Boston Workplace Discrimination Attorneys

Skilled Legal Support for Suffolk, Essex & Middlesex County Workers

In Massachusetts, several types of discrimination are unlawful in employment practices.

Chapter 151B of Massachusetts General Laws prohibits an employer from treating a group of people unfavorably as to the terms and conditions of their employment because of an employee’s:

• Race
• National origin
• Age
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
• Religious creed
• Handicap
• Pregnancy
• Failure to disclose arrests that did not result in a conviction
• Conviction for certain misdemeanors
• Failure to disclose admission for treatment of mental illness

Discrimination means making distinctions in favor of or against a particular group. When discriminatory actions disadvantage employees or create a hostile work environment, Massachusetts law allows workers to pursue accountability. Davis & Davis, P.C. represents clients in employment law cases who have faced discrimination in the workplace.

Federal & Massachusetts Discrimination Laws

The federal government prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, national origin, religious creed, or color under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Discrimination can also take the form of more or less favorable treatment, including:

• Discrimination based on gender, such as a higher salary for a man than for a woman
• Religious, race, or ethnicity discrimination or stereotyping

An employer may legally make employment decisions for reasons not covered by Chapter 151B. For example, disliking the color of an employee's tie or shirt or preferring friends or business associates is not unlawful unless it singles out a group based on race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or handicap.

In Massachusetts, employees can seek remedies for workplace discrimination by filing complaints with agencies such as the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), which operates an office in Boston. Both the MCAD and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) investigate claims and help enforce federal and state laws. Choosing the right agency can help you protect your rights effectively, depending on the circumstances. Boston's diverse workforce and major industries—including healthcare, education, and technology—often shape how local agencies and courts apply discrimination laws, as each sector brings its own workplace culture and challenges.

Your Rights in Age & Sex Discrimination Cases in Boston

Age and sex discrimination are among the most reported forms of workplace discrimination in Greater Boston. Massachusetts law protects workers age 40 and older from employment decisions based solely on age, including hiring, promotion, and layoffs. If you believe your employer made decisions about your employment because of your age, you have the right to assert your claims under both state and federal law. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination often handles age discrimination complaints, particularly in fields like healthcare, education, and technology that are common across the Boston area.

Sex discrimination can include unequal pay, different job assignments based on gender, or being overlooked for advancement despite equal qualifications. Both men and women can pursue sex discrimination claims in Massachusetts. When you file a complaint, MCAD or the EEOC will review your situation and may seek documentation and witness statements to support your claim. Boston courts and agencies address these cases with care, especially when the alleged discrimination relates to company-wide policies or repeated violations. Filing a complaint with the proper agency is often the effective first step toward a fairer workplace.

Steps to Take If You Experience Workplace Discrimination

If you believe discrimination has occurred, take prompt and specific actions. Start by recording the details—note dates, names, and behaviors or decisions you think are discriminatory. In Boston, you may raise your concerns with your employer or human resources department, and many employers have channels for internal reports that can strengthen your case. If those channels fail to resolve the situation or if you experience retaliation, consider filing a complaint with MCAD or the EEOC. The agencies will start an investigation and decide on the next steps.

Boston-area workers can find guidance and support from MCAD’s local offices, which provide resources on state and city discrimination laws. Acting promptly within the statute of limitations helps maintain your claim and increases the likelihood of a positive result. If you consult with a legal professional, select a discrimination lawyer familiar with Massachusetts law and procedures in Suffolk, Essex, or Middlesex County. This ensures you receive guidance tailored to local processes and industry standards.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Employment Discrimination

If you have concerns about a possible discrimination case, contact a lawyer to discuss your options right away. Legal claims must be filed within strict time limits, known as statutes of limitations.

In Massachusetts, you have 300 days to file federal and state discrimination claims. If you reside in another state, the specific deadline may vary, but it can be as short as 180 days.

Workers in Boston can pursue a claim with MCAD or the EEOC within these deadlines. Missing the filing period can prevent you from seeking legal remedies, so acting quickly is crucial. In Greater Boston, where agencies handle higher claim volumes, the timely organization of documentation helps ensure your case moves forward without delay. Speaking to a discrimination attorney near you can help clarify the right steps to meet these important deadlines and preserve your rights.

Illegal Discrimination: Disparate Treatment & Impact

Most discrimination cases focus on “disparate treatment,” meaning a company treats a person in a protected group less favorably because of their characteristic.

Another category, “disparate impact,” involves company policies that disadvantage an entire protected class, even if the practice appears neutral on its face.

Knowing which claim applies to your case can help with evidence gathering and legal arguments. Disparate treatment claims often compare how employers discipline or promote different employees, while disparate impact cases address broader business practices like hiring tests or scheduling standards. Massachusetts courts and agencies review direct and indirect evidence to determine if unlawful discrimination occurred. Bring as much factual information as possible to your consultation so your discrimination attorney can review every possible avenue for your case.

How We Can Help Navigate Workplace Discrimination

Our team of discrimination lawyers in Boston assists clients with workplace discrimination claims, making sure you receive thorough support and guidance during challenging times.

• We begin by evaluating your claim, determining the strength of your case, and offering an informed assessment of your options. Our attorneys gather critical supporting evidence, including documents and witness statements relevant to your case.
• We recognize the complexity of discrimination cases and negotiate for solutions that reflect the harm suffered. If a fair settlement is not possible, our attorneys will advance your interests before the appropriate forums, whether administrative or judicial.
• Our background with a range of discrimination claims—including age, race, gender, and disability—makes our team a resource in your pursuit of workplace justice.

Boston’s workforce includes public and private employers, from hospitals and universities to businesses of all sizes. Each industry may present unique issues for discrimination claims, so we tailor our strategies to fit your workplace and professional standards. We build legal approaches that account for Boston-area courts and agencies, creating a strategy that aligns with your experience and objectives. Our firm keeps clients updated on regulatory trends in Massachusetts, which may affect how agencies and employers respond to discrimination cases.

At Davis & Davis, P.C., we commit to clear communication and practical support throughout each stage of the legal process. Let us help you assert your workplace rights with confidence.

Why Choose Davis & Davis, P.C. for Your Discrimination Case?

At Davis & Davis, P.C., facing workplace discrimination does not mean you have to handle the process alone. Our Boston discrimination attorneys deliver personalized legal support tailored to your case and goals.

Here are a few reasons why we stand out as your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of EEOC or discrimination claims:

• Proven track record: Our firm has represented many clients in discrimination cases, working toward results that protect fairness on the job.
• Compassionate advocacy: We value your well-being and make sure your concerns are voiced and respected through every step.
• Comprehensive resources: With access to a network of legal resources and experience, we help you build a robust claim.
• Transparent communication: We keep you updated on case progress and the legal process so you always know what to expect.

Our discrimination lawyers draw on years of serving Massachusetts clients and stay current with workplace regulations across Boston. We bring local industry knowledge and pay close attention to agency procedures to personalize our approach for every client. Whether you work for a small enterprise or a major employer, we consider your workplace context when preparing your claim. We continually monitor local legal developments, ensuring our guidance reflects recent changes and the needs of Boston’s workforce.

Your rights matter, and we are here to help you defend them. Contact us for a consultation and start the process of reclaiming dignity at work.

Being treated unfairly at work? Get in touch with an experienced discrimination lawyer in Boston at Davis & Davis, P.C.. Contact us online or call (978) 228-2262 to secure a consultation.