We get it- you don't want to need a lawyer. But sometimes it happens. Maybe you have a business dispute, an employment relationship that ended badly, or an employer who won't pay you what you have earned. Maybe you have an elderly relative who suddenly can't manage their affairs anymore, or you have just realized you need to to create or update an estate plan, or create the documentation you need for your business. We know these things were not part of your plan.
We've got this. Our lawyers are top-rated, experienced, creative, compassionate, and dedicated to solving problems. Whatever your issue is, chances are we have seen it- or something very much like it- before. Our solution strategies are defined both by our combined legal experience and by your needs and goals. And we know that our success is measured not just by "win-loss" statistics, but by whether we are able solve your problem.
We'd like to hear from you. Call us at 781-784-2322, fill out our web form, or use the chat button to let us know what you need help with. Our staff would be happy to set up a free consultation for you.
We've got this. Our lawyers are top-rated, experienced, creative, compassionate, and dedicated to solving problems. Whatever your issue is, chances are we have seen it- or something very much like it- before. Our solution strategies are defined both by our combined legal experience and by your needs and goals. And we know that our success is measured not just by "win-loss" statistics, but by whether we are able solve your problem.
We'd like to hear from you. Call us at 781-784-2322, fill out our web form, or use the chat button to let us know what you need help with. Our staff would be happy to set up a free consultation for you.
|
Employment Law
Are you facing a tough employment situation?
Our labor and employment lawyers have helped countless individuals protect their legal rights, from wrongful termination to wage and hour violations, as well as small businesses wrongly accused of violating employment laws. We also help people whose former employers are trying to hold them to unreasonable or over-broad non compete agreements, and help small businesses stay in line with employment laws and avoid costly mistakes. Wage and Hour: whether it be non-payment of wages or accrued vacation time when an employee is terminated, withholding of earned commissions, or any form of deferred compensation that is not carefully crafted to comply with state law, the Massachusetts Wage Act carries strict and significant penalties. Overtime Pay: too often, employers assume that simply because someone is paid on a salary basis (i.e., not hourly), they are exempt from state and federal overtime laws. The truth is the exemptions are much more limited than this, and failure to both properly classify employees and keep an eye on overtime hours can become very expensive for the employer. Massachusetts Independent Contractor Law: it is harder than you might think to meet the test required to treat someone as an independent contractor (1099 employee) rather than as a regular W-2 employee. This arises under the Wage Act, which means getting it wrong could subject an employer to triple damages and liability for the employees' attorney fees. Non Compete Agreements: the law in Massachusetts has recently changed to clarify the limits on enforcement of non compete agreements, but gray areas remain. Employment Discrimination: these claims include claims of discrimination based on an employee's membership in a protected class, claims of sexual harassment, and claims of retaliation for raising concerns about discrimination or harassment. |
Business Law
Not sure where to turn for advice about your business?
Your business can't afford not to talk to a lawyer once in a while, whether it is for advice about a difficult employee situation, review of significant vendor and other contracts to make sure you are protected, creating or updating your corporate documents, or any number of other business or employment law issues that may come up. Whether it is a small question or a major problem, we can help you get through it so you can go back to doing what you went into business to do. Business Disputes: litigation involving disagreements over the meaning of contracts, disputes over unfair competition and disputes between partners or shareholders. Business Contracts: a well drafted contract and clarity of understanding about the terms of a business relationship can go a long way toward keeping you out of court in the first place. Advice for Start Up Companies and Entrepreneurs: we have seen and addressed many of the common legal mistakes new companies make, including employment law issues and documentation of the business and the relationship between partners. Dispute Resolution: not all disputes are resolved through lawsuits in court. We have settled many disputes informally, and also guided clients through alternative dispute resolution procedures like arbitration and mediation. Small Business Membership Program: for the small business who has an ongoing need for legal advice, our Business Membership Program offers an inexpensive way for you to guarantee access to an attorney as needed, so you can ask the small questions that help prevent big problems. |
Estate Planning
Confused about how to make a plan for your family?
