Termination for Cause, Office Romance and Unexpected Forgiveness in the Courts
By Brian J. MacDonough and Nancy S. Shilepsky

Consider the following: A male executive has a long-term, clandestine affair with a young female subordinate.  The executive takes steps to conceal the affair, while at the same time using his pos ition to advocate for his paramour's career advancement.  Upon learning of the situation, his employer terminates his employment for "cause."  Caught red-handed, the executive has no legal recourse, right?  Not so fast.  Read more. 
Thought Leadership
Keeping Your New Job and Staying Out of Court (Even in California): Tips for Employees as They Transition to New Employment
By Nancy S. Shilepsky and Matthew C. Moschella

In the world  o f employment law, one of the most common misconceptions is that, in California, employees mo v e freely between jobs in complete  disregard of the concerns that might restrict them elsewhere.  However, even in California's supposedly laissez-faire employment landscape, employees who do not manage their moves carefully can find themselves unemployed and in legal trouble. Read more. 
Disability Discrimination, Good Faith is Not Enough: Case Note: Gannon v. City of Boston
By David I. Brody

On April 18, 2017, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued its decision in  Gannon v. City of Boston , a case involving the application of Massachusetts discriminatio n law to a disabled police officer, Sean Gannon. Officer Gannon was restricted to desk duty  because the City of Boston determined that he could no longer safely patrol the City's streets.  A lower court had entered summary judgment for the City - ruling that the City acted upon its good faith belief about Officer Gannon's conditi on - deciding against him before his case got to trial.  The Supreme Judicial Court reversed and remanded the case for trial. Read more.
Social Media and the Workplace: Takeaways from 'Beagan'
 
The Rhode Island Supreme Court on June 19 issued its first decision discussing the burgeoning and unsettled topic of social media in the employment context. In Beagan v. R.I. Department of Labor and Training, et al., the court ruled there was insufficient evidence that a former employee's Facebook post complaining about his boss was connected to his work and thus could not form the basis for the denial of unemployment benefits under G.L. ยง28-44-18. Read more.

Recent News and Events
Sherin and Lodgen Employment Department and Department Chair Nancy S. Shilepsky Ranked by Chambers USA

Sherin and Lodgen's Employment Department was ranked by 
Chamb ers USA for  "L abor and  Employment:  Mainly Plaintiff's Representation" in Massachusetts. In addition,  Nancy S. Shilepsky , chair of the firm's Employment Law Department, was ranked as a "Star Individual" for Labor and Employment: Mainly Plaintiff's Representation (Massachusetts). A "Star" ranking is given to lawyers with exceptional recommendations in their field. Nancy is the only Massachusetts attorney in this  practice area to receive a "Star" ranking. Read more. 

Brian J. MacDonough, partner in the firm's Employment Law Department, will speak at MCLE New England's "Fortifying & Scrutinizing Employee Handbooks & Policies" program on July 20th at the MCLE Conference Center, Ten Winter Place, Boston.   Learn more and register for the program. 
Brian J. MacDonough chairs MCLE program, "What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About Employment Law"

Brian J. MacDonough chaired Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education's (MCLE) recent program, "What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About Employment Law, held June 16th. In addition to chairing the program, Brian also spoke on panels, "Offer Letters, Employment Agreements & Restrictive Covenants" and "Medical Leave, Sick Leave, Disability Laws and the Interplay Between Statutes."  Learn more and listen to the recorded webcast. 
Brian J. MacDonough and David I. Brody speak at BBA program "Unfair v. Unlawful: Representing Clients In Wrongful Termination Cases"

Brian J. MacDonough and David I. Brody, associate in the firm's employment department, presented at a Boston Bar Association (BBA) program on May 12th. The program, entitled "Unfair v. Unlawful: Representing Clients In Wrongful Termination Cases," provided an overview of the exceptions to the at-will doctrine, with particular focus on the public policy exceptions recognized under common law. 
About Sherin and Lodgen LLP 

Sherin and Lodgen is a mid-sized Boston law firm specializing in real estate, litigation, business law and employment. With over 40 attorneys, the firm handles complex matters, while providing responsive, senior-level attention to every matter.  Known for its effective, efficient and focused representation, Sherin and Lodgen delivers sophisticated analysis and a high touch service by developing an in-depth understanding of clients' business goals, issues, concerns and emerging industry trends. Visit our website to learn more.