BHPK’s Francesca Papia and Michael Stefanilo, Jr. secured a dismissal on behalf of their municipal client

BHPK’s Francesca Papia and Michael Stefanilo, Jr. secured a dismissal on behalf of their municipal client against claims of age and disability discrimination brought by a part-time employee who was aggrieved by the Town’s decision to combine two positions. Despite being offered other employment opportunities with the Town, the employee refused them and sued. The case was dismissed after investigation and argument from the parties.

Superior Court Rejects Profit-Sharing as a “Commission” Subject to the Wage Act

On January 31, 2024, in Mehra v. Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC, a Massachusetts Superior Court judge held that profits available under a profitsharing agreement were not “wages” subject to the Massachusetts Wage Act. This case serves as a significant point of reference for both employers and employees navigating the complexities of compensation structures within the purview of the Wage Act.

 

 

BHPK partner Michael Stefanilo, Jr.’s federal litigation currently pending in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts

As a result of BHPK partner Michael Stefanilo, Jr.’s federal litigation currently pending in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, after several years of him and his client and co-counsel fighting for what is right, the VA has announced that it will amend its policy to afford IVF to same-sex couples. This follows the Department of Defense committing to similar changes last month.

The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.

https://news.va.gov/129390/va-provide-vitro-fertilization-veterans-same-sex-marriages/

 

 

BHPK attorney Francesca Papia argued before the Massachusetts Appeals Court this week on behalf of Beverly Police Chief John LeLacheur

BHPK attorney Francesca Papia argued before the Massachusetts Appeals Court this week on behalf of Beverly Police Chief John LeLacheur, arguing that an unintentional disclosure of information cannot form the basis for an invasion of privacy claim under common law immunity principles.

https://www.salemnews.com/news/appeals-court-holds-hearing-on-police-chiefs-tweet-%20case/article%20_%20b72080ac-e075-11ee-a6e6-13581c365fd7.html?fbclid=IwAR2ioBeLpOhdxoL_9vBql9pBtJGNhDzs0VmAsaJg1CrU-Aoia7HPRN6a4Oc

 

 

 

BHPK’s Michael Stefanilo, Jr. spoke on behalf of his client in response to the Commonwealth’s proposal to reimburse LGBTQ+ veterans

BHPK’s Michael Stefanilo, Jr. spoke on behalf of his client in response to the Commonwealth’s proposal to reimburse LGBTQ+ veterans who were wrongfully denied IVF services by the VA, and the federal government’s forthcoming amendments to its policy, ending several years of disparate treatment against a marginalized group of veteran heroes.

“Ms. Sheffield is extremely moved by the Healey Administration’s dedication to advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ veterans, and is honored to learn that her bravery in coming forward has inspired the creation of a pilot program that will serve to protect a vulnerable subset of the veteran population from acts of invidious discrimination,” her attorney, Michael Stefanilo Jr., wrote in an email to GBH News.

https://www.wgbh.org/news/health/2024-02-08/many-lgbtq-unmarried-veterans-in-mass-could-soon-get-ivf-benefits-for-the-first-time?fbclid=IwAR18P74Ea47AHpP0EHusHtFbx8s0-F9aodR4BzKFGDF3J-uhZ-WjYkHL4dU

Healey-Driscoll Administration has proposed legislation initiating a pilot program for LGBTQ+ couples

As a direct result of impact litigation filed by BHPK partner Michael Stefanilo, Jr. in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has proposed legislation initiating a pilot program for LGBTQ+ couples denied IVF reimbursement by the VA.

Michael is prosecuting the subject class action lawsuit along with prestigious co-counsel from the National Veterans Legal Services Project and Peter Romer-Friedman Law in D.C.

The Governor’s press release can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-unveils-historic-legislative-package-for-veterans-in-massachusetts