You may not know the difference between a will and a trust, but you know you need to make a plan for your family. And it is not as hard as you think to get it done. Our estate planning lawyers are ready to guide you to a comprehensive plan that is right for you and your family, which will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on all of the other things that are important to you. Understand What Happens if You Do Not Plan Your Estate: information about how your assets will be distributed if you or your spouse die without a will, so you can make an informed decision about what you do and do not need. Estate Tax Planning: the Massachusetts estate tax threshold is $1 million, which means if your assets at death are worth $1 million or more, your estate will be taxed. This counts and includes things that pass automatically, like life insurance proceeds, retirement accounts, and your home. Most people are closer to this number than they realize, but this tax burden can be avoided or minimized through a combination of wills and trusts. Comprehensive Estate Planning Packages: though in some cases a simple will can accomplish what you want, in most situations you are best protected with a combination of wills and trusts as well as a durable power of attorney and health care proxy. Special Needs Trusts: there are unique considerations in planning your estate if you have a child or children with special needs. A special needs trust can provide for your child into adulthood without jeopardizing his or her eligibility for benefits. |
|
|
|
|
Testimonials
"Emily, a chief partner, and the two other lawyers who worked on my case were extremely competent and approachable. They were responsive to inquiries and they thoughtfully explained, as needed, complex legal terms. I was very well represented at each stage of a protracted legal case against a major national firm." Brian R.
"Slnlaw did a fantastic job helping me set up my small business. Their attorneys were very friendly and knowledgeable, and I never felt pressured to purchase any service. I would definitely recommend them!" Michael S.
"It was a pleasure working with Emily Smith-Lee on a business matter. She willingly shares her expertise and always listens to her clients' concerns. Emily's caring demeanor puts people at ease immediately. The outcome of my experience was quite favorable. I would highly recommend them." Camille B.
"Emily is an incredible resource of knowledge on employment law. She helped guide us on how to structure our employee classifications and made adjustments to our consulting agreements so our business is better protected and positioned. She's both law-savvy and business minded - great asset to have when launching/growing a business." Diana B.
"SLN represented me in a complicated employment-related dispute. What could have been a prolonged nightmare for me was handled swiftly and skillfully, and with fairness and dignity." Smita N.
"Previously, I spoke with a couple other lawyers and I did not feel comfortable with their approach prior to calling Emily. Jenna did an excellent job in assessing what I wanted to accomplish and completed my will, trust and other documents in a very short time. I am so happy I made the right choice in choosing slnlaw as my estate team." Evelyn W.
Read more on our reviews page
"Emily, a chief partner, and the two other lawyers who worked on my case were extremely competent and approachable. They were responsive to inquiries and they thoughtfully explained, as needed, complex legal terms. I was very well represented at each stage of a protracted legal case against a major national firm." Brian R.
"Slnlaw did a fantastic job helping me set up my small business. Their attorneys were very friendly and knowledgeable, and I never felt pressured to purchase any service. I would definitely recommend them!" Michael S.
"It was a pleasure working with Emily Smith-Lee on a business matter. She willingly shares her expertise and always listens to her clients' concerns. Emily's caring demeanor puts people at ease immediately. The outcome of my experience was quite favorable. I would highly recommend them." Camille B.
"Emily is an incredible resource of knowledge on employment law. She helped guide us on how to structure our employee classifications and made adjustments to our consulting agreements so our business is better protected and positioned. She's both law-savvy and business minded - great asset to have when launching/growing a business." Diana B.
"SLN represented me in a complicated employment-related dispute. What could have been a prolonged nightmare for me was handled swiftly and skillfully, and with fairness and dignity." Smita N.
"Previously, I spoke with a couple other lawyers and I did not feel comfortable with their approach prior to calling Emily. Jenna did an excellent job in assessing what I wanted to accomplish and completed my will, trust and other documents in a very short time. I am so happy I made the right choice in choosing slnlaw as my estate team." Evelyn W.
Read more on our reviews page
