Jury Requests Award Increase

In a claim for unpaid wages, Attorney Marwan S. Zubi recently obtained a favorable verdict for four Nicolai Law Group, P.C. clients. They received the full amount they sought -- just over $90,000.

The case concluded after a three-day jury trial. In a scene reminiscent of a Hollywood script, just before delivering its verdict, the jury asked the judge whether they could award Nicolai Law Group’s clients more than they asked for. The judge later noted that in his more than 20 years on the bench, he had never heard a jury ask a question like that.

The judge agreed with Attorney’s Zubi’s contention that the employer’s failure to pay the wages owed was “outrageous” and in reckless disregard of the employees’ rights. As a result, the judge exercised his discretion and tripled the amount awarded by the jury.

Because it was a wage case, Nicolai Law Group’s clients were also allowed to recover reasonable attorney fees. Finding the firm’s rates “very reasonable” and that nearly all the 392.35 hours billed were spent fairly, the judge awarded more than 97 percent of the fees requested. The judge also found reasonable all the disbursements charged, awarding those as well.

Attorney Zubi has been Senior Attorney with Nicolai Law Group since 1994. His practice focuses primarily on civil litigation of business and employment disputes. He has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation, arbitration and mediation. He has extensive experience in various areas of law including business, employment, construction, commercial law and contracts. He has had successful jury and bench trials in state and federal courts. He also practices before administrative agencies and the American Arbitration Association.

Attorney Zubi was named a “Massachusetts Super Lawyer Rising Star” in Boston Magazine and one of the “Top 10 Lawyers Under 40” by BusinessWest. He has completed an advanced seminar series on trial techniques with Honorable William G. Young, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Attorney Zubi is admitted to practice in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and New Hampshire. He received his law degree cum laude from Western New England College School of Law in 1994.

Nicolai Law Group represents businesses and their owners in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York and Washington, D.C. Its philosophy emphasizes preventive law to maximize business results through the appropriate use of professional talent. It prides itself on prompt and responsive service that gets the job done.

Attorney Zubi can be reached at 413.272.2000, ext. 226 or by email.

Information on results in previous cases does not mean similar results may be had in the future. Each case varies. The result in any matter will depend on the specific facts and the law at that time.