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Employment Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Public Benefits
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Massachusetts
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Q: What laws protect me for severance, COBRA coverage, and PTO after demotion at a Massachusetts corporation?
I am a full-time employee who has been with Care Access, a corporation in Boston, MA, for 4.5 years. I was forcefully demoted following a five-minute meeting on Teams due to restructuring. I would like to know what laws protect me concerning severance pay, COBRA coverage, and paid time off (PTO).
Lidice Samper
answered on Nov 11, 2026
answered on Nov 11, 2026
A five minute meeting is an abrupt way to learn about a demotion after four and a half years, and it is reasonable to check your rights. Massachusetts law does not require severance; it is owed only if a contract, written policy, or plan promises it. A demotion is generally allowed in an at will... View More 
1 Answer
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in
Employment Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Health Care Law
for
Massachusetts
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Q: How to handle wrongful termination and unemployment appeal?
In September 2026, my former manager, who has previously been accused by a coworker of Medicare fraud, became my manager again at a new job. I believe she fired me because she knows I am aware of her past actions. She is now claiming I was terminated due to incorrect documentation, which I dispute.... View More
Lidice Samper
answered on Nov 11, 2026
answered on Nov 11, 2026
Being fired by a manager you believe holds a grudge, and then facing an appeal of benefits you were approved for, is a lot at once. In Massachusetts unemployment cases, the employer generally has the burden to prove that you were discharged for deliberate misconduct in wilful disregard of its... View More
Q: What are the next steps after sentencing for appeal in Colorado?
I was recently sentenced in Colorado and am considering an appeal. What are the next steps I should take in pursuing this appeal? I'm particularly interested in understanding the process and finding representation for the appeal.
Lidice Samper
answered on Nov 11, 2026
answered on Nov 11, 2026
Starting quickly is the right instinct, because appeal deadlines after sentencing are short and strict. The first question is which court sentenced you. In a federal case in Colorado, a notice of appeal generally must be filed within 14 days after the judgment is entered, the appeal goes to the... View More
Q: Can unpaid leave affect F-1 status or STEM OPT application pending USCIS approval?
I am currently on a STEM OPT extension, which I filed on April 15, 2026, but it is still pending. My initial OPT EAD expired on June 29, and my 180-day automatic extension ends on December 26, 2026. I'm concerned about what steps to take if my STEM OPT is not approved before the extension... View More
Lidice Samper
answered on Nov 11, 2026
answered on Nov 11, 2026
You are planning this carefully, and with three pending filings that is worthwhile. Once the 180 day automatic extension ends on December 26, you may not keep working on STEM OPT until the extension is approved, but your F-1 status generally continues while the STEM application is pending. An... View More
Q: Can I legally move out at 18 under an L2 visa in NC?
I am currently 17 years old and living in North Carolina under an L2 visa, with my stepfather holding the L1 visa. I am seeking information about whether I can legally move out when I turn 18. I have a stable place to move to. My relationship with my stepfather is concerning due to past incidents... View More
Lidice Samper
answered on Nov 11, 2026
answered on Nov 11, 2026
I am so sorry you have been carrying this, and it took courage to ask. Your safety comes first: if you are in danger, you can call 911, and a school counselor, a doctor, or a national sexual assault hotline can help you think through next steps confidentially. At 18 you are a legal adult in North... View More
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