Go To Lawyers: Rebecca Pontikes

Listen to this article

Since 1997, Boston attorney Rebecca G. Pontikes has passionately advocated for those whose workplace or civil rights have been violated, no matter how large or powerful the employer. She is both an advocate and a resource for employees, fighting aggressively for her clients while trying to advise them so that the trouble never starts.

An activist as well as a lawyer, she lobbies to shape the law and taking cutting edge cases. Since 2006, she has focused on developing an area of law known as family responsibilities (or caregiver) discrimination. In 2011, she successfully advocated for the right of a female surgeon to return to work after taking leave to care for her family.

For small employers looking to use best practices to create a fair workplace, Pontikes offers advising and counseling services, drafting of internal policies, workplace handbooks, and employment contracts, as well as audits to ensure compliance with the law.

Meanwhile, Pontikes has held numerous leadership roles that showcase her commitment to advancing employment law, gender equity, and workers’ rights.

As an influential member of the National Employment Lawyers Association, specifically its Massachusetts chapter, she co-founded the Family Responsibilities Discrimination Section, currently serves on the Executive Committee and co-chairs the Amicus Committee, for which she has co-authored several significant briefs shaping Massachusetts employment law.

Pontikes has been instrumental in advocacy coalitions, representing the Massachusetts Employment Lawyers Association and the Women’s Bar Association on key legislative initiatives such as the Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act, Equal Pay Coalition, and Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights.

Pontikes worked with the Greater Boston Chapter of the National Organization for Women to promoted education on dating violence prevention.

Achievements and Professional Activities

Executive committee member and co-chair, amicus committee, Massachusetts Employment Lawyers Association; board member and co-chair, Solo and Small Firm Committee, Women’s Bar Association; board member, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education and International Action Network for Gender Equity Under Law