Understanding Unemployment Laws & Benefits

Unemployment compensation is a government benefit system that can seem straightforward and basic-but is in fact quite complicated. Lawyers are often asked to assist unemployed workers or employers with unemployment insurance matters. All attorneys who advise clients regarding unemployment insurance, even if only in brief conversations, must know how the unemployment system operates. It is essential and expected that counsel be able to provide useful, accurate information about eligibility, hearings, appeal rights, and other facets of the Massachusetts unemployment insurance system.

This program provides basic information, tips, and strategies needed by new and experienced employment lawyers regarding advising clients at eight key points in the unemployment process. The program is presented from three viewpoints and three experiences: advising employees and former employees; advising employers; and the Department of Unemployment Assistance’s role in administering claims and processing appeals.