Massachusetts Extends COVID Leave into 2022

September 30, 2021

Late yesterday, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker made it official. Paid COVID leave has been extended to April 1, 2022. The law had been set to expire tomorrow on October 1. All prior portions of the law remain in effect. The law applies to employers of any size and provides for up to 40 hours of paid sick leave for the following reasons:


  • To self-isolate because of the employee’s COVID diagnosis;
  • To obtain medical care or treatment for, or seek a diagnosis of COVID;
  • To obtain or recover from the COVID vaccine;
  • To care for a family member who has COVID or is self-isolating; or
  • To help a family member obtain a vaccine or recover from an injury or illness related to the vaccine.


The law provides a maximum benefit allowance of $850. Wage reimbursement is available to employers that pay out COVID time-off. If the $75 million allocated for this purpose is exhausted at some point in time earlier than April 1, 2022, the law will not longer be in effect. 

If you have any questions about the impact of COVID-19 on the workplace, COVID Paid leave, or other employment issues generally, please do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at The Royal Law Firm at 413-586-2288.

Royal Attorneys Secure Summary Judgment at Massachusetts Appeals Court

December 5, 2025
Our attorneys successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of the Defendant from the Massachusetts Appeals Court in a Wage Act and contract dispute. The Complainant alleged entitlement to a substantial variable compensation award following resignation. We demonstrated that the compensation plan made such awards discretionary and contingent on continued employment at the time of payout. The Appeals Court agreed, finding that the award did not constitute wages under the Wage Act and that the Defendant acted lawfully in denying payment. All claims were dismissed in their entirety.

Amy Royal Named 2025 Super Lawyer!

By The Royal Law Firm • November 5, 2025
Attorney Amy Royal has once again been selected as a Super Lawyer ! As published by Super Lawyers Amy B. Royal is a top-rated attorney, with her firm headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts. Providing legal representation in the New England states and New York, for a variety of different issues, Amy Royal was selected to Super Lawyers for 2014 - 2016, 2019 - 2025. Attorneys like Amy B. Royal are recognized by their peers for their outstanding work and commitment to the spirit of the legal profession. Their knowledge of the law, professional work ethic, and advocacy on behalf of their clients allow them to stand out among other attorneys in the field.