BREAKING NEWS: Gordon Law Group Defeats Deval Patrick and Commonwealth, Winning $1.3M Verdict for Saundra Edwards (November 4, 2022) (View Article)
1st Circuit Reopens Door to $11.0M Severance Package for Gordon Law Group Client (February 17, 2021) (View Article)
“Fish rots from the head down,” Gordon dresses down Brockton Mayor (January 21, 2018) (View Article)
Brockton Facing $45.6M punitive damages from Lopes class action brought by Gordon Law Group, and Mayoral candidate calls for removal of Maureen Cruise (October 3, 2017) (View Article)
From Judge James Lang (June 22, 2023):
“The Court observed first-hand what it considered to be an exceptional performance by Attorneys Gordon and Flam during the extensive pretrial motion practice and the eight-day trial. They were exceedingly well-prepared on the facts and the law. In the court’s view, given the formidable legal talent and experience of the three lawyers who opposed them, plaintiff’s counsel would not have prevailed had their performance in all respects not been first rate.”
The founding partner of Gordon Law Group, LLP, Philip is recognized as one of the top employment lawyers in the nation by Best Lawyers, and as one of the “Top 100 Lawyers in New England” by Super Lawyers. He is among the most experienced and well-regarded employment attorneys in Boston and beyond.
Judges have noticed, too.
“outstanding legal work on behalf of the class” – Judge Christopher Barry-Smith, November 18, 2022.
“extraordinary skill displayed in this litigation”– Judge Daniel O’Shea, December 8, 2020.
“considerable experience, reputation and ability” – Judge Michael K. Callan, May 31, 2017.
“extensive experience and success” – Judge Robert C. Cosgrove, July 11, 2016.
“eminently qualified” – Judge Bonnie MacLeod, June 29, 2015.
Philip’s clients know him for his personal touch, crafting tailored approaches with their best interests in mind. And, as a trusted advisor to senior executives in high-stakes matters nationwide, he regularly guides his clients through the most complex employment matters and through every phase of the employment relationship – from negotiating employment agreements and equity grants, to managing position changes and investigations, to handling complex severance arrangements, and ultimately to prosecuting complex litigation and arbitration.
Philip also skillfully advocates for older workers, women, minorities and low wage workers who have been discriminated or retaliated against, wrongfully terminated, harassed, or denied fair pay and accommodation requests.
He is frequently invited to testify before the Massachusetts House and Senate concerning employment legislation, and has authored and contributed to numerous articles and books on employment law, litigation and ethics.
As part of the firm’s class action work, Philip has represented thousands of employees in actions against Wal-Mart, Federal Express, BJs, Ryder and other large employers.
He and his partners have made prevailing in high-stakes litigation cases both at trial and on appeal a hallmark of their practice, and they have been recognized among the very best in the profession.
Featured Speaker at Harvard Business School’s Our Aging Market Grand Forum (May 8, 2023) (View Article)
Keynote Presentation at MCLE’s 25th Annual Employment Law Conference (December 2, 2022) (View Article)
Harvard Law School: Philip served as a invited judge in the Harvard Law School First-Year Ames Moot Court Program (April 14, 2022)
Can you top this sky high Father’s Day surprise gift from 1978? (View Article)
Practice Areas
Philip is a trusted employment litigator, trial lawyer and advisor.
Philip and his firm have extensive experience representing some of the nation’s most senior executives in all aspects of the employment relationship – from negotiating executive employment contracts, equity packages, severance provisions, acceleration clauses, non-competition provisions, benefits and bonuses at the front end of the employment relationship, to prosecuting some of the most complex litigation and arbitration at the back end. He is widely regarded for his adept handling of the most confidential matters for his clients, and his keen understanding of the full picture makes him one of their most trusted advisors.
In addition to his work with individuals, Philip represents workers in complex class actions against major companies. He also represents construction workers in prevailing wage and overtime cases, wait staff in wage and tip theft cases, hourly workers in minimum wage and overtime cases, and a landmark group of workers in groundbreaking discrimination cases. He believes that when workers band together, almost anything is possible.
Philip regularly acts as lead counsel in federal and state court bench and jury trials, as well as arbitrations and other direct and facilitated dispute resolution forums.
Philip also frequently works with advocacy organizations on large public interest matters, bringing much-needed class action experience to devastating discrimination and wage abuses.
