Employment Law
We advocate for employees who have been wronged, to combat discrimination, wage theft and other unlawful workplace practices.
$15B
American workers lose an estimated $15 billion annually due to wage theft by their employers.
1
David Cooper and Teresa Kroeger,
“Employers steal billions from workers’
paychecks each year,” Economic Policy
Institute (May 10, 2017).
“Employers steal billions from workers’
paychecks each year,” Economic Policy
Institute (May 10, 2017).
70,000
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received over 70,000 workplace discrimination complaints 2022.
2
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission, “EEOC Releases Annual
Performance Report for Fiscal Year 2022,“
(Mar. 13, 2023).
Commission, “EEOC Releases Annual
Performance Report for Fiscal Year 2022,“
(Mar. 13, 2023).
25%
Approximately 25% of women report experiencing workplace sexual harassment, yet many cases go unreported.
3
Chai R. Feldblum & Victoria A.
Lipnic, “Select Task Force on the
Study of Harassment in the Workplace,“
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission (June 2016).
Lipnic, “Select Task Force on the
Study of Harassment in the Workplace,“
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission (June 2016).
2M
Nearly 2 million American workers report being victims of workplace violence each year.
4
U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational
Safety and Health Administration, “What
is Workplace Violence?,” OSHA Fact
Sheet (2002).
Safety and Health Administration, “What
is Workplace Violence?,” OSHA Fact
Sheet (2002).
We help people experiencing workplace discrimination, focusing on cases involving race, gender, and disability.
We understand that your job is a significant aspect of your life and should enhance, not hinder, your well-being.
Our team confronts discrimination, protects whistleblowers, and promotes fair employment practices, from negotiating employment agreements to advocating for family rights and ADA accommodations. In disputes, we manage conflict resolution, and in the courtroom we fight tirelessly to pursue the justice and rights our clients deserve.
Nearly half (47%) of LGBTQ employees reported experiencing workplace discrimination or harassment based on their sexual orientation or gender identity during their lifetime.
5
Over 60 million workers are bound by mandatory arbitration agreements, further exposing systemic barriers to workplace justice.
Brad Sears, Neko Castleberry,
Andy Lin, and Christy Mallory,
“LGBTQ People’s Experiences of
Workplace Discrimination and
Harassment,“ UCLA Williams
Institute (August 2024).
Andy Lin, and Christy Mallory,
“LGBTQ People’s Experiences of
Workplace Discrimination and
Harassment,“ UCLA Williams
Institute (August 2024).
6
Alexander J.S. Colvin, “The Growing
Use of Mandatory Arbitration: Access
to the Courts is Now Barred for More
Than 60 Million American Workers,“
Economic Policy Institute (April 6, 2018).
Use of Mandatory Arbitration: Access
to the Courts is Now Barred for More
Than 60 Million American Workers,“
Economic Policy Institute (April 6, 2018).
Overview
Employees often face problems like theft of thier wages, discrimination, harassment, and occupational safety risks, all of which undermine their rights and dignity.
Black workers in the United States earn approximately 24.4% less per hour than White workers, a gap that has widened since 1979.
7
Valerie Wilson and William Darity Jr.,
“Understanding Black-White Disparities in
Labor Market Outcomes Requires Models
That Account for Persistent Discrimination
and Unequal Bargaining Power,“Economic
Policy Institute (March 25, 2022).
“Understanding Black-White Disparities in
Labor Market Outcomes Requires Models
That Account for Persistent Discrimination
and Unequal Bargaining Power,“Economic
Policy Institute (March 25, 2022).
Race Discrimination
Race discrimination exists across all industries, from subtle microaggressions to overt harassment or job loss—none of which should be tolerated. If you believe you’re being subjected to racial discrimination, trust your instincts. Our firm is committed to fighting inequality, with a focus on holding employers and colleagues accountable for discrimination.
We prioritize resolving cases early when possible, but are prepared to pursue litigation if necessary. Our commitment is to provide comprehensive, efficient service every step of the way.
In 2022 there were approximately 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses.
8
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
“Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries
and Illnesses – 2021-2022,“ USDL-23-2359
(November 8, 2023).
“Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries
and Illnesses – 2021-2022,“ USDL-23-2359
(November 8, 2023).
Your Rights
- Discrimination & Harassment: Protection from unlawful workplace discrimination, with potential remedies such as reinstatement, back pay, compensatory, and punitive damages.
