Effective January 1, 2027, there will be changes in how Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (“PFML”) employer contributions are allocated between family and medical leave. The change is intended to mitigate the tax consequences arising from recent IRS guidance regarding the federal tax treatment of Massachusetts PFML benefits. This client alert does not, and…
First Circuit Decision Serves as Important Reminder That Engaging In Protected Activity Does Not Immunize Employees From Discipline
A recent First Circuit Court of Appeals decision underscores that legitimate workplace discipline, performance management, and personnel decisions may proceed even after an employee engages in protected activity. The key is to, among other things, be consistent, adhere to lawful workplace policies—and when in litigation, trial strategies should be developed early. Key Takeaways Requesting reasonable…
POSTED IN: Employment Law
Bradley Croft Named to the Top 100 List of Massachusetts Super Lawyers
RIW is thrilled to share that President Bradley Croft has been named to the “Top 100 List” of Massachusetts Super Lawyers for the fourth consecutive year. This recognition highlights the 100 attorneys who received the highest point totals among all Massachusetts attorneys during the Super Lawyers selection process which includes a statewide survey of lawyers,…
POSTED IN: News
RIW Attorneys Named to 2026 Massachusetts Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List
RIW is delighted to share that 20 attorneys have been named to the 2026 Massachusetts Super Lawyers and Massachusetts Rising Stars lists. Each year, Super Lawyers recognizes the top lawyers in Massachusetts who are selected through a multiphase process consisting of independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. Selected lawyers received the highest point totals…
POSTED IN: News
Federal Court Enforces Massachusetts Noncompete—and Provides Important Guidance for Employers
A recent federal court decision provides Massachusetts employers with important guidance on drafting and enforcing noncompetition agreements under the Massachusetts Noncompetition Agreement Act (“MNAA”). In Fresenius USA Manufacturing, Inc. v. Much, the court granted an employer’s request for a preliminary injunction and ordered a former executive to stop working for a direct competitor for the…
POSTED IN: Employment Law
Massachusetts Employers Beware: When It Comes to Payroll, “A Little Late” Can Be Very Expensive
The Massachusetts Wage Act imposes strict deadlines for paying wages, and inadvertent or short delays can create significant liability. In fact, even if an employee is paid only a day late, the employer has violated the Wage Act and thus owes the employee another two times the wages paid, plus attorneys’ fees. Accordingly, Massachusetts employers…
POSTED IN: Employment Law, News
Binding and Non-Binding Provisions in M&A Term Sheets: Practical Drafting Considerations
Term sheets and letters of intent are a common early step in mergers and acquisitions transactions. Although these documents are often described as “non-binding,” that characterization is usually only partially accurate. In practice, most M&A term sheets contain a mix of non-binding business terms and binding legal obligations. Careful drafting is therefore essential to ensure…
POSTED IN: Mergers & Acquisitions
New Massachusetts Requirement: Employers Must Give Employees Written Notice Within 48 Hours of an I-9 Inspection Notice
On August 5, 2026, Massachusetts enacted legislation requiring employers to provide employees with notice upon receiving a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) I-9 Notice of Inspection (“NOI”). [1] Pursuant to the newly enacted statute, the Massachusetts PROTECT Act,[2] employers must provide employees with written notice within 48 hours of receiving a Notice of Inspection…
POSTED IN: Employment Law, News
Get to Know RIW Attorney, Rose Garson
Rose Garson recently joined the firm as an associate in our Corporate Department, where she serves as business counsel and supports clients during various commercial transactions. Learn more about Rose below: Why did you become a lawyer? During college, I spent a summer working in the research department of the hospital in my hometown. One…
POSTED IN: Corporate & Business, News
Environmental Remediation Claims Under Chapter 21E: A (Very) Brief Overview
First, a caveat. I am a lawyer. But I am not your lawyer unless we have a formal engagement. Second, if you have come across this brief overview because you received a lawsuit or demand for environmental remediation costs, I would strongly recommend that you do retain counsel. The process can be daunting and confusing….
POSTED IN: News