What Others are Saying
(prior to 2005 available upon request)
Best Lawyers in America, 2016-2023 (inclusion based entirely on peer review; Best Lawyers is the oldest and most highly-respected peer review guide to the legal profession worldwide) (View Article)
Massachusetts Super Lawyer, recognized among the Top 100 Attorneys across all practice areas in New England (View Article), and continuously recognized generally every year since its first publication, 2004-2023 (recognizing the top 5% of the lawyers in Massachusetts, across all practice areas; joint edition of Law & Politics and Boston Magazine) (View Article)
40 Under 40 Award Recipient, 2006 by Boston Business Journal
National Employment Lawyers’ Association
(prior to 2005 available upon request)
Past President, Massachusetts Employment Lawyers Association (View MELA Website) (affiliate of the National Employment Lawyers Association) (2010 – 2012).
Chair, Legislative Committee of the Massachusetts Employment Lawyers Association, Massachusetts Chapter (2008 – present).
Chair, Wage & Hour Committee of the Massachusetts Employment Lawyers Association, Massachusetts Chapter (2006 – present).
Panelist, Class Actions After Dukes & Genesis HealthCare Corp.: The Ongoing Attack On Representative Testimony In Class Actions,” NELA 2014 National Convention (June 25-28, 2014) (View Article)
Author, amicus brief on behalf of the National Employment Lawyers’ Association (Massachusetts Chapter), Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) and the National Employment Law Project (NELP), Don DiFiore & Others v. American Airlines, First Circuit Court of Appeals, Nos. 10-1108, 10-1167 and 10-1264 (August 27, 2010) – regarding the mandatory treble damages provision of the Wage Act.
Co-Author, amicus brief on behalf of the National Employment Lawyers’ Association (Massachusetts Chapter), Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS), Centro Presente, Chelsea Collaborative, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (MassCOSH), Massachusetts Jobs with Justice (JwJ), Metrowest Immigrant Worker Center (MWIWC), Project Voice, American Friends Service Committee, and National Employment Law Project (NELP), Don DiFiore & Others v. American Airlines, Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, SJC-10313 (April 3, 2009) – regarding class action rules in wage and hour cases and retroactivity of the mandatory treble damages provision of the Wage Act (View Article)
Author, amicus brief on behalf of the National Employment Lawyers’ Association, (Massachusetts Chapter), Electronic Data Systems Corp. v. Attorney General, Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, SJC-10260 (October 24, 2008) – regarding the treatment of vacation time as wages (View Article)
Co-Author, amicus brief on behalf of the National Employment Lawyers’ Association (Massachusetts Chapter), Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS), Brazilian Immigrant Center (BIC), Centro Presente, Chelsea Collaborative, Chinese Progressive Association (CPA), Irish Immigration Center (IIC), Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (MassCOSH), Massachusetts Jobs with Justice (JwJ), Metrowest Immigrant Worker Center (MWIWC), Project Voice, American Friends Service Committee, and National Employment Law Project (NELP), Salvas v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, SJC-10108 (April 28, 2008) – regarding the use of class action rules in wage and hour cases (View Article)
Co-Author, amicus brief on behalf of the National Employment Lawyers’ Association (Massachusetts Chapter), Eigerman v. Putnam Investments, SJC-09854 (Nov. 5, 2007) – regarding the covenant of good faith and fair dealing in employment contracts (View Article)
Recent Lectures / Panels / Government Testimony
MCLE Keynote presentation by Philip Gordon at 25th Annual Employment Law Conference (December 2, 2022) (View Article)
Harvard University, Mock Trial Competition (November 12-13, 2022). Philip Gordon and Elizabeth Rogers served as Judges in the Harvard university Mock Trial competition featuring 20 teams from schools across the nation.