- Wrongful Termination: Possible compensation for lost wages and emotional distress in cases of unlawful termination.
- Wage & Hour Violations: The right to recover unpaid wages, including extra compensation and attorney's fees, for denied wages or overtime.
- Whistleblower Protection: Protection against retaliation for reporting illegal activities, with possible remedies like reinstatement and compensation.
- Workplace Safety: The ability to seek recovery for injuries caused by unsafe working conditions, including medical expenses and lost wages.
Approximately 70-77% of female physicians report experiencing gender discrimination in the workplace, which can manifest as sexual harassment, unequal pay, and denial of promotions.
9
Meghan C. Halley et al., “Physician Mothers’
Experience of Workplace Discrimination:
A Qualitative Analysis,“ BMJ 2018; 363
(Dec. 12, 2018).
Experience of Workplace Discrimination:
A Qualitative Analysis,“ BMJ 2018; 363
(Dec. 12, 2018).
Lawyers' Role
Our team addresses discrimination, wrongful termination, and wage disputes.
- Challenge Discrimination: We address workplace discrimination and advocate for equitable treatment in employment.
- Whistleblower Protection: We help protect whistleblowers from retaliation, advocating so their concerns are heard.
- Contract Negotiation: We help negotiate fair terms, including benefits and severance agreements.
- Promote Rights: We help secure rights under FMLA and ADA, advocating for inclusive workplaces.
- Dispute Resolution: We aim for timely, efficient dispute resolution through negotiation and mediation.
How We Can Help
Combat Workplace Discrimination
Represent employees facing discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity under Title VII, the ADA, and M.G.L. Chapter 151B, pursuing remedies like back pay, reinstatement, and compensatory damages.
Address Wage and Hour Violations
Advocate for employees in disputes over unpaid wages, overtime, denied bonuses, and prevailing wage violations. Pursue individual claims and class actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Massachusetts wage laws to secure rightful compensation.
Challenge Retaliation and Wrongful Termination
Litigate claims for employees terminated after reporting illegal practices or requesting workplace accommodations, seeking remedies like reinstatement, emotional distress damages, and lost wages under state and federal laws.
Pursue Claims for Workplace Harassment
Handle cases involving sexual harassment, hostile work environments, or retaliation after reporting harassment. Pursue damages under Title VII and Massachusetts law to protect employees’ rights.
Protect Whistleblowers
Support employees exposing workplace fraud, safety violations, or discrimination. Pursue remedies under the False Claims Act, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Dodd-Frank Act, and Massachusetts whistleblower laws to safeguard against retaliation.
Recover Unpaid Benefits and Pension Rights
Assist employees in disputes over denied benefits or pensions under ERISA, promoting compliance with fiduciary duties and pursuing compensation for financial losses caused by mismanagement.
Secure Leave Entitlements
Advocate for employees denied rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or state family leave laws, pursuing claims for reinstatement, back pay, and emotional distress damages.
Address AI-Induced Discrimination
Challenge decisions driven by biased AI systems in hiring, promotions, or layoffs. Advocate for systemic reforms and individual remedies to prevent unlawful discrimination based on AI outcomes.
Promote Pay Transparency and Equity
Represent employees in disputes involving unequal pay or wage transparency violations under the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act (MEPA) and federal equal pay laws, seeking fair compensation.
Advocate for Workplace Accommodations
Represent employees denied reasonable accommodations for disabilities under the ADA, pursuing remedies like reinstatement, damages, and systemic reforms to prevent future violations.
Support for Family Caregivers
Represent employees facing discrimination due to caregiving responsibilities, promoting parental leave rights, workplace accommodations, and protection from bias under state and federal laws.
Protect Workplace Privacy
Advocate for employees impacted by unlawful monitoring, data breaches, or other privacy violations, seeking remedies under Massachusetts privacy laws and federal regulations.
Class Actions for Systemic Violations
Lead class actions addressing systemic workplace violations, including wage theft, discriminatory policies, or unsafe working conditions, promoting justice for large groups of employees.
Employee Misclassification Claims
Represent workers misclassified as independent contractors, pursuing reclassification, wage recovery, and access to benefits under Massachusetts Independent Contractor Law.
Occupational Safety and Health Claims
Advocate for employees injured due to unsafe working conditions under OSHA and state laws, pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and corrective workplace measures.
