SBANE: Bob Shea Explains Independent Contractor and Treble Damages Laws

WALTHAM, MA — Attorney Robert Shea will be a featured speaker at Independent Contractors and Treble Damages, as part of the Human Capital Investment Series from the Smaller Business Association of New England (SBANE) on September 16, 2008 in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Program Overview

In 2004, Massachusetts amended its Independent Contractor Law to modify the test to determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor and to increase penalties for employers who misclassify employees as independent contractors. In addition, effective July 15, 2008, treble damages are now mandatory for Massachusetts wage and hour law violations (including the independent contractor law), so the risks for employers have never been greater.

After the independent contractor law was amended, the state Attorney General's Office and the Department of Revenue issued guidance on the effect of the revised law. Governor Patrick and Attorney General Martha Coakley have prioritized enforcement of the independent contractor law and are dedicating new resources to enforcement activities, and estimate that enforcement will generate $30 million in revenue for the Commonwealth through increased tax payments and fines.

For more information, or to register, see program page at SBANE's web site.

Attorney Shea counsels businesses in all areas of employment and labor law. He regularly represents clients before federal and state courts and agencies in cases involving employment-related claims. Bob also counsels and represents clients in alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration. He is a former co-chair of the Boston Bar Association's Labor and Employment Law Section, and is currently on the board of directors of SBANE and serves as vice chair and executive committee member.

Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton, PC, focuses exclusively on the core legal services that businesses need to succeed. The law firm assists businesses of all sizes — from start-ups to Fortune 1000 companies — in the areas of business law, technology and intellectual property, employment and immigration and taxation.

Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton, PC
Reservoir Place
1601 Trapelo Road, Suite 205
Waltham, MA 02451
781-622-5930
mbbp.com