Publications

Massachusetts Wage Act Applies to Startup Founder – Stanton v. Lighthouse Financial Services, Inc.

Summary: A former president and founding shareholder of a start-up company can seek payment of deferred and unpaid salary under the Massachusetts Weekly Wage Act (the “Wage Act”) against both the company and the company’s CEO, who was also an early-stage investor. In the case of Stanton v. Lighthouse Financial Services, Inc., et al, a [...]

The Revised Massachusetts Independent Contractor Classification Law

Summary: On July 19, 2004, the Massachusetts statute governing independent contractors was revised. The presumption is that any work arrangement is an employer-employee relationship.  The revised law reduces the number of individuals who are eligible for independent contractor status, thus requiring employers to classify them as employees and as such, comply with the required worker’s [...]

Transition to New Employment Eligibility Verification Form (Form I-9)

Summary: All employers must use the new USCIS Form I-9 beginning December 26, 2007.  New employees and any existing employees who have not previously completed a Form I-9 must fill out the new Form I-9. Common Questions/Practical Answers 1. Why is this required?  USCIS has publicly stated that they will step up workplace enforcement of U. [...]

The Business Software Alliance’s (“BSA”) Campaign to Decrease Software Piracy

Summary: The BSA has expanded its “Know it/Report it/Reward it” campaign to encourage individuals to report software piracy.  In the event your business is using pirated software, you should obtain proper licenses and implement best practices to make sure all licenses are legally obtained and remain current. Common Questions/Practical Answers 1. What is software piracy?  [...]

New Filing Requirements for Massachusetts Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships

Summary: The SOS has enacted changes designed to make the filing requirements for LLCs and LPs similar to the requirements for corporations and Limited Liability Partnerships (“LLPs”), including the ability to administratively dissolve the entity for failure to file annual reports. Common Questions/Practical Answers 1. What are the changes to the filing requirements?  There are [...]