January 11, 2022
2022 Minimum Wage Increase
Attorney General Maura Healey is reminding employees and employers that the state’s minimum wage will increase to $14.25 per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2022. The AG’s Office has also made available its wage and hour poster that employers are required to display in both English and any other language that is spoken by five percent or more of the employer’s workforce and for which ...
Read more →Septemnber 2, 2021
Helpful info for Tenants
Moving into an apartment or townhome as a new tenant can be an overwhelming process. Because of this, it is important for Tenants to know and understand their rights in Massachusetts...
Read more →July 8, 2021
Rent Relief Resources Available
While the Commonwealth of Massachusetts begins to ease many of the restrictions that have been in place since the start of the pandemic, families throughout the state are still facing the risk of losing their homes due to financial hardships brought on by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Read more →March 31, 2021
Individual Income Tax Filing and Payment Deadline
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and International Revenue Service (IRS) has recently announced that the deadline for individuals to file their tax returns has been extended from April 15th to May 17th. This extension only applies to individuals filing their personal tax returns. If you are an individual taxpayer and would need an extension past May 17th, you can file Form 4868 for an extension until October 15th, 2021.
Read more →March 30, 2021
Updated Supreme Judicial Court Order
The Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) issued an regarding the operation of Massachusetts state courts and courthouses during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The new order has gone into effect March 1, 2021, and will replace the existing order issued on September 17, 2020.
Read more →February 24, 2021
Reopening Massachusetts
As the New Year has gone on, the state of public health in Massachusetts has started to improve greatly. Because of this, Mayor Walsh announced on Monday, February 8th, the state has adjusted the 25% capacity restriction on local businesses. Certain businesses now are able to operate at a 40% capacity.
Read more →Jan 20, 2020
New Court Resource: Superior Court Statewide Conciliation Program
The Superior Court has announced a new statewide conciliation program for civil cases beginning January 19, 2021, in Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk and Worcester Counties. The Superior Court plans to expand the program to other counties later in 2021...
Read more →December 3, 2020
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The Department of Labor’s Department, Wage and Hour Division (WHD), administers...
Read more →October 9, 2020
Resources for Renters, Homeowners, and Landlords During COVID-19
Currently, there is an eviction and foreclosure moratorium in effect in Massachusetts until October 17th, 2020. Despite this temporary ban, you would still have to pay rent/mortgage.
Read more →September 16, 2020
Schools Reopening in MA: What You Need to Know
With the school year officially starting, many are concerned about which districts will be having school in-person this fall. In the state of Massachusetts, only 15 districts will be fully open for instruction while another 113 districts will be fully remote.
Read more →August 31, 2020
COVID-19: Virtual Hearing Resource Guides
The BBA is excited to release Virtual Hearing Resource Guides for cases in Probate and Family Court, Housing Court and District Courts. These guides contain fundamental information and best practices to successfully navigate virtual hearings in the courts...
Read more →April 1, 2020
Know Your Rights: All Things COVID-19
The Lawyers For Civil Rights (LCR) has created this landing page resource, which will cover many of the legal issues related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The page will be regularly updated, and both English and Spanish versions are available.
Read more →March 23, 2020
COVID-19: Health Care Coverage Update
The coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) has many people concerned about health care costs, whether they have insurance or not in the first place.
Read more →March 23, 2020
COVID-19: How to Manage Financial Troubles
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has made mass closings, social distancing and quarantines a new reality, and while these are necessary steps, many people are facing deepening financial insecurity as a result. There are steps you can take to protect your finances.
Read more →March 19, 2020
COVID-19 Housing Update: Eviction Freezes
Last week, the Massachusetts Housing Court ordered a delay of ‘non-emergency’ eviction proceedings until April 22nd. If your eviction case is scheduled for any date before April 22nd, you do not have to go into court, though it may be rescheduled.
Read more →March 17, 2020
COVID-19 & Your Employment – Safety Nets & Essential Information
The impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on employees has been disruptive and destabilizing. Maybe your paid leave bank is dwindling, or you don’t have any in the first place; maybe your employer is still requiring you to work onsite; or maybe you’ve been laid off entirely.
