Wage theft is more common than many employees realize—and it often occurs in subtle ways. In Massachusetts, wage and hour laws are designed to ensure employees are paid fully and on time for all work performed. When employers fail to meet these obligations, it may constitute wage theft. Understanding what wage theft looks like, how to prove it, and what steps to take can help
Reardon, Joyce & Akerson is proud to announce that Attorney Austin Joyce has been selected to the 2026 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list—an honor reserved for no more than five percent of attorneys across the Commonwealth. A senior member of the firm since 1983, Attorney Joyce brings more than forty years of trial and litigation experience. He has successfully tried cases in all federal district courts
When your employment ends, one of your most immediate concerns is when you will receive your final paycheck. In Massachusetts, employers must follow strict wage payment laws, and failure to do so can lead to significant penalties. If you are dealing with delayed or missing wages, understand your rights under the Massachusetts Wage Act. When Must My Final Paycheck Be Paid? Massachusetts law sets clear deadlines for when final wages must
In construction and business-related disputes, securing payment for completed work is often a primary concern. In Massachusetts, a mechanic’s lien is a powerful legal tool that allows contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers to assert a claim against real property when they have not been paid. Understanding how mechanic’s liens work—and how to use them properly—can be critical for protecting your financial interests. What Is a Mechanic’s Lien? A mechanic’s
If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation through a personal injury claim. In Massachusetts, compensation helps restore what was lost—physically, financially, and emotionally—after an accident. Understanding the types of damages available in a personal injury case can help you better evaluate your claim and what you may be able to recover. What Is Compensation in a Personal
After a car accident, you will often receive a call from an insurance adjuster within days, sometimes even hours. You may get calls from more than one adjuster as both your insurance company and other driver’s insurance company want to speak with you. The adjuster may sound friendly and helpful, but many injured individuals understandably wonder: Should I speak to the insurance adjuster after my car accident? The short
Starting a business in Massachusetts requires important legal and financial decisions, and one of the first is choosing the right business structure. Many entrepreneurs ask: Should I form an LLC or a corporation in Massachusetts? The answer depends on your business goals, ownership structure, tax preferences, and long-term growth plans. Understanding the differences between a Massachusetts Limited Liability Company (LLC) and a Massachusetts corporation can help
After an accident, one of the first questions injured individuals ask is, “How much is my personal injury case worth?” This is an understandable concern, especially when medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about the future begin to pile up. In Massachusetts, there is no simple formula for valuing a personal injury claim. Instead, case value depends on a combination of legal, medical, and financial factors.
A breach occurs when a partner fails to comply with the terms of the governing agreement. Common examples include diverting company funds for personal use, refusing to share profits, violating management or voting provisions, competing with the business, or excluding other partners from decision-making. Even actions that seem informal or justified by one partner may constitute a breach if they contradict the written agreement or
Many employees believe that being paid a salary automatically means they are expected to work more than 40 hours per week and are not entitled to overtime. This is one of the most common, and costly, misunderstandings in employment law. Under Massachusetts wage and hour laws and federal overtime law, being salaried does not automatically eliminate an employee’s right to overtime pay. The key issue is whether