News

Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane, LLP Attorneys Receive Favorable Decision in Motion to Dismiss

 

Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane Attorneys were triumphant after filing a partial motion to dismiss on behalf of their client Easecare, LLC, et al. Attorneys Kevin Freytag and Sarah Spatafore represented the defendant in the case of Kenn v. Easecare, LLC after the plaintiff filed two state law claims and two putative class action claims under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”). The plaintiff alleges that the Disclosure Form she signed upon being hired did not provide a “clear and conspicuous disclosure to job applicants…”, and therefore resulted in a violation of privacy. Upon review of the facts, the District Court ruled in favor of the defendants largely due to the fact that the plaintiff had never announced she was confused by the form or unaware what she was signing, and her complaints to the Court only reference theoretical injuries. Furthermore, the Court stated that her signature on the form undermined any claims made since she had not alleged to misunderstanding the form or the authorization.

 

Ms. Spatafore, a Partner at the firm, practices primarily in the labor and employment area, representing both public and private clients.  Ms. Spatafore also handles education issues. She regularly conducts seminars and training programs on unlawful harassment, preventing discrimination, and a variety of other labor and employment issues.  Ms. Spatafore has completed all the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination-certified “Train-the-Trainer” courses. Ms. Spatafore graduated from Bates College in 2007. She received her Juris Doctor, with Honors, from Boston College Law School in 2012. In law school, Ms. Spatafore interned at the Massachusetts Superior Court. Prior to matriculating with the firm, Ms. Spatafore worked for a presidential campaign as a law clerk and was sent to a targeted swing state to serve as the Election Day Operations Director for the general election.

 

Kevin S. Freytag is a member of the firm’s Litigation practice.  He represents individuals, businesses and municipalities in a wide range of disputes in the areas of construction, labor and employment, land use and real-estate tax. He has also effectively represented clients at the Appellate Tax Board as well as the Massachusetts Appeals Court.  Mr. Freytag received his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School.  He was a member of the Trial Team and earned the honor of 2006 New England National Trial Competition Regional Champion.  Mr. Freytag received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stonehill College.  Before entering private practice, he spent five years working at the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office where he prosecuted countless cases in District and Superior Court.  Mr. Freytag is admitted to practice in all state courts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

Latest News

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ISSUES REVISED TITLE IX REGULATIONS

On April 19, 2024, the United States Department of Education (“DOE”) issued final regulations for Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”). Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. The new regulations go into effect on August 1, 2024, so school districts are encouraged to review their policies and procedures and provide staff training on these new regulations as soon as possible. The final regulations continue to list specific elements that must be included in any policy, such as range of disciplinary actions, standards of evidence, and procedures. The DOE has provided template policies here: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/resource-nondiscrimination-policies.pdf and Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane will be creating model policies and notice letters as well.

Legal Updates

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ISSUES REVISED TITLE IX REGULATIONS

On April 19, 2024, the United States Department of Education (“DOE”) issued final regulations for Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”). Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. The new regulations go into effect on August 1, 2024, so school districts are encouraged to review their policies and procedures and provide staff training on these new regulations as soon as possible. The final regulations continue to list specific elements that must be included in any policy, such as range of disciplinary actions, standards of evidence, and procedures. The DOE has provided template policies here: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/resource-nondiscrimination-policies.pdf and Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane will be creating model policies and notice letters as well.

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