Mediation, Conflict Resolution: Mediating and managing organizational and workplace disputes in all areas of employment, union grievances and related business matters involving Federal and State claims, individual and intersectional, of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wrongful constructive discharge, retaliation, misclassification, whistleblowing, wage & hour infractions, non-competition agreements, Massachusetts Equal Pay Act (MEPA), defamation, pre-filed and pending charges with the MCAD/EEOC, State and Federal courts, business disputes and agreements, intellectual property, trade secrets, general contractual disputes, reductions in force and others. Mediate with private and public sector clients, unions, international and domestic businesses, and small, large and family-owned concerns, as well as represented and pro-se individuals. Conduct workplace investigations regarding complaints of discrimination and harassment.
Litigation: Plaintiff and defendant representation in the litigation of employment and business matters involving Federal and State claims of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, Anti-Slapp suits, breach of contract, software agreements, non-competition agreements, real estate contracts, trade secrets, intellectual property, and others. Responded to the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) charges of discrimination. Propounded and answered discovery. Conducted and defended depositions. Conducted investigations regarding discrimination and harassment. Provided strategic consultation, conducted litigation and motion practice, and provided research, writing and analysis from intake through trial.
Employment Litigation
With deep interest in the value of mediation, Maria developed a precedent-setting mediation program for the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination almost two decades ago. This award-winning tool set the groundwork for mediation as a valid alternative to employment litigation in Massachusetts.