collective bargaining negotiations, provided advice regarding grievances and other disputes, and tried cases in arbitration.
Contact:
Please contact Howard Brown (hmb@bostonbusinesslaw.com) or (617) 422-0200.