Read more →March 11, 2020
Things to Consider When Considering Divorce
Divorce can be a weighty and emotional process. If you are getting a divorce or thinking about it, either way, you should know what to expect....
Read more →January 30, 2020
Facing Eviction? What You Need to Know
Receiving an eviction notice is overwhelming, to say the least. Don’t panic. You can’t be forcibly removed without a court order—the notice only informs you that a court case is beginning. This post will cover some of the essential information and resources available to help you navigate the process.
Read more →January 7, 2020
Need help with Record Sealing?
A criminal record, for many, operates as a major barrier to employment and housing. Many people with records have not actually been convicted of a crime or have been convicted of a minor offense that occurred at a young age and/or long ago. Although Massachusetts law enables individuals to seal their records in circumstances where the record has no bearing on their employment capability, many individuals who are eligible...
Read more →November 22, 2019
New Tool for Determining Veterans Benefits
Massachusetts is home to approximately 325,000 of the nation’s veterans, many of whom experience financial instability and struggle with poverty, despite state resources available. The Massachusetts program known as Chapter 115, provides financial aid for food, housing, clothing and medical care to veterans and their dependents with limited incomes...
Read more →October 30, 2019
Stay Safe this Halloween
The spookiest night of the year, Halloween is one of the most looked-forward to holidays for kids and adults alike. However, Halloween festivities may also present some unforeseen legal liabilities...
Read more →October 21, 2019
Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML)
According to the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employers must provide up to 12 unpaid weeks of job-protected leave for employees with certain family or medical situations. Massachusetts’s has taken this a step forward...
Read more →September 27, 2019
All About MA Lemon Law
Buying a car is an expensive and significant decision, and whether you are purchasing a new or used car, or even leasing a vehicle, it is important that you know your rights as a consumer...
Read more →September 11, 2019
Back to School: Know Your Rights
With ‘Back-to-school” season upon us, here is an overview of your legal rights and protections when it comes to Bullying, School Discipline, and First Amendment Rights in public schools.
Read more →August 26, 2019
Free Immigration Consultations with Volunteer Attorneys
When it comes to questions about immigration law it can be hard to know where to turn to find answers. The City of Boston is offering free immigration clinics where participants will receive one-on-one information about immigration law from volunteer attorneys.
Read more →August 8, 2019
Estate Planning: Important Roles to Consider
When it comes to Estate Planning, there are many important roles that must be considered. Appointing these roles wisely can be the difference in a smooth transition and a messy legal battle for you and your loved ones. Key roles include: Executor, Guardians, Health Care Proxy, and Power of Attorney.
Read more →August 1, 2019
Understanding Legal Fees
Cost and fee structure can be the deciding factor in working with an attorney. In order to make an informed decision, it is important to be mindful that different attorneys have varying fee structures, and that not all fee structures can apply to every case...
Read more →July 22, 2019
Tenant Rights Workshop July 25
Being an informed tenant can make all the difference when it comes to ensuring your family’s safety and saving money. As part of their Housing Education Workshops, the City of Boston is holding a free Tenant Rights Workshop that will provide an overview of tenant rights and responsibilities before, during, and after a tenancy....
Read more →July 2, 2019
Free Legal Workshop for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners - July 18th
The Lawyers for Civil Rights (LCR) is hosting a free groundbreaking event designed to connect aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners with free legal and business support. BizGrow 2019 will feature a team of volunteer attorneys from Boston’s top law firms to...
Read more →June 18, 2019
Boston Public Schools Student Rights and Education Law
School discipline laws in the Boston Public Schools have changed. Beginning in the 2019-2020 school year, the following changes will take effect...
Read more →May 13, 2019
Growing support for innovation protections in Massachusetts
According to a new report from research group and accelerator Startup Genome, Boston is the fifth best city in the world for technology startups. However, some fear that patent trolls are taking a toll on Boston’s innovation economy.
Read more →April 19, 2019
Starting a New Business?
Starting a new business can be a complex process, requiring planning for every step of the way. Luckily, in Massachusetts, the state government has laid out the first steps for forming a business, and there are several organizations ready to help you with business development...