(prior to 2005 available upon request)
Philip is a frequent lecturer and panelist on employment law, litigation and ethics. Below is a selection of recent and some upcoming appearances:
Co-Chair, “Class Actions” panel at the “37th Annual Labor and Employment Law Spring Conference,” Massachusetts Bar Association (May 6, 2016) (View Article)
Testimony on proposed changes to noncompetition laws before the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development (Massachusetts House and Senate) (July 18, 2014)
Panelist, “Class Actions After Dukes & Genesis HealthCare Corp.: The Ongoing Attack On Representative Testimony In Class Actions,” NELA 2014 National Convention (June 25-28, 2014) (View Article)
Panelist, “Handling Workplace Challenges at Small Companies & Startups,” Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (May 23, 2011) (View Article)
Panelist, “FLSA Update: Classifying Employees Under the FLSA’s Administrative Exemption: Are You Flirting With Disaster?” Boston Bar Association (April 27, 2011) (View Article)
Testimony on proposed “Employee Protection Act” hearings on S.726 before the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development (Massachusetts House and Senate) (October 28, 2009)
Panelist, “Redefining Employment Relationship in a Recessionary Market,” Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (October 1, 2010)
Lecturer, “Negotiating Employment Relationships,” Yale University School of Management, Entrepreneurship Group (April 29, 2009)
Lecturer, “‘Win-win’ – Negotiating the Employment Relationship for Success, with Philip Gordon,” Harvard Business School Alumni Association (March 24, 2009) (View Article)
Panelist, “Litigating Wage & Hour Class Actions,” Boston Bar Association (March 18, 2009) (View Article)
Lecturer, “Compensation Law in the Pharmacy,” Annual Fall Health Care Symposium, presented by Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (October 30, 2008) (View Article)
Panelist, “Wage and Hour Issues for the Complex Workplace,” Boston Bar Association (May 28, 2008) (View Article)
Chair, “Wage and Hour Issues,” a panel plenary lecture to the New England Regional Conference of the National Employment Lawyers Association (May 9, 2008)
Lecturer, “Salary Negotiations: Aligning Your Interests – and Lining Your Pockets, with Philip Gordon,” Harvard Business School Alumni Association (February 25, 2008) (View Article)
Lecturer, “Salesforce Compensation: Wage and Hour Laws from the Employee’s Perspective,” Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (December 11, 2007)
Lecturer, “Wage Laws: What Every Employee Needs to Know,” Urban League of Greater Boston (2007-2008).
Testimony on proposed “Act Further Regulating Employee Compensation” hearings on S.1059 and H.4663, before the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development (Massachusetts House and Senate) (2007)
Testimony on elder affairs before the Health and Human Services Committee (Massachusetts House and Senate) (February 15, 2007)
Guest Speaker, “How to Guide a Constituent through a Wage Complaint: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations,” sponsored by Senator Thomas McGee, Senate Chair of Labor & Workforce Development (February 6, 2006)
Keynote Speaker, Lowell Workers’ Forum (January 10, 2006)
Moderator, Boston City Council Citywide Candidates Forum (featuring 7 of 8 candidates for office, including the incumbent Council President) (October 11, 2005)
Keynote Speaker, “It’s Not Just the Money”, at a meeting of the 128 Innovation Capital Group (September 8, 2005); presentation co-authored with Neil Wallack, founding General Partner, Vision Media Investors
Testimony on proposed “Act to Protect Employees from Unscrupulous Employers”; hearings on S. 928 and H. 3775, before the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development (Massachusetts House and Senate) (June 15, 2005)
Lecturer, “Corporate Growth” at Technion University – Israel Institute of Technology, Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Management (January 2005, Haifa, Israel)
Recent Publications
(prior to 2005 available upon request)
Below is a selection of recent publications:
Philip J. Gordon (Co-Author), MCLE: Massachusetts Employment Law (MCLE 2008-2017) (View Article)
Philip J. Gordon (Co-Author), MCLE: Massachusetts Wage And Hour Treatise (MCLE 2008-2017) (View Article)
Philip J. Gordon (Author), “Massachusetts Employment Law: Strategies for Both Sides,” Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (August 14, 2013) (View Article)
Philip J. Gordon, Retroactive Application of Wage Act Amendment is Fair, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (June 15, 2009)
Philip J. Gordon, Wage Legislation Meets Needs of Employees and Employers, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (May 5, 2008)
