Local Attorney to Discuss Employer Obligations for Leaves of Absence

TAUNTON — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., a leading labor and employment law firm, announced that partner Susan Fentin will host a seminar for employers regarding the new Earned Sick Leave Law and other leaves of absence. The event, sponsored by FBinsure, will be held Wednesday, May 27 at the Holiday Inn, 700 Myles Standish Blvd., Taunton.

Massachusetts employers have been hit with a number of new statutes that require them to permit employees to take time off. Foremost among these is the new Earned Sick Leave Law, which goes into effect on July 1. In addition, Massachusetts has a new Parental Leave Act and a Domestic Violence Leave Act that will affect many employers, in addition to other legally mandated leaves such as Family and Medical Leave and a medical leave of absence that might be required under the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act or parallel state law.

“The legal environment is rapidly evolving, with more labor-related rules and regulatory requirements for employers to understand,” Fentin said. “Without proper guidance and understanding, the complex responsibilities placed on employers regarding leaves of absence can leave them feeling overwhelmed. Employers need a strong understanding of their statutory obligations in order to protect themselves from inadvertent exposure to costly risks.”

Attendees will learn the basics of Massachusetts’ new Earned Sick Leave Law, what other leave laws and regulations affect company of various sizes, the responsibilities of an employer, and effective strategies to manage leaves of absence.


“Leaves of absence are among the most complicated issues for employers and employees,” said Fentin. “The new Earned Sick Leave Law will create huge headaches for Massachusetts employers. It’s critically important for employers to understand their obligations under this and other leave laws to be sure that employees get all the leave to which they are entitled and also to protect the employer from litigation. Understanding how those laws interact can help business owners make informed decisions about leaves of absence and potentially avoid costly litigation.”

Registration and breakfast begin at 8:30 a.m. The program begins at 9 a.m. and ends at noon. To register, visit fbinsure.com/seminars.

Fentin has been a partner at the firm since 2004. Her practice concentrates on labor and employment counseling, advising large and small employers on their responsibilities and obligations under state and federal employment laws, and representing employers before state and federal agencies and in court. She speaks frequently to employer groups, conducts training on avoiding problems in employment law, and teaches master classes on both the FMLA and ADA. Since 2010, she has been ranked as one of the top labor and employment attorneys in the state of Massachusetts by the prestigious Chambers USA rating firm.