Employment Litigation

Litigation can be an effective tool for employees to receive all of the wages and benefits owed to them, or to enforce claims of discrimination or harassment. However, the complexities, stress and cost of employment litigation can act as obstacles to an employee. Additionally, the intricate employment laws and regulations are often confusingly intertwined. The Harbor Law Group has extensive experience representing employees in employment litigation matters. Our attorneys will carefully examine all aspects of your case so you can use strategic and warranted litigation to your benefit.

Wage Compliance

Employers in Massachusetts are required to pay employees minimum wage. Massachusetts and federal law also require employers to pay employees overtime at a rate of 1½ time their regular rate when they work 40 hours or more in a work week, unless otherwise exempt. Oftentimes, employers misclassify workers as exempt and do not pay earned overtime. The Harbor Law Group will work to help ensure that your employer is paying you what you are owed under these laws.

Employee Classification

Workers can be classified as employees or independent contractors. Employees are afforded certain protections and benefits under the law like minimum wage and overtime (along with certain benefits), while independent contractors are not. Employers often misclassify employees as independent contractors and avoid paying for these protections or benefits. This results in an employee being wrongfully denied what is owed to him/her under the law. The Harbor Law Group works with employees to determine whether they have been misclassified and to pursue misclassification claims where appropriate.

Non-competition Agreements

Non-competition agreements often accompany employment agreements and can prevent an employee for working in his/her field post-employment. Agreements signed after October 1, 2018 provide greater protections for employees related to enforcement of non-competition agreements. However, this does not affect non-competition agreements signed prior to October 1, 2018 or non-solicitation agreements signed by employees. The Harbor Law Group has extensive experience representing employees alleged of violating non-competition agreements. Our attorneys will carefully examine all aspects of your case and determine the best course of action going forward.