Philip J. Gordon, Earned Wage Legislation is Good for Bay State Businesses, Mass High Tech (March 10, 2008) (View Article)
Philip J. Gordon (Chapter Author), Salesforce Compensation: Wage and Hour Laws from the Employee’s Perspective, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (December 2007) (View Article)
Philip J. Gordon, Aligning Interests Improve Chances for VC Success, Boston Business Journal (October 14-20, 2005) (View Article)
Philip J. Gordon (Managing Partner, Gordon Law Group, LLP) and Keith D. Bilezerian (Chair, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Practice Group; Day, Berry & Howard LLP), Aligning Interests Critical for Biz Growth; Develop Strategic Compensation Techniques, Mass High Tech (August 29, 2005) (View Article)
Philip J. Gordon, Directorships: Pot of Gold or Career Pothole?, Mass High Tech (December 29, 2004) (View Article)
Philip J. Gordon, Angels Must Be Aware of Legal Hazards Inherent in Investing, Boston Business Journal (March 5-11, 2004) (View Article)
Recently Quoted or Featured In
“Fish rots from the head down,” Gordon dresses down Brockton Mayor. (View Article)
WBZ’s Kendall Buhl interviews Gordon about Matt Lauer and sexual harassment in the workplace and the issues particular to executives (November 29, 2017) (Listen)
The Washington Post quotes Gordon on the employment ramifications of Weinstein allegations (October 20, 2017) (View Article)
Brockton Facing $45.6M punitive damages from Lopes class action brought by Gordon Law Group, and Mayoral candidate calls for removal of Maureen Cruise (October 3, 2017) (View Article)
Enterprise News reports on breaking news of decision by Judge REJECTING Brockton’s attorney’s plea to overturn $4M jury verdict won by Gordon and Rodgers (June 26, 2017) (View Article)
(prior to 2005 available upon request)
“Fish rots from the head down,” Gordon explains. (January 21, 2018) (View Article)
WBZ’s Kendall Buhl interviews Gordon about Matt Lauer and sexual harassment in the workplace and the issues particular to executives (November 29, 2017) (Listen)
Gordon quoted in the Washington Post on the employment ramifications of Weinstein allegations (View Article)
Channel 5 Investigates features Philip Gordon and Elizabeth Rodgers, along with their client Russell Lopes to discuss the $4.05M jury verdict they obtained (February 17, 2017) (View Article)
Lawyers Weekly, Patrick Murphy, “Renewed push vowed for beefed up wage theft bill” (October 13, 2016) (View Article)
Boston Globe, Dan Adams, “Amazon fired dozens of Boston-area drivers – some think illegally” (October 12, 2016) (View Article)
The Crimson, Meg P. Berhard, “Former Professor Suing University Granted Tenure at Tufts” (April 3, 2015) (View Article)
Boston Globe, Justine Hofherr, “Low Income Managers May Start Getting Paid for Overtime” (February 19, 2015) (View Article)
“Former CVS Pharmacist Urges Company’s Employees to Learn about the New ‘Opt-Out’ Option in Their Training Modules” (November 7, 2014) (View Article)
Boston Globe, Marcella Bombardieri, “Harvard Professor Challenges School’s Denial of Tenure” (June 13, 2014) (View Article)
ABC Boston, Karen Anderson, “Harvard University Professor Sues Over Denied Tenure” (April 29, 2014) (View Article)
Huffington Post, Tyler Kingkade, “Harvard Accused of Retaliating Against Professor Who Defended Sexual Assault Survivors” (April 17, 2014) (View Article)
HealthLeaders Media, Lena J. Weiner, “Should Healthcare Workers be Tested for Nicotine?” (March 24, 2014) (View Article)
Boston Globe, Todd Wallack, “MBTA nears antibias agreement with US regulators” (January 14, 2014) (View Article)
Providence Journal, Karen Lee Ziner, “Garbage Truck Workers from R.I. to Rally at Mass. Firm They Sued Over Pay” (June 8, 2013) (View Article)
Slate Magazine, Emily Yoffe, “I lied about my degree on my résumé for years—and now I’ve been found out,” Dear Prudence (April 18, 2013) (View Article)
The We Party, Chaz Bolte, “Providence Waste Services Workers Seek Up to a Decade of Prevailing Wage Back Pay” (August 27, 2013)
Lawyers Weekly, Kimberly Atkins, “Supreme Court again takes hard look at class actions” (July 19, 2012) (View Article)
Lawyers Weekly, Al Turco, “Personnel records law poses continuing challenges” (November 23, 2011) (View Article)
Boston.com, Elaine Varelas “Travel Expenses on the job – who should have to pay?” (March 16, 2011) (View Article)
Lawyers Weekly, “Lawyer files class action over improperly installed birth control devices” (August 23, 2010) (View Article)
Noah Bierman, “New workplace complaint against T: Focuses on treatment of hispanics and women,” Boston Globe (February 11, 2010) (View Article)
Noah Bierman, “Hispanic and female workers at MBTA file discrimination complaint,” Boston Globe (February 10, 2010) (View Article)
Noah Bierman, “Minority grievances at T are to be reviewed: Transportation agency for Mass. steps into fray,” Boston Globe (February 4, 2010) (View Article)
