Nancy S. Shilepsky is Shilepsky O'Connell Hartley’s co-managing partner. She is an executive advocacy pioneer and a dominant figure and key influence in the fast changing world of employment law. Named first among “Boston’s Best Employment Lawyers” by Boston magazine, Ms. Shilepsky is a precedent-setting champion of the interests of individuals and a trusted counselor for executives throughout their careers. Since 2000, she has been a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. For three consecutive years, Ms. Shilepsky has been listed by Law & Politics/Boston magazine as one of the Top Ten Super Lawyers in Massachusetts and one of the Top 100 Super Lawyers in New England.

Along with co-founding partner H. James Hartley, Ms. Shilepsky built a nationally recognized practice representing executives and professionals across a wide range of industries with regard to complex employment matters involving executive employment, retention, compensation, whistle-blowing and severance. She is also well known for her pioneering work in wrongful termination and discrimination cases, including a high-profile sexual harassment case involving the impact of the First Amendment on workplace speech restrictions, and a precedent-setting case dealing with the eradication of race-based discrimination in compensation.

Ms. Shilepsky has represented employers as well as employees, including in a landmark case involving limitations to the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Based on her expertise and reputation for integrity, she is often called upon to act as an impartial investigator and advisor, and as an expert witness.

Ms. Shilepsky’s many accolades include being named by The National Law Journal as one of the most influential lawyers in Massachusetts (2000). Chambers USA recognized her as the sole “Band One” Massachusetts plaintiff’s employment attorney, quoting sources that describe Ms. Shilepsky’s practice as “the best in town” (2003-2004). She was named a Lawyer of the Year by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly in 1995, and was featured in its 2004 “Power Issue.” In 2005, Ms. Shilepsky was awarded the Kevin Larkin Memorial Award for Public Service by the Massachusetts Bar and Massachusetts Lesbian & Gay Bar Associations. In 2007, Boston University Law School's Women's Law Association presented her with its annual Alumnae Award in honor of her many accomplishments, and in 2009, she was one of only three recipients of MCLE’s Scholar-Mentor Award.

A frequent author and speaker regarding issues of employment law, Ms. Shilepsky’s recent articles include “Avoiding the At Will Doctrine: Three Practical Strategies for Massachusetts Employees and Their Lawyers,” for Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. Ms. Shilepsky co-authored Representing a Plaintiff in a Wrongful Termination Case and is co-editor of Massachusetts Employment Law, both published by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. Ms. Shilepsky has served as Treasurer of the Boston Bar Association and as a member of its Executive Committee, on the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Board of Editors, and on the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education Employment Law Curriculum Advisory Committee. She is also former Chair of the Boston Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Law Section and a current member of the Massachusetts Bar Association Labor & Employment Law Section Council.

Ms. Shilepsky is a graduate of Boston University School of Law and a graduate, magna cum laude, of Tufts University. She is admitted to practice law in the state and federal courts of Massachusetts.

*Prior to contacting any of Shilepsky O'Connell Hartley's attorneys, please carefully review our Legal Disclaimer.