Washington Supreme Court Expands Exposure Under Pay-Transparency Law for Retail and Hospitality Employers
In September 2025, the Washington Supreme Court issued a significant decision interpreting Washington’s pay-transparency statute, RCW 49.58.110, part of the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA). In Branson v. Washington Fine Wine & Spirits, LLC, 5 Wash. 3d 289, 574 P.3d 1031 (2025), the Court held that an individual qualifies as a “job applicant” entitled...
Four Attorneys Promoted to Of Counsel Across Portland and Seattle Offices
Williams Kastner announces the promotions of Brad Hill, Greg Reinert, Brad Schlesinger, and Ashley Shearer to Of Counsel. Each was elevated from Senior Associate in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the firm and our clients. Three of the promoted attorneys are based in the firm’s Portland office, and one is located in Seattle. “These...
When Performance Problems Arise: Four Documentation Tips That Matter
Employees are the backbone of any organization, but even the best hiring processes do not guarantee a perfect fit every time. When performance issues arise, proper documentation becomes essential. Clear, timely records not only support fair decision‑making but also ensure that disciplinary or termination decisions can withstand scrutiny. The following provides a practical framework for...
Washington Advances Bills Regulating Employer Use of AI and Electronic Monitoring
Despite federal discouragement of state-level regulation of artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, AI regulation in various domains, including the workplace, remains a top priority for Washington lawmakers. The Washington Legislature began its 2026 Regular Session on January 12, 2026, which is scheduled to run for 60 days through March 12, 2026. Below are two examples—HB 2144...
April 23, 2026 @ 9:30 am
Webinar: Managing Risk in the Modern Workplace – A Labor & Employment Law Update
Virtual via ZoomYou are invited to join Williams Kastner’s Labor and Employment team for a complimentary webinar on Thursday, April 23rd, focused on helping employers manage workplace risk. This session is designed for corporate counsel, business owners, and HR managers, and will address key legal issues affecting your organization. Managing Risk in the Modern Workplace will cover:...
Balancing Mission and Compliance: How Recent Ninth Circuit Rulings Affect Employers with Religious Mission and Religious Employees
Washington’s religious‑accommodation landscape is shifting in two distinct directions. In what is likely to be one of the most important religious freedom cases of the year, the Ninth Circuit in Union Gospel Mission v. Brown, No. 24-7246 (9th Cir., 2026) continued the trend of expanding constitutional protections for religious employers, holding that Washington cannot apply...
Williams Kastner Announces Promotion of Max Glasson and Board Elections of Eliot Harris and Jeff Wells
Williams Kastner is pleased to announce that, effective January 1, 2026, Max Glasson will be promoted from Of Counsel to Member and Eliot Harris and Jeff Wells will be elected to the firm’s Board of Directors. “These promotions reflect the hard work and contributions Max, Eliot, and Jeff bring every day. We’re looking forward to...
Upcoming Changes to Washington’s Fair Chance Act (RCW 49.94)
Amendments to Washington’s Fair Chance Act will become effective in 2026. The changes will further restrict an employer’s ability to seek or rely upon an employee or applicant’s criminal record. Key Takeaways for Employers – Five Major Updates: Employers may not obtain information about an applicant’s criminal record until the employer determines the applicant is...
Getting Back To Basics: Employers Must Tread Carefully To Avoid Exposure
It’s Time to Get Back To Basics: With fewer than two months before the completion of the first year of Donald Trump’s presidency, and in an age of uncertainty caused by the issuance of multiple executive orders, which purport to roll back programs at the federal level, including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion measures, it is...
Williams Kastner Welcomes Brent Elswick to the Firm’s Seattle Office
Williams Kastner is pleased to welcome Brent Elswick as a Member in the firm’s Seattle office. Brent brings nearly 15 years of experience advising businesses and individual clients on corporate, transactional, and general business law matters, with a particular emphasis on aviation law. His practice includes representing clients in the purchase, sale, lease, and financing...
Williams Kastner Earns National and Regional Recognition in 2026 Best Law Firms® Rankings
Williams Kastner has been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®, achieving national and regional rankings across multiple practice areas. The firm is noted for its comprehensive legal services and strong regional presence in the Pacific Northwest. National Rankings: Williams Kastner received National Tier 3 rankings in Environmental Law, Litigation – Construction, and...
Washington Paid Family Medical Leave: Significant Changes for 2026
Recent and significant amendments to Washington’s Paid Family Medical Leave law, RCW Ch. 50A (PFML), start taking effect January 1, 2026. The full pending PFML changes (as passed by the Washington Legislature) are available here. Key changes and takeaways are summarized below. Key Changes and Takeaways for Employers: Job protections expanded and accelerated – Effective January...