Jeffrey T. Collins

Overview

Jeffrey Collins is an experienced trial lawyer and litigator who represents management in all aspects of employment law, including advice, counseling and litigation in state and federal courts, as well as before administrative agencies. Jeff’s practice involves working closely with clients to provide practical advice on hiring, discipline, termination, personnel policies, discrimination, retaliation, leave, contract disputes, and wage and hour compliance. 

When litigation and trial are unavoidable, Jeff brings his considerable courtroom experience to bear and provides zealous representation and advocacy on behalf of his clients. Jeff also works with employers to conduct internal investigations and provide comprehensive workplace trainings.

Prior to joining Morgan, Brown & Joy, Jeff served with distinction for 18 years as an Assistant Attorney General in Massachusetts where he tried numerous cases to verdict in state and federal courts, and argued appeals in appellate courts of the Commonwealth. Most recently, he served as the Deputy Chief of the Government Bureau’s Trial Division, where he was responsible for the handling and supervision of some of the most complex, high profile cases at the Attorney General’s Office. 

Jeff has also taught litigation and trial advocacy for years at the National Attorneys General Training & Research Institute. Jeff also previously served as Legal Counsel and Senior Policy Analyst to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Joint Committee on Commerce & Labor.

Jeff teaches trial advocacy with the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, and has served as an adjunct professor teaching Federal Courts at Suffolk University Law School. For two decades, Jeff served as an Intelligence Analyst and Officer in the United States Navy Reserve, and is a veteran of the Iraq War. 

Jeff has extensive experience advocating for and defending his clients. A sampling of his recent work includes:

• Obtained a verdict for employer and management clients after 2-week jury trial in Superior Court involving claims of retaliation and intentional interference with employment contract. 
• Obtained a verdict for employer client after 2-week jury trial in Superior Court involving claims of age discrimination by two employees. 
• Obtained a verdict for employer client after 4-day jury trial in Superior Court on claims of retaliation by employee who alleged that his reduction in force termination was pretext for complaining about conditions of employment. 
• Successfully defended employer clients in 3-day and 4-day bench trials in Superior Court in breach of employment contract actions by employees.
• Prevailed before the Massachusetts Appeals Court on behalf of employer client in a case involving a breach of employment contract claim by a long-term employee, obtaining a decision affirming the lower court’s dismissal on summary judgment.
• Successfully defended public sector clients in U.S. Department of Justice investigations.