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How Do I Bring a Discrimination or Harassment Claim?

If you choose not to hire a lawyer to help you at this stage, you can file a complaint yourself either with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination ("MCAD") or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC").

Remember, you only have 300 days (roughly 10 months) after the act of discrimination or harassment to begin your claim.  In most cases, it is best to have the advice and assistance of experienced counsel so that you can put your best case forward, but if you are coming close to this deadline, or cannot find an attorney, you can file the initial complaint yourself.

You can file a complaint with MCAD by phone or by mail.  If you are not represented, you should consider filing by phone, as that will connect you with an intake person at MCAD who can help make sure you provide all of the required information.  Click here for MCAD's instructions on how to file a complaint.

Alternatively, you can file in the federal agency, the EEOC, instead. You can do this in person o r by mail.  Click here for the EEOC's instructions on how to file a complaint.

Most discrimination claims involve both federal and state laws, so you can file in either agency.  


Learn more here about bringing a discrimination complaint.

Need Help With a Discrimination Claim?

Call (781) 784-2322
OR
Schedule a Free Information Call
Discrimination statute of limitations Massachusetts law

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  • Home
  • Employment Law
    • Guide To Employment Law Content
    • Advice for Employers
    • Employment Contracts in Massachusetts
    • Discrimination in the Workplace
    • Employment Termination >
      • Massachusetts Paid Family Leave
      • Severance Pay
      • Unemployment in Massachusetts
      • Should I Accept a Severance?
    • Sexual Harassment at Work >
      • Sexual Harassment in a Small Business
      • Sexual Harassment and Non Disclosure Agreements
      • Sexual Harassment and Remote Work
    • Wage and Hour Laws >
      • Overtime Law >
        • Overtime Exemptions
        • Employee Travel Time
        • Federal or State Overtime Law
      • Massachusetts Wage Act >
        • Payment of Commissions
        • Wage Deductions
        • Late Payment of Wages
        • Paid Time Off
    • Independent Contractor Law >
      • Independent Contractor Test
      • Working As Independent Contractor
      • Hiring Independent Contractors in Massachusetts
      • Is My Independent Contractor Status Legal?
    • Non Compete Agreements >
      • Are non competes enforceable
      • Massachusetts Non Compete Act
      • Pre 2018 Massachusetts Non Competes
      • Can I Avoid My Non Compete?
    • Do I Have a Case?
  • Estate Planning
    • Guide To Estate Planning Content
    • Legacy Protection
    • Why You Need an Estate Plan
    • Why You Don't Have an Estate Plan
    • Estate Planning Documents >
      • Children with Special Needs
    • Planning for Assisted Living
    • Probate Process
  • Business Law
    • Guide To Business Law Content
    • Small Business Law
    • Business Contract Basics
    • Civil Suit Defense
    • Legal Issues for Start Ups
    • Trademark Basics
    • How to Incorporate
    • Sale of Business
  • About
    • Reviews
    • Slnlaw Offices
    • slnlaw core values
    • Publications and Interviews
    • New Client Intake and Consultation
    • Contact
  • Attorneys
    • Emily Smith-Lee >
      • 2018 Lawyer of the Year
    • Jenna Ordway
    • Rebecca Rogers
    • Sharleen Tinnin
    • Elijah Bresley
  • Legal FAQs
    • Estate Planning FAQs
    • Probate FAQs
    • Small Business FAQs
    • Wage Act FAQs
    • Commission Pay FAQs
    • Overtime FAQs
    • Independent Contractor FAQs
    • Non Compete FAQs
    • Employment Discrimination FAQs
    • Employment Termination FAQs
    • Massachusettts Unemployment FAQs
    • Severance Package FAQs
    • Medical Leave FAQs
    • Sexual Harassment FAQs
    • Employer FAQs
    • Civil Lawsuit FAQs
  • Blog