For a decade, Mike Bace has filed litigation against some of the largest employers in Massachusetts - all to enforce the important and significant rights of employees. Mike answers his phone at all hours of the day, is extremely accessible by phone and email. Mike files lawsuits on behalf of people who are owed wages, owed overtime, or are experiencing unfairness at work.
We represent all types of workers including: domestic workers, drivers, prevailing wage workers, highway laborers, restaurant waitstaff, bartenders, nurses, etc. If you are paid by 1099 as an "independent contractor, " or have any other issues at work - we want to talk to you! Massachusetts has some of the most strict and employee-friendly laws in the country.
We represent all types of workers including: domestic workers, drivers, prevailing wage workers, highway laborers, restaurant waitstaff, bartenders, nurses, etc. If you are paid by 1099 as an "independent contractor, " or have any other issues at work - we want to talk to you! Massachusetts has some of the most strict and employee-friendly laws in the country.
Services
Our practice is devoted to overwhelming our clients with service and accessibility. As basic as it sounds, we respond to emails, and we return messages. We try to treat every client equally, regardless of the amount in controversy.
I am confident our work product competes with almost any firm in the city; by leveraging technology and bringing on talented and thoughtful attorneys, I think we really have a competitive advantage that yields positive results for our clients.
I am confident our work product competes with almost any firm in the city; by leveraging technology and bringing on talented and thoughtful attorneys, I think we really have a competitive advantage that yields positive results for our clients.
If you are owed wages from your employer in Massachusetts, one avenue of relief is to pursue litigation (a lawsuit) in order to recoup those wages as damages. Prior to the filing of any lawsuit in Massachusetts that seeks damages pursuant to a violation of the Wage Act - a "wage and hour" complaint must be filed.
The Wage Act is one of the most significant statutes that protects the rights of employees (whether labelled an "independent contractor" or not). It requires employers to pay wages on time, pay overtime where applicable, and contains serious remedies where there are violations - namely, potential triple damages and an award of attorney's fees.
In Massachusetts, it is nearly impossible to be correctly classified as an independent contractor.
M.G.L. c. 149, § 148B states that in order to be classified as an independent contractor (and not an employee) all three of the following must be established: 1) the individual is free from control and direction in connection with the performance of the service, both under his contract for the performance of service and in fact; and 2) the service is performed outside the usual course of business of the employer; and 3) the individual is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, profession or business of the same nature as that involved in the service performed.
M.G.L. c. 149, § 148B states that in order to be classified as an independent contractor (and not an employee) all three of the following must be established: 1) the individual is free from control and direction in connection with the performance of the service, both under his contract for the performance of service and in fact; and 2) the service is performed outside the usual course of business of the employer; and 3) the individual is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, profession or business of the same nature as that involved in the service performed.
You cannot be fired for asserting your legal rights. Pursuant to the statute, if you are terminated for asserting your rights (even internally, to HR, or to a manager), this could give rise to another cause of action for the retaliatory firing.
From a theoretical perspective, this is a positive, but employers regularly make work-life challenging in ways that fall short of termination for employees who assert their legal rights; we are cognizant of this difficult dynamic, and encourage employees to contact an attorney without delay to discuss in detail.
From a theoretical perspective, this is a positive, but employers regularly make work-life challenging in ways that fall short of termination for employees who assert their legal rights; we are cognizant of this difficult dynamic, and encourage employees to contact an attorney without delay to discuss in detail.
Reviews (14)
Felicity Muffin
Jan 19, 2022
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Wow, I just called into this office and Bace was the one to answer the call in a calm and present manner. He asked me questions about my reason for wanting a representative and was patient as I gathered my thoughts to attempt to explain it to him in the most condensed and eloquent manner possible. Although, it is not confirmed whether or not he would be best to represent me for my employment case that I would like to pursue. He was willing to take my contact information to point me in the right direction of a firm that may be better suited. I was taken aback by this display of empathy and customer
David Cosenza Jr
Jul 24, 2021
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We would like to Thank Michael for doing an outstanding job, he understood our needs ,was patient, sensitive and wanted what was best for us.
Michael Is sincere and all around wonderful person. With his integrity and his none stop dedication and passion to help us get the best results, I would highly recommend him to anyone.
Thank you,
David and Lorene
Michael Is sincere and all around wonderful person. With his integrity and his none stop dedication and passion to help us get the best results, I would highly recommend him to anyone.
Thank you,
David and Lorene
Jt George
Jul 18, 2021
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Robert Rudin
Jul 15, 2021
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Kelly Woods'S.
Mar 01, 2021
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Libby Haroldson
Oct 10, 2020
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Anthony Rios
Aug 12, 2020
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John K.
Jun 01, 2020
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Eric Magers
Jul 14, 2019
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Mike M.
Apr 24, 2019
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Hello just wanted to say bace law is awesome Mike was awesome to deal with I never had a lawyer that kept me so informed gave me alot of info about my rights when I called he answerd right away just gave me a great experience told him what I was looking for and he got me more money then what I asked for if you are looking for a Great Lawyer Mike is your guy I would highly Recommend his Law Firm you will not be sorry..I definitely gained a friend..All I can say say is Mike thankyou so much I really do appreciate what you have done for me..There is not enough thankyou in this world for what Bace
Bob Stone
Jan 08, 2019
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Dan P.
Dec 28, 2018
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Michael Bace is an outstanding attorney and a tenacious adversary. Michael successfully represented me and his legal acumen thoroughly impressed me. I am completely satisfied and in fact thrilled that I was referred to Michael through a mutual friend.
I could not be happier with Michael's expertise and his communication skills are outstanding.
I am an extremely satisfied client and I highly recommend Michael to anyone that has a dispute with and employer.
I could not be happier with Michael's expertise and his communication skills are outstanding.
I am an extremely satisfied client and I highly recommend Michael to anyone that has a dispute with and employer.
P. K.
Apr 26, 2016
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I'm so glad I reached out to Mike and his team. I was in a difficult situation with one of my contract clients, and he explained my options to me in terms I, as a non-lawyer, could understand. We decided on a course of action and in the end, I got everything I was hoping for and a little more. I would recommend Mike to anyone (and I have) who is having issues with an employer based in Massachusetts.
Wendy H.
Nov 02, 2015
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Blown away by Michael's knowledge of MA employment law, and by how quickly he was able to settle my case. I spoke to him on a Friday morning, he sent the letter to my previous employer Friday afternoon, and in less than 30 days, we had settled the case for the full amount of my owed wages. He really has found a niche working to defend the rights of Independent Contractors.
I feel fortunate that Michael and his team took my case.
If you, or anyone you know, has a question about your independent contractor status, call these guys! They are on point!!!
I feel fortunate that Michael and his team took my case.
If you, or anyone you know, has a question about your independent contractor status, call these guys! They are on point!!!