Read more →April 10, 2019
New Massachusetts Law for Survivors of Human Trafficking
Massachusetts recently passed a new law making it easier for survivors of human trafficking to clear arrests, criminal charges, and convictions from their records. The law applies to convictions in Massachusetts if they occurred as a result of having been a survivor of human trafficking...
Read more →March 26, 2019
Limited Assistance Representation (LAR)
If you unsure whether you need an attorney to represent you for a whole case, you may want to consider Limited Assistance Representation (LAR). LAR lets you get legal help for part of a case, while you are still responsible for the other parts of the case...
Read more →March 13, 2019
Preventing Elder Fraud: How to Spot Scams
Stories of elderly men and women who have been solicited or scammed are unfortunately quite common: an estimated $37 billion is lost annually to elder fraud...
Read more →March 5, 2019
CORI Sealing Clinic Wednesday, 3/6
In January, the Boston Bar Association announced the launch of a free monthly CORI Sealing Clinic. The clinic assists low-income clients in asking courts to seal their criminal records with help from volunteer attorneys...
Read more →February 28, 2019
Massachusetts State Tax Tips
Tax season is officially here! The deadline to file your personal income tax is April 17th, 2019. Here’s some information on filing taxes in the state of Massachusetts...
Read more →February 20, 2019
Upcoming City of Boston Tenant Rights Workshop
For many renting in the Boston area, especially short-term renters, spring marks the start of lease renewals, securing summer sublets, and new apartment searches. For tenants, it is important to know both your rights and responsibilities throughout the entire rental process.
Read more →February 14, 2019
Social Security Disability & Benefits in MA
Disability can happen to anyone at any age. It is estimated that more than one-in-four 20-year-olds will become disabled before reaching retirement age. Luckily, there are programs in place to help. Although Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) are both income supplement programs for disabled people and have similar names, they are different programs...
Read more →February 8, 2019
New Short-Term Rental Regulations In MA
Legislation was recently signed into law aimed at regulating short-term rentals such as Airbnb and HomeAway. The bill’s regulations go into effect this year, and will require certain hosts to register with the state, obtain insurance, and pay the same 5.7 percent state tax as hotels for rental contracts entered on or after January 1, 2019...
Read more →January 30, 2019
Boston Bar Association Launches CORI Sealing Clinic
The Boston Bar Association is excited to launch a monthly CORI Sealing Clinic that will assist low-income clients in asking courts to seal their criminal records with help from volunteer attorneys....
Read more →January 22, 2019
MA Criminal Justice Reform in 2019
In April of last year, Governor Baker signed a sweeping and historic criminal justice reform bill (S.2371) designed to reduce incarceration and improve public safety. This year, many of the reforms outlined in the bill are taking effect. Highlighted below are several key elements of the bill...
Read more →January 15, 2019
Unemployment Compensation Benefits for Federal Employees in Massachusetts
Federal employees who are not working due to the shutdown furlough may be eligible for Unemployment Benefits in Massachusetts (also called UI benefits). However, it is important to note that federal employees will be responsible to repay the UI benefits if Congress approves retroactive pay for the furlough period...
Read more →January 3, 2019
Guidance for Federal Employees Facing Financial Insecurity
The Boston Bar Lawyer Referral Service will be closely monitoring the government shutdown, how it will affect federal government employees, particularly those in Massachusetts, and will continue to post relevant resources and guidance. If you have any questions at all, please connect with one of our intake staff at 617-742-0625, and we will connect you to resources and referrals for legal assistance....
Read more →December 28, 2018
Slip & Fall Accidents on Snow & Ice: When To Call a Lawyer
Slip and fall accidents could result in various types of injuries, including abrasions, fractures, and concussions, and in rare instances very serious injuries. If you have had a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property in Massachusetts, you could be eligible to obtain compensation...
Read more →December 17, 2018
Staying Warm this Winter
As the temperature continues to drop, it is important to know your rights surrounding home heating. If you are a tenant, your landlord must provide you with basic standards to remain comfortable during the cold season. The landlord must...
Read more →December 10, 2018
Greater Boston Legal Services Settlement with Boston Public Schools Will Reduce School Exclusion
Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) announced that it has settled a complaint on behalf of three clients against Boston Public Schools (BPS) with regards to unlawful suspensions. As a result, Boston Public Schools has agreed to amend its school discipline policies to...
