Employment Blog

Sexual Misconduct and the Definition of “Cause”

02/15/2018 | by Brian J. MacDonough and Nancy S. Shilepsky

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Employment Blog

Sexual Misconduct and the Definition of “Cause”

By Brian J. MacDonough and Nancy S. Shilepsky on February 15, 2018

The Balles v. Babcock Power Inc. decision sheds light on whether sexual misconduct constitutes “cause” and provides go-forward guidance to all parties drafting and negotiating (or re-negotiating) “for cause” language in employment and compensation agreements.

In the spring of 2017, before the emergence of the #MeToo movement, the case of Balles v. Babcock Power Inc. was decided in Massachusetts. The case involved a company’s “for cause” termination of an executive upon learning of his sexual conduct with a subordinate. The judge ultimately sided with Eric N. Balles on the issue of “cause” under the stockholder agreement, and ordered the employer to return his stock and pay all dividends.

Click here to read the full article, published on FEI Daily.

 

Brian J. MacDonough – Partner, Employment Department Chair

Brian J. MacDonough, chair of the Employment Department, counsels and represents executives and professionals in sophisticated employment and compensation matters and employment litigation.

Nancy S. Shilepsky – Partner

Nancy S. Shilepsky is a leading influence in the world of executive advocacy, employment law and employment litigation and a partner in Sherin and Lodgen’s Employment Department.