All colleges and universities have codes of conduct that include some variation of an academic honor or integrity code. These policies codify the school’s definition of cheating and plagiarism – two areas where students can often find themselves in trouble. … Read more »
PFML PART 2-Caring for a Family Member with a Serious Health Condition
Most benefits offered under Massachusetts’ Paid Family Medical Leave (“PFML”) went into effect January 1, 2021. Beginning July 1, eligible employees may now apply for benefits (including up to 12 weeks of leave) to care for a family member with … Read more »
You Received a Certified Letter and the Return Addressee Is the Board of Registration in Medicine: 10 Do’s and Don’ts to Protect Your Professional License
A certified letter arrives with a dreaded return address: “Board of Registration in Medicine, Wakefield, MA.” Now what? 
1. Do not respond hastily. Resist the temptation to answer it yourself immediately, in the hopes that a quick response from you … Read more »
Massachusetts Appeals Court Clarifies Condominium Unit Owners’ Rights to Protest Condominium Fines and Late Fees
A recent 2021 decision rendered by the Appeals Court in Trustees of 10 Porter Street Condo Trust v. Cerda has clarified the rights of unit owners to protest the payment of fines and late fees associated with the payment of … Read more »
Think Your Homestead Gives You Absolute Protection…Well, Think Again
A homestead declaration is a valuable tool, and we recommend it. It is simple and inexpensive and gives qualified homeowners a valuable shield against creditors’ demands. But there are limits to the protection that shield offers, as described in the … Read more »
Getting to “Normal” – COVID-19 Vaccinations: Vol. 1 Historical Vaccination Mandates
There is a lot of excitement about the release of various vaccines for the novel coronavirus and getting back to “normal.” However, there has been less discussion about what will happen on the road to “normal” – including implementation of … Read more »
Everything You Need to Know About Massachusetts’ New Paid Family Medical Leave Act
Beginning January 1, 2021, Massachusetts employees are eligible for a new state-offered benefit granting up to 26 weeks of job protected leave for medical and family reasons. Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) is a benefit separate from the federal government’s … Read more »
Student Rights in the COVID Era: Special Education and College Safety Contracts
COVID-19 has upended life as we know it, but this fall, the focus of many will be on the education system – both public and private, secondary and higher education. Now that schools and colleges have reopened, and after a … Read more »
Hidden Treasures: Your Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Policy
If you watch television, you have probably seen those advertisements by automobile insurance companies promising that “you pay for only what you need” and similar claims. Did you ever think about why they advertise like this? It is for two … Read more »
Partner Disputes and Shareholder Disputes in the Age of COVID-19
We have recently seen an increase in partner disputes and shareholder disputes in the age of COVID-19. The disruptions of 2020 are taking a toll on closely-held businesses.
Why now? A few sets of stressors seem to be uncovering or … Read more »