Julia Reischel, “Getting in on the (class) action,” Lawyers Weekly (September 14, 2009)
Thomas E. Egan and Julia Reischel, “Skycaps win Wage Act appeal over tips,” Lawyers Weekly (August 10, 2009)
Eric T. Berkman, “Fired worker owed used vacation days,” Lawyers Weekly (June 22, 2009)
Karen Lee Ziner, “Workers hail ‘partial justice’ with settlement,” Providence Journal (November 19, 2008) (View Article)
Jesse Noyes, “Communication key for calming employee fears,” Boston Business Journal (October 24, 2008) (View Article)
Correy Stephenson, “Workplace Bullying Suits on the Horizon,” Lawyers USA (October 15, 2008) (View Article)
Lisa van der Pool, “Downturn has laid-off workers calling lawyers,” Boston Business Journal (May 2, 2008) (View Article)
Lisa van der Pool, “Bullies beware: Employees have more options — including court — to confront bad bosses,” Boston Business Journal (August 15, 2008) (View Article)
Jesse Greenspan, “Mass. Gov. Allows Triple Damages Bill To Become Law,” Employment Law 360 (April 17, 2008)
Sacha Pfeiffer, “Pay violations will trigger new penalties,” Boston Globe (April 15, 2008) (View Article)
Kyle Cheney, “Gov allows triple damages to become law, despite his own objections,” State House News Service (April 14, 2008) (View Article)
Steve LeBlanc (Associated Press), “Dems, Patrick clash on requiring triple damages for unpaid wages,” Boston Globe & Boston Herald (March 3, 2008) (View Article)
Donna Goodison, “Staples workers file lawsuit on overtime,” Boston Herald (October 17, 2007)
Greg Turner, “Staples employee sues for overtime pay: Class action status sought in allegations,” MetroWest Daily News (October 11, 2007) (View Article)
Eve Tahmincioglu, “Watch your step – pay-docking ahead,” MSNBC (June 15, 2007) (View Article)
Ryan McBride, “Sole-investor model ultimately sank Therion,” Mass High Tech (December 18, 2006) (View Article)
Chuck Green, “Study finds considerable worker concern over flu,” Boston Business Journal (November 17, 2006) (View Article)
Jay Fitzgerald, “Triple-damage wage bill passes: Romney silent on tougher lawsuit rules,” Boston Herald (September 1, 2006)
Yvonne Abraham, “Bill would override SJC wage ruling,” Boston Globe (August 25, 2005) (View Article)
Recent Television and Radio Appearances
(prior to 2005 available upon request)
FOX – Jacqui Heinrich interviews Philip Gordon for feature story, “Man Loses Job Opportunity After Threatening Remarks on Dating App” (August 4, 2016) (View Video)
MSNBC – Ronan Farrow Daily – Philip Gordon and Dr. Kimberly Theidon interview with Ronan Farrow (May 5, 2014) (View Video)
ABC Boston – Team 5 Investigates – Philip Gordon, Elizabeth Rodgers and Dr. Kimberly Theidon interview with Karen Anderson (April 29, 2014) (View Video)
FOX – Maria Stephanos interviews Philip Gordon to discuss lying on resumes (March 6, 2014) (View Video)
WBZ News – Interview with Christina Hager (December 21, 2010) (View Video)
Fox News – Interview with Maria Stephanos (November 26, 2010) (View Video)
WTAG – Jordan Levy, “The Jordan Levy Show” WBZ – Paul Sullivan, “The Paul Sullivan Show” WBIX – Barry Armstrong, “Money Matters” WBSM – Pete Braley, “Mornings with Pete Braley” WPEP – “Hometown” WBNW – Gina Ghioldi, “The Brass Ring”
Experience
After his judicial clerkship to Justice Charles Fried of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, Philip served in the following capacities before founding Gordon Law Group:
WilmerHale LLP (formerly Hale and Dorr LLP) – Associate, Corporate Department
GenuOne, Inc. – General Counsel and Executive Vice President. GenuOne was one of the world’s leading anti-counterfeiting companies. It was acquired by OpSec Security, traded on the London Stock Exchange
Community / Pro Bono Work
American Bar Association, Committee on Federal Labor Standards Legislation
National Employment Lawyers Association, Class Action Committee
Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), Board Member
Wage and Hour Project of the Volunteer Lawyers Project, Member, Senior Partners for Justice
Maccabi Games 2004, Chairman of Hockey
Education and Clerkships
Judicial Clerkship
Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts – Judicial Law Clerk to Justice Charles Fried
Suffolk University Law School - J.D.
Suffolk University Law Review, Technical Editor
Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Team
First Place, Northeast Law Schools Regional Competition
Represented the United States in the International Championship
Bowdoin College - B.A.
Dean’s List
Read What Judges Say About Us
extraordinary skill displayed in this litigation
Judge Daniel O'Shea
impressive scholarly expertise
Judge Joseph F. Leighton, Jr.
extensive experience and success in the realm of class action lawsuits
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