Legal Question in Employment Law in Massachusetts

I am a Paralegal, 21 years old, and have an Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies, from the local Community College. I got a job offer for a trial week as a Paralegal/Receptionist position at a local law office, in Salem,MA. However, I am being paid at $9.00 per hour, I have no previous experience other than my internship at the local Neighborhood Legal Services. I am currently working part-time at $9.00per hour and in a trial period until the end of February. Besides the fact that this is not what I expected to be getting paid at all, the Attorneys have agreed (IF they hire me) at the end of the (SECOND) trial period, that they would pay me at $10.00 per hour and make me full-time, with NO benefits. Is it legal to not provide a full time employee with no benefits? I was working at a Warehouse,as a typist, and I was getting paid $11.00 per hour and had two weeks paid vacation and other benefits such as health insurance, 401K and so on..


Asked on 2/06/10, 1:55 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Warren Wood Law Offices of Warren Wood

In any job market (this one is tough and highly competitive.), an entry level position (particularly at a small firm) may require that you "get your foot in the door" and gain experience.

If you are very good and focused, you should rapidly gain invaluable experience (Don't forget to join professional organizations and network.) and dramaticly increase your salary and benefits. Patience, competance, politcal savvy, personal "people skills", and knowledge will advance you further than impatience, a marginal attitude, and relying strictly on the "law" to define your future in a career as a para legal or lawyer! Good Luck!

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Answered on 2/16/10, 6:35 am


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