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Recent Articles from Kris Olson
Massachusetts mediation program comes to aid of Ukraine war effort
A Massachusetts veterans mediation program is helping Ukrainian mediators resolve wartime conflicts, bridging cultures through ADR training.
In state’s first PFMLA verdict, employee wins $4.75M against Wayfair
A Suffolk Superior Court jury awarded $4.75M in a PFMLA retaliation case against Wayfair, highlighting the strict burden on employers under the paid leave law.
SJC hears arguments in Judge Joseph ethics case
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court hears arguments on whether to publicly reprimand District Court Judge Shelley M. Richmond Joseph for ethics violations.
New DOL joint employer rule sparks split among attorneys
A proposed U.S. Department of Labor joint employer rule under the Fair Labor Standards Act has prompted sharp debate between employer- and employee-side attorneys.
Attorneys reflect on Delaware court’s backing of Market Basket CEO firing
The Delaware Chancery Court upheld the Market Basket board’s firing of Arthur T. Demoulas, reinforcing business judgment rule and board oversight authority.
SJC to weigh discipline in Judge Joseph ethics case
The Supreme Judicial Court will hear arguments on whether to discipline Judge Shelley Joseph over ICE-related conduct and courtroom recording violations.
Trust failure debt not dischargeable in Chapter 7 case
A bankruptcy judge rules a grandfather’s failure to create a trust for his granddaughter constitutes defalcation, making the debt nondischargeable.
In tenure battle, Tufts medical professors secure $4.3M verdict
A Superior Court judge awarded $4.3M to Tufts professors, finding tenure contracts were breached by salary cuts tied to research funding mandates.
Judge allows special education jail lawsuit to proceed
A Superior Court judge allowed a class action proceed alleging the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education failed its duty to provide special education services to incarcerated students.
Zoning battle ends with demolition after 17-year dispute
A 17-year zoning dispute over an undersized lot in Douglas, Massachusetts, ended with a court-ordered demolition after years of litigation and the deaths of both homeowners.
After 40 years, Suffolk DA brings sudden end to wrongful conviction case
Prosecutors drop charges against Thomas Rosa Jr., ending a 40-year wrongful conviction case after DNA evidence and legal changes undermined the 1985 murder prosecution.
1st Circuit rejects trade secrets claim in ZipBy damages case
The 1st Circuit upheld $1.5M in damages for breach of fiduciary duty and contract but rejected a trade secrets claim under federal and Massachusetts law.
Verdicts & Settlements
- Injury during baby’s adenoidectomy leads to stroke
- Construction worker’s hand caught in cement mixer
- Worker trapped in freezer, dies during steam cleaning
- Pedestrian, 69, hit by motor vehicle while in crosswalk
- Four-vehicle pileup leaves driver with spinal cord injury
- Nursing home staff blamed for kidney-failure death
- Pharmacy’s late delivery blamed for patient’s death
- Man, 25, drowns after swimming lesson at fitness club
Opinion Digests
- Jurisdiction – Forum selection clause – Non-signatory
- Criminal – Responsibility
- Attorneys – Lien
- Landlord and tenant – Default judgment
- Zoning – Constructive grant – Comprehensive permit
- Fraud – False Claims Act – Settlement share
- Civil practice – Discovery – Cybersecurity
