Your Resource for Employment Law, Business Law and Estate Planning Solutions

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 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, or fill out our contact form below to let us know what you need help with.  Our staff would be happy to set up a free consultation for you.  Not sure whether your situation is one our law firm can help with?  Not a problem- if it is outside of our areas of expertise, we will make every effort to connect you with a trusted referral who can help.

Message from the founder

"When I started this practice in 2009, I thought I knew all about being a lawyer.  I had spent thirteen years at a prestigious international law firm in Boston.  I had worked on complex cases involving large companies in many industries, from pharmaceutical to health care to seed companies.  What I did not understand then was the true power of being in a position to help ordinary people facing challenges that seem extraordinary to them.  I have had the opportunity to help families make sure the people they love the most are protected, small businesses avoid catastrophic lawsuits, entrepreneurs launch their dream without exposing their families to liability, hardworking people protect their right to be paid and treated fairly in the workplace, and more. 

Here is what I learned these people have in common: They are facing a challenge in their lives or their businesses that is unfamiliar to them.  They do not know what questions to ask.  In many cases, they do not have a great experience being heard, or feeling like someone has their back. They may have called a few law firms and, instead of finding solutions, been made to feel small, unimportant, or more overwhelmed.

I've learned that it doesn't have to be that way.  We may have seen your problem a hundred times before, but I and my team work hard to remember that it is new to you.  We do not have "big" clients and "small" clients- we have clients, whose issues are all important to us.  Our mission is to give you the best advice, advocate for your interests, help you ask the right questions, and make sure you have the information you need to make the decisions that are best for you or your business.  So that when you come out on the other side of whatever you are facing- and you will- you will have not only a resolution but clarity about how you got there, and how you can avoid that particular problem in the future.

Not sure which way to turn?  Give us a call- we'd really like to help."

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YOUR SOLUTIONS

EMPLOYMENT LAW

Are you facing a tough employment situation?
​When problems arise in an employment relationship, it can be one of the most difficult challenges that either the business owner or employee faces, and sometimes the employment laws governing those relationships can be a minefield. Whether it is a question about employment discrimination, wage and hour compliance, sexual harassment, or enforcement of non compete agreements, our labor and employment lawyers have helped individuals and small businesses protect their legal rights and navigate disputes and difficult situations. 

​Examples of things our employment lawyers can help you with:

• Wage and Hour Compliance: disputes about minimum wage, overtime pay, employee classification, and more.
• ​Employment Termination: issues that arise under the employment discrimination laws, handling employee illness and disability, employee severance agreements, and what to do in the face of a discrimination lawsuit.
• Sexual Harassment: understanding what is and is not sexual harassment. proper investigation of a sexual harassment complaint, and what to do in the face of a harassment lawsuit, and resources for people who believe they have been victims of sexual harassment.
• Non Compete Agreements: what you should know before you sign a non compete agreement, enforcement of non competes in Massachusetts, and responding to non compete cease and desist letters or a non compete lawsuit.

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 business entities or 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, our law firm can help you get through it so you can go back to doing what you went into business to do.

Some of the things our business attorneys can help you with:

• Legal Issues for New and Start Up Companies: from choosing a corporate form and creating business entities to developing business contracts to understanding the major issues you will face when you start to bring on employees, we have broad experience both as counselors to other small businesses and as a small business ourselves, and we are here to help.
• Business Contract Basics: what you need to know about your agreements with vendors, business partners, and customers to help you avoid disputes and distractions in your business.

• Dispute Resolution: what to do in the face of a civil lawsuit and understanding alternative dispute resolution options.
• Does your small business need ongoing legal advice? Learn more about our small business membership program.

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- in fact, thinking about getting started on an estate plan is probably much harder than actually getting it done once you take the first step. 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.

​Some of the things our estate planning attorneys can help you with:

• Understanding your family's specific needs and how to achieve your goals with your estate plan.
• ​Understanding how the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will distribute your assets if you do not have a will.
• Minimizing or avoiding Massachusetts Estate Taxes.
• Creating wills and trusts to ensure that your assets are distributed and managed the way you want.
• Preparing a durable power of attorney and health care proxy to make sure medical, financial and legal decisions are made for you by someone you trust if you are ever incapacitated.
• Protecting your child with special needs with a special needs trust.
• ​Understanding the legal requirements for a valid will under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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

"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.

Read more on our reviews page ​​

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Ready to Get Started?

We can help you get clarity on your rights and obligations under Massachusetts employment law, make sure your business is legally protected, and get you started on an estate plan that protects you and your family.  They all start with a free, no obligation consultation with a member of our team.  If your issue is one we can help you with, we will lay out your options and help you make a plan for a solution.  If it is outside of our areas of expertise, we will make every effort to connect you with a trusted referral who can help.  You can use the button below to schedule a call back from a member of our team, give us a call at  781-784-2322, or fill out our web form  to let us know a little more about your situation.

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