Practice Areas

Representation in state and federal courts in wrongful discharge and employment discrimination cases, including sexual harassment and disability claims, as well as employment tort claims and employee non competition and trade secret litigation.

Development of FMLA, drug-testing, or anti-violence policies; EEO policies and anti-harassment procedures; and grievance procedures in both union and nonunion environments.

Counseling and drafting of policies and procedures to protect employers from liability for tort or contract claims liability and to preserve "employment-at-will" standards.

Chief negotiator services for both public and private sector clients, including multi-employer groups. For clients who prefer to do their own bargaining, consultations in advance of and during negotiations to determine strategy, draft language and assist in goal accomplishments.

Representation of employers in enforcement actions by OSHA, WISHA and other agencies; counseling of clients in policy and preventive practice development and handling emerging workplace health and safety issues such as workplace violence, liability for contingent workforce and other issues.

Representation of employers in appeals of administrative decisions, premium issues, and advising clients on how to control and reduce their workers compensation expenses.

Active preventive practice in establishing EEO and anti-harassment, anti-retaliation policies, practices and procedures, as well as representing clients in defending charges at the local, state and federal levels before agencies and in the courts.

Guidance and representation with respect to a diverse range of employment law statutes and regulations, including unemployment insurance matters, union relations matters, discrimination matters, safety and health matters, wage and hour questions, and contract proceedings.

Advice and representation in labor arbitration matters, including strategy development, case presentation and legal briefing.

Defense and initiation of complaints in NLRB and PERC proceedings, unfair labor practices cases, Sections 301 and 303 litigation, state and federal court injunctions, jurisdictional disputes.

Development of guidance and materials, including personnel handbooks, employment forms, and other personnel documents to avoid legal problems.

As a preventive measure related to collective bargaining, advice on contingency plans, employee resignation rights, employer communication systems, employer polling and other active strategies.

Advice on how to respond to an organizational campaign, including guidance in structuring the bargaining unit, conducting campaigns, and necessary support litigation.

Discussion and development of effective strategies and practices for union avoidance or decertification.

Development and maintenance of affirmative action plans for government contractors and subcontractors, representation during compliance audits by OFCCP and other agencies, and counseling on women and minority business issues.

Analysis of contract terms, particularly pertaining to pending grievances, with the goal of avoiding arbitration or upholding management decisions.

Seattle Office
800 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4100
Seattle, WA 98104
Telephone: (206) 386-7789

Bellingham Office
Bellingham Towers
119 N Commercial Street, Suite 190
Bellingham, WA 98225
Telephone: (360) 392-3995