Labor and Employment Law

141 TremontWe are experienced in handling a broad range of issues that arise in the employment setting and in resolving employment-related disputes either through litigation, negotiation, or alternative dispute resolution. We represent employees, non-profits, labor unions, and employers in all aspects of the employment relationship. We have over 45 years of combined experience in the areas of labor and employment law. Each of us is committed to maintaining cutting-edge expertise in these evolving areas of law and in bringing that expertise to bear for our clients.

We are a team of professionals dedicated to providing our clients with superior representation, practical advice, and effective advocacy.

OUR PRACTICE

Litigation
We are seasoned litigators with broad experience in state and federal courts, in administrative proceedings, and in alternative dispute resolution processes. We have represented clients in various state courts, federal court, at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), and in various types of administrative hearings on the local level. We have substantial experience in the following areas:

  • Employment discrimination cases
  • Labor arbitration
  • Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Unfair labor practices
  • Wrongful termination
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Public employee retirement cases
  • Unemployment hearings
  • Abuse cases

Appellate Practice
We have advocated for clients in numerous employment-related cases at the appellate level. Here is a sample of reported appellate level cases that we have worked on:

  • Ballotte v. City of Worcester, 51 Mass. App. Ct. 728 (2001)
  • Blanchette v. Westwood Sch. Comm., 427 Mass. 176 (1998)
  • New Bedford Sch. Comm. v. Labor Relations Comm., 15 Mass. App. Ct. 172 (1983)
  • Puglisi v Whitman Sch. Comm., 11 Mass. App. Ct. 142 (1981)
  • Springgate v. Mattapoisett Sch. Comm., 11 Mass. App. Ct. 304 (1981)

Negotiation
We negotiate and draft employment contracts and severance agreements for our clients. Additionally, we negotiate reasonable accommodations for clients under the disability anti-discrimination laws. In our labor practice, we negotiate collective bargaining agreements.

Consultation and Advice
We provide skilled consultation and advice to employees, non-profits, unions, and employer in all employment-related matters. If it is in the best interest of a client, we will help that client to avoid a legal dispute or to resolve such a dispute short of time-consuming litigation.

Alternative Dispute Resolution
We pursue various litigation alternatives to resolve employment disputes. We advocate for our clients both in grievance arbitrations under collective bargaining agreements and in employment arbitrations under the terms of employments contracts. We also represent clients in mediations, assisting our clients to craft creative solutions to resolve employment problems.

Indoor Air Quality
We represent clients in obtaining workers’ compensation benefits and/or accidental disability retirement benefits for illnesses resulting from poor indoor air quality in occupational settings. We have also represented unions in arbitration to rectify poor indoor air quality conditions.

OUR TEAM