Patrick L. Parker

Massachusetts

Spruce Law
35 New England Business Ctr Dr
Suite 220
Andover, MA 01810

Tel: 978-296-3025

Email: pparker@sprucelawllc.com
Web: www.sprucelawllc.com

Professional Biography

Patrick Parker is the Managing Partner of Spruce Law, a leading Massachusetts based employment law boutique.

Patrick is a seasoned attorney that brings a wealth of legal and corporate experience to Spruce Law’s employment law practice. His business acumen and entrepreneurial mindset are vital for providing practical, goal-oriented, and cost-effective legal advice.

Throughout his career, Patrick has encountered a wide range of employment law matters, providing him with comprehensive exposure on ideal ways to approach nuanced, thorny, and complex legal challenges. Patrick provides employment defense representation on a range of issues and claims, including discrimination and harassment, medical leave, paid family and medical leave, disability, wage and hour, wrongful termination, whistle-blower, non-compete, independent contractor, and workplace performance.

Patrick has also led numerous high-stakes internal investigations into allegations of misconduct, harassment, and significant wrongful and inappropriate workplace behaviors. His meticulous approach ensures that investigations are conducted thoroughly, promptly, and impartially, meeting legal and regulatory obligations. Patrick has advised senior executives on complex issues with an eye aimed at mitigating risks and avoiding regulatory actions and litigation. 

Patrick has held a series of roles throughout his legal career, beginning with clerkships in the Connecticut Appellate Court and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. He subsequently served as senior associate at Clifford Chance LLP in New York, where he oversaw complex litigation matters.

Patrick transitioned to in-house roles, becoming Vice President at Merrill Lynch & Co. and later Counsel to UBS Americas Inc. His tenure at UBS saw him rise to the positions of Chief of Staff and Managing Director, where he provided strategic legal and operational support to senior management.

Admissions

  • Massachusetts
  • Connecticut
  • New York

Education

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, MBA
  • Northeastern University School of Law, JD
  • Southern Connecticut State University, BS

Areas of Practice

Terminations, Layoffs, RIFs
At Spruce Law, we provide comprehensive guidance and support for terminations, layoffs, and reductions in force (RIFs). Our team ensures compliance with all applicable laws and helps manage the process smoothly to minimize business disruption and potential litigation risks. We work closely with clients to develop strategies that align with their business goals while ensuring fair and lawful practices.

Releases & Severance Agreements
Spruce Law specializes in crafting clear and effective releases and severance agreements. We aim to protect our clients’ interests while providing fair terms for departing employees. Our expertise helps ensure that these agreements are legally sound, reducing the risk of future disputes and fostering amicable separations.

Workplace Investigations
When workplace misconduct allegations arise, Spruce Law conducts prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations. We gather and analyze facts to provide employers with clear, actionable findings. Our goal is to help clients understand what happened and recommend steps to prevent future issues, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment.

Employment Litigation Defense
Spruce Law offers robust defense against employment-related claims, minimizing business disruption and expense. We provide strategic, practical options for early dispute resolution, including negotiations and alternative dispute resolution. When litigation is necessary, our experienced attorneys advocate vigorously to protect our clients’ interests.

Workplace Misconduct
Addressing workplace misconduct is crucial for maintaining a healthy work environment. At Spruce Law, we assist employers in handling misconduct issues effectively and lawfully. Our services include investigations, advising on remedial measures, and implementing policies to prevent future occurrences.

Assessment for Claims of Wrongful Termination & Employment Discrimination
Spruce Law provides thorough assessments for claims of wrongful termination and employment discrimination. Our team evaluates the merits of each claim, offering strategic advice on risk management and defense options. We aim to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting our clients’ reputations and interests.

Manager & Employee Training
Preventive training is essential for a compliant and productive workplace. Spruce Law develops customized training programs for managers and employees on various employment law topics. Our interactive sessions are designed to be practical and engaging, helping to prevent legal issues before they arise.

Employment & Consultant Agreements
Spruce Law drafts and reviews employment and consultant agreements tailored to our clients’ needs. We ensure that these agreements are comprehensive and legally compliant, protecting our clients’ interests and fostering positive working relationships.

Noncompetition Agreements
Spruce Law is adept at drafting and enforcing noncompetition agreements to protect our clients’ competitive interests. We provide strategic advice on the scope and enforceability of these agreements, helping clients safeguard their business assets and proprietary information.

Pay Equity & Equity Audits
Ensuring pay equity is not just a legal requirement but also a business imperative. Spruce Law conducts thorough pay equity and equity audits to help clients comply with federal and state laws. We provide actionable insights and recommendations to promote fairness and transparency in compensation practices.

Employee Policies, Procedures & Handbooks
Spruce Law assists clients in developing and updating employee policies, procedures, and handbooks. Our goal is to ensure that these documents are clear, comprehensive, and compliant with current laws. We help clients create a framework that supports a positive workplace culture and reduces the risk of legal issues.

Performance Improvement Plans
When performance issues arise, Spruce Law helps employers implement effective performance improvement plans (PIPs). We guide clients through the process of setting clear expectations and providing support to employees, aiming to enhance performance and address issues constructively.