The at-will employment doctrine is a double-edged sword in the workplace, offering both freedom and uncertainty. It gives employees the flexibility to walk away from a job without strings attached, while employers can make staffing changes swiftly without protracted legal complications. Yet, with this freedom comes a shadow of unpredictability—where job security can feel fragile, […]
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In the dynamic world of real estate transactions, exclusivity agreements play a pivotal role in securing deals and protecting the interests of brokers and their clients. These agreements, often entered into between a broker and a prospective buyer or seller, grant exclusive rights to the broker to represent the client in a specific transaction or […]
For nearly two decades, the First Circuit has recognized that there can typically be no failure to hire an individual without allegations that the individual applied for the job at issue. While noting that there may be certain facts that render an application unfeasible, this has been a rare finding. The United States District Court […]
The United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts recently issued a favorable decision for remote employees seeking to invoke the protections of the Massachusetts Wage Act. The Wage Act is a generous statute for employees that provides for treble damages as liquidated damages for any lost wages, as well as attorney’s fees, costs, […]
Massachusetts General Law Chapters 93A and 176D, long a compelling and formidable mechanism for consumers, has been extended beyond its usual confines to become a further source of consternation in the insurance industry. The Consumer Protection Act and the Unfair Methods of Competition and Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices in the Business of Insurance […]
In a stunning proposal, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proffered a universal ban on noncompete agreements. This proposal, albeit a considerable step away from the norm, was not necessarily unpredictable. Most recently, the FTC made a preliminary finding that noncompete agreements constitute an unfair method of competition and therefore violate Section 5 of the […]
The Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”), long a thorn in the side of employees who desire litigation, has now been limited by the expansion of its prominent exception. Before considering the expansion of the FAA’s exception, it is important to understand the FAA. Scope of the Federal Arbitration Act The FAA requires enforcement of arbitration agreements […]
