Shepherd Law Group

Jay Shepherd

: 617.439.4200 ext 222

Jay has been protecting employers in and out of court for 15 years, and he's defeated some of the largest law firms in the country. He's nationally known for his expertise in noncompete lawsuits and related business-employment litigation. Jay has defended employers large and small in discrimination cases in state and federal courts, and has helped management solve many labor-relations problems. He has taught seminars to thousands of employees, managers, and other lawyers on employment-law topics from sexual harassment to wage litigation. Jay's married to an employment lawyer at another Boston firm and has two young daughters (who are not employment lawyers). Jay's written a 700-page draft of a legal thriller, which someday he may have time to finish editing.

Check out Jay's award-winning employer blog, Gruntled Employees, named Best HR Law site by Human Resource Executive magazine. Jay also writes The Client Revolution, dedicated to helping clients get value from their law firms.

What others are saying

"One of The Top 100 Lawyers in New England" — Law & Politics Magazine (2008)
"One of The Top 100 Lawyers in Massachusetts" — Law & Politics Magazine (2007)
"Strong recommendations for his expertise in the area of noncompete litigation. Described by one client as 'an absolute rock star,' he is rated for a creative approach and excellent negotiating skills." — Chambers USA Guide to America's Leading Business Lawyers (2005)
"A 'strong lawyer who is really making his way up in this world.' He continues to impress sources for his expertise in the noncompete arena where he always 'cuts to the chase.'" — Chambers USA Guide to America's Leading Business Lawyers (2006)
"Described by peers as 'one of the bright young talents in the field,' suggesting that he was 'deserving of continued recognition.' A regular tip from his peers, he is 'prominent with regards to trade secrets and noncompete.' Sources stated that 'if I have a conflict, he’s my go-to guy.'" — Chambers USA Guide to America's Leading Business Lawyers (2007)
"Known for his litigation in noncompete and discrimination matters, and for being a skilled mediator; he is also valued for his succinct and lucid writing." — Chambers USA Guide to America's Leading Business Lawyers (2009)
"Super Lawyer (top 5% of Massachusetts lawyers)" — Law & Politics Magazine (2006–08)
"Up & Coming Lawyer" (one of five) — Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (2004)
"Noncompete expert" — Lawyers Weekly USA
Rated "AV" (highest rating for legal ability and ethics) — Martindale-Hubbell

Education

Boston College Law School, J.D., cum laude, 1994
Johns Hopkins University, B.A, 1988

Bar Admissions and Associations

Massachusetts, 1994
U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, 1995
U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, 1996
U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, 2007
Supreme Court of the United States, 2000
Boston Bar Association: Cochair, Labor & Employment Steering Committee (2008–10)
Massachusetts Bar Association: Chairman, Employment Law Practice Group (2003-04); Member, Labor & Employment Section Council (2003-06); Chairman, Legal Education, Labor & Employment Section (2004-05)

Written Works

"Noncompete Nonstarters: Avoiding the Seven Biggest Drafting Mistakes," in New England In House, October 2004
Navigating Noncompetes: Ten Tips for In-House Counsel," in Massachusetts Bar Association Section Review, Winter 2002 (coauthor)
Keeping Your Clients Competitive: Practice Points for Breaking Noncompetes" in Massachusetts Bar Association Section Review, Spring 2003 (coauthor)
"The Role of Managers in U.S. Employment Law," in Knower et al., Business Guide USA (Frankfurt, Germany: 2000)
"An Employment Lawyer's Guide to ERISA Preemption," in Wrongful Termination Update (MCLE: 1998 & 1999)
Employee Benefits Law, 2d Ed., 2000 Supp. (ABA: 2000) (contributing author)
"The Hunt for Lemuel Shaw: Commonwealth v. Hunt as a Defense of the Freedom of Contract," 1 Supreme Judicial Court Historical Society Journal 62 (1995) (coauthor)
'Abridge' Too Far: Racial Gerrymandering, the Fifteenth Amendment, and Shaw v. Reno," 14 Boston College Third World Law Journal 337 (1994)

Lectures & Seminars

Faculty, Trial Training for Attorneys from EEOC, MCAD, and five other agencies
Faculty, Massachusetts Bar Association's Annual Labor & Employment Law Spring Conference
Faculty, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education's Annual Labor & Employment Law Conference
Chairs the MBA programs "Making and Breaking Noncompetes" and "Keeping Trade Secrets a Secret."
Faculty, MBA's "Employment Law Basics" program
Repeat guest lecturer at the Boston University School of Hospitality Administration
Frequent lecturer before numerous businesses and organizations, including the Massachusetts Bar Association, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE), the CEO Management Group, and The Executive Committee (TEC)