Massachusetts offers strong legal protections for employees, but that doesn't mean workplace disputes are easy to navigate. Whether you're dealing with wrongful termination, unpaid wages, or workplace harassment, the stakes are often high—and the legal terrain can be difficult to manage alone. An experienced employment lawyer can help you understand your rights, assess your options, and, if needed, advocate on your behalf through litigation or negotiation.

Here are five situations where contacting a Massachusetts employment attorney may be in your best interest.

1. You've Been Fired for Unfair or Illegal Reasons

Massachusetts is an "at-will" employment state, which means employers can terminate workers for almost any reason—or no reason at all—unless that reason violates the law. However, many terminations cross the line into unlawful territory, often under the radar.

You may need an employment lawyer if:

• You suspect your firing was due to your race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristic under the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act.
• You were terminated shortly after reporting workplace misconduct, such as harassment or safety violations.
• You were let go while out on protected leave, like family or medical leave.
• Your employer falsely accused you of misconduct as a pretext for firing you.

An attorney can help you gather evidence, file a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), or pursue a wrongful termination lawsuit.

2. You're Facing Workplace Discrimination or Harassment

Despite state and federal laws designed to prevent it, discrimination and harassment still occur in Massachusetts workplaces—often subtly. If you're being treated differently, denied opportunities, or made to feel unsafe because of a protected characteristic, legal guidance can be essential.

Massachusetts law protects workers from discrimination based on:

• Race, color, national origin
• Gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation
• Age (if 40 or older)
• Disability
• Religion
• Pregnancy
• Military status

Harassment—especially of a sexual nature—is also prohibited. This includes not only explicit conduct but also hostile work environments created by inappropriate jokes, images, or comments. If you've reported the issue and your employer failed to act, or worse, retaliated against you, an employment lawyer can help you explore your legal options.

3. Your Employer Isn't Paying You Properly

Wage violations are more common than many workers realize. Sometimes, it's as obvious as missing paychecks, but other times, the problem is hidden in misclassification or subtle policy violations.

Examples of wage and hour issues that may warrant legal action include:

• Being classified as an independent contractor when you function as a regular employee
• Unpaid overtime, even though you qualify under Massachusetts or federal wage laws
• Deductions that reduce your pay below minimum wage
• Denied meal or rest breaks (for certain industries)
• Unpaid commissions or bonuses

Massachusetts takes wage theft seriously. In fact, the state allows for triple damages in many wage claim cases, which means a successful claim could recover three times the amount owed. An employment attorney can help file a claim with the Attorney General's Office or represent you in court.

4. You Were Retaliated Against for Speaking Up

Retaliation happens when an employer punishes an employee for asserting their legal rights. In Massachusetts, this includes actions like demotion, reassignment, reduced hours, or termination after:

• Reporting workplace discrimination or harassment
• Filing a complaint with a regulatory agency
• Taking job-protected leave (such as under the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave law)
• Participating in a workplace investigation
• Reporting health and safety violations

Even if your original complaint turns out to be unsubstantiated, the law protects you from retaliation—as long as you acted in good faith. If you've been treated unfairly after raising a concern, a lawyer can help prove the connection between your protected activity and the adverse action.

5. You're Negotiating a Severance Package or Employment Contract

While many employees sign contracts or severance agreements without much thought, doing so without legal review can be a costly mistake—especially for executives or professionals with complex compensation terms.

An employment lawyer can help:

• Review or negotiate non-compete and non-solicitation clauses
• Ensure severance terms are fair and not overly restrictive
• Identify hidden risks in waiver language (e.g., signing away the right to sue)
• Maximize financial compensation in separation agreements
• Protect intellectual property or client relationships in sensitive roles

Even if your employer says the agreement is "standard," the details often matter. A legal review can help prevent problems down the road, especially if you're moving to a competitor or considering future legal action.

Massachusetts Employment Law Landscape: Why Legal Support Matters

Massachusetts offers more progressive worker protections than many other states. For instance, the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act goes beyond federal requirements by mandating equal pay for "comparable work," not just identical jobs. The state's Paid Family and Medical Leave program also provides robust leave options funded by employer-employee contributions.

But with more rights come more regulations—and more opportunities for employers to make mistakes, intentionally or not. Employment law is a constantly evolving field, and recent court rulings or agency updates can impact how your case is handled.

Whether you're trying to protect your career, reclaim lost wages, or hold an employer accountable, the right attorney can help you understand the legal process and avoid missteps that could weaken your claim.

Conclusion

Not every workplace conflict requires a lawyer, but when your livelihood, rights, or reputation are at stake, legal guidance can make all the difference. From wrongful termination to wage theft and retaliation, Massachusetts employment lawyers provide the support and strategic insight needed to level the playing field. If you're unsure whether your situation warrants legal help, a consultation can clarify your options and help you make an informed decision.

Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away

Navigating Massachusetts Employment Law Claims can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.

Contact us now for a free legal consultation.