William Koffel represents and assists management in a wide range of labor and employment matters and litigation. His success in defending businesses in precedent-setting cases involving such statutes as the Americans With Disabilties Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act has led to recognition by Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America and Massachusetts SuperLawyers for his effectiveness at helping employers avoid employment law problems where possible and resolve them effectively when necessary. Employers rely on Bill for defense of claims made in Federal and State Courts involving allegations of wage violations, wrongful discharge, and employment discrimination. He also helps resolve controversies that center on employee terminations, workforce reductions, and difficult personnel matters. In addition to his trial practice, Bill represents clients before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor, and other State and Federal agencies, and in labor arbitration proceedings. Proactive counseling to avoid litigation is an important part of Bill's practice. He works with clients to review and draft employee contracts, handbooks and other employment-related documents to ensure compliance with State and Federal employment and labor laws. Prior to joining the firm in 1981, Bill was a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Labor, representing the government in cases involving the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). Representative Experience The following is a brief summary of William's experience and accomplishments: · Served as counsel for Offices Unlimited, Inc. in the case of August v. Offices Unlimited, Inc., 981 F.2d 576 (1st Cir. 1992), a frequently cited decision in cases arising under the Americans with Disabilities Act and analogous state laws concerning claims by recipients of disability benefits that they are nevertheless "qualified" persons with a disability · Served as counsel for Putnam Associates, Inc. in the case of Valerio v. Putnam Associates, Inc., 173 F.3d 35 (1st Cir. 1999), a precedent setting case involving overtime pay calculations under Massachusetts law and alleged retaliatory discharge under the Fair Labor Standards Act Professional / Civic Involvement · Massachusetts Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section, Chair (1992-1993) Speeches and Conferences · Has spoken at many bar association, MCLE, and privately-sponsored programs on a wide range of employment-related topics with the goal of assisting employers to avoid problems whenever possible and to handle claims effectively when they arise Publications · General Editor, Drafting Employment Documents in Massachusetts, MCLE (2007) Honors/Awards Ranked by CHAMBERS USA: AMERICA'S LEADING LAWYERS FOR BUSINESS as one of Massachusetts' leading employment lawyers (2010) Listed in THE BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA Listed in MASSACHUSETTS SUPER LAWYERS |