Read more →November 27, 2018
Consumer Protection Tips for Successful Holiday Shopping:
As the holiday season approaches, many shoppers are anxious about getting the best deals on gifts while remaining safe and protected against deceptive business practices. Below are some tips to help guarantee a successful holiday shopping trip this winter...
Read more →November 15, 2018
Understanding Marijuana Laws in MA:
On the horizon of recreational marijuana sales in Massachusetts, it is important to acknowledge that limitations still exist to the use of marijuana and cannabis products. Here are some basics about the law...
Read more →November 5, 2018
Buying a used car?
Buying a car can be a significant decision, and especially if you are purchasing a used car, you should know your rights as a consumer. If there are defects that may impair safety and the ability to properly drive, you may be eligible for different types of recourse under Massachusetts Lemon Laws...
Read more →October 25, 2018
New: Electronic Filing of Small Claims Cases
Do you need to file a small claim? Good news- you may be able to save a trip to the courthouse! The Massachusetts Trial Court recently introduced an online interview process, known as “Guide & File,” to allow anyone with a small claim to complete the process from a computer and electronically submit documentation to the court...
Read more →October 12, 2018
Pregnant at work?
Being pregnant while at work isn’t always easy, and it’s best to know your rights under the law. If you are pregnant, or are planning on becoming pregnant soon, here is some information to make yourself aware of your civil rights and how you can best exercise them in the workplace...
Read more →October 5, 2018
Know Your Rights: Back to School & Free Speech
As students are settling back into the Fall school routine, it’s important to be aware of what constitutional rights exist on school property. Whether or not your public school can punish you for speaking out depends entirely on when, where, and how you choose to express yourself...
Read more →September 19, 2018
BBA Releases Multilingual Principles Concerning Immigration Policy
The Boston Bar Association (BBA) has established a set of four principles that define its core values on immigration policy. To express its respect for and solidarity with immigrant communities in Massachusetts and to guide...
Read more →September 11, 2018
Hurt on the job?
Employees who are injured at work or during the course of employment, including work-related mental or emotional disabilities, are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Massachusetts...
Read more →August 28, 2018
Attorney General’s Office vs. American Military University
In the latest action against online, for-profit schools targeting veterans, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office recently announced a $270,000 settlement with the American Military University....
Read more →August 15, 2018
First Time Home-Buyer?
Buying a home can be an intimidating task for many, often leaving first-time homebuyers feeling lost in the process of navigating mortgages, education, and assistance. If you are looking for guidance...
Read more →July 30, 2018
What vacation benefits do Massachusetts employees have?
In the midst of this recent summer heat wave, many employees are itching to take their vacation time and soak up the sun with friends and family. However, the laws surrounding vacation benefits in Massachusetts can be confusing...
Read more →July 20, 2018
What Public Benefits are Available to Immigrants?
Today, it can be difficult to understand what public assistance is available to immigrants entering and living in the United States. Here is some guidance on benefits and resources available to immigrants that aim to promote economic...
Read more →July 9, 2018
Knowing which Chapter of Bankruptcy to file
Filing for bankruptcy can be a stressful and confusing time. You might be facing seemingly insurmountable debt, receiving threatening calls...
Read more →June 18, 2018
Get the wages that are rightfully yours!
Unfortunately, there are some employers out there who try to take advantage of their employees. Some bosses assume that their workers don’t know their rights...
Read more →June 8, 2018
Beat the Heat
It’s about to get hot here in Boston, and it’s important that everyone watches out for their own health and the health of those around us...
Read more →May 22, 2018
Celebrating Melnea Cass
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh proclaimed today to be Melnea Cass Day in a tribute to a stalwart of civil rights activism in the city....
Read more →May 4, 2018
Summer Jobs for Teens
As we finally enter the summertime, many Boston-area teens are looking for jobs to make some money and help pass the time off of school. Unfortunately, some employers might try and take advantage...
Read more →April 27, 2018
Governor Baker signs major Criminal Justice Reform bill into law
There’s a big national effort to reform the criminal justice system across the country, and Massachusetts...
Read more →
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