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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.

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