In Massachusetts, employees are protected by numerous laws to guarantee their safety, pay, benefits, and other aspects of their employment. Despite these protections, disputes between employers and employees often arise; causing stress, lost productivity, and a host of other issues that can negatively impact a workplace relationship.
Instead of fanning the flames of discontent, it makes sense for both sides to try and strike a compromise for the good of everyone involved. A third party is often the best bet who can keep the lines of communication open and keep both sides moving forward to an amicable resolution.
For these reasons, many employers and employees will retain the services of the best labor law lawyer for their situation.
What to Look for in a Labor Law Lawyer
When seeking a labor law lawyer, they should be well versed in all aspects of employment law. This not only includes local and state regulations, but it also includes federal regulations as well. Some of the key protections for employees come from laws such as:
- The Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1991
- The Americans with Disabilities Act
- The Family and Medical Leave Act
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
- The Older Workers Benefit Protection Act
- The Fair Labor Standards Act
An experienced attorney will also generally be well versed in veterans’ rights laws, laws concerning unions and representation, sexual harassment, discrimination, and many others that cover a wide range of workplace situations.
Perhaps the best quality of a labor law lawyer in Boston is the ability to work with both sides and skillfully negotiate a compromise that allows both sides to move forward. This requires good listening skills, patience, responsiveness, compassion, empathy, and excellent communication skills.
When litigation cannot be avoided, a labor law lawyer must be aggressive and do what is necessary to protect a client’s rights while working through the legal process.