Highlights
Represented several business clients in termination decisions that had security implications for workplace safety
Led an independent investigation for a bank that was sued by an employee for wrongful termination after the employee was fired for alleged sexual harassment; uncovered and thoroughly documented multiple instances of sexual harassment complaints, which led to the successful dismissal of the former employee’s claim on summary judgment
Successfully mediated dispute for a substantial monetary award for a wrongfully terminated executive
Successful resolution of a dispute by a transgendered individual who claimed discrimination by a small business
Successfully mediated dispute for a fair housing complaint based on family status
Successfully mediated dispute regarding multiple complaints based on sex and race discrimination
Regularly represents individuals in connection with terminations and in the negotiation of employment contracts
Represents small businesses in their contracting needs, including sales, distribution and licensing agreements, including collaborating with a senior management team to draft a master distribution agreement for their company’s expansion into international markets
Drafted Evaluation & Option Agreement for client’s assessment of potential new invention
Biography
Marlissa is of counsel to the firm and focuses her practice on employment law.
Marlissa has been practicing law since 1991. She has substantial experience representing individuals and businesses in employment matters. With a focus on resolving disputes before they reach the litigation stage, she brings substantial mediation experience to her practice.
When litigation is inevitable, Marlissa has experience before state and federal courts and agencies in cases involving claims of discrimination and wrongful termination. She regularly advises individuals with respect to employment and severance agreements.
In addition, Marlissa counsels management regarding a broad range of employment practices, such as hiring and termination decisions, employee discipline, personnel policies, wage and hour classifications, and claim investigations.
Honors & Awards
- Kawamura Fellow
Work Experience
- O’Connor, Carnathan and Mack, LLC Of Counsel
- South Coast Almanac, Publisher
- City of Cambridge Executive Director
- Cambridge Human Rights Commission/Executive Secretary
- Cambridge Police Review & Advisory Board
- United States Commission on Civil Rights, Washington, D.C., Attorney/Advisor
- Fitzpatrick and Associates, Washington, D.C., Associate
- Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, New York, New York, Associate
Education
- J.D., Boston College Law School
- B.A., cum laude, Harvard College
Bar Admission
- Massachusetts
- New York
- District of Columbia
Community Involvement
- Arlington Human Rights Commission
- Commissioner, 1999-2017
- Chair, 2002-2003
- Arlington Schools Foundation (formerly Arlington Educational Enrichment Foundation)
- Board Member, 2002-2010
- President, 2006-2008
