Williams Kastner’s Labor and Employment attorneys advocate for both public and private employers during contract negotiations, litigation, and proceedings before local, state, and federal employment agencies.
We combine legal insight with practical, real-world experience to guide employers through complex workforce decisions. As employment laws continue to evolve at every level, our team stays ahead of the curve, delivering timely, strategic, and effective advice when it matters most.
We offer services in the following areas:
Employment Litigation Defense
Williams Kastner provides strategic defense for employers facing a broad spectrum of employment-related claims. Our attorneys have deep experience litigating complex matters in state and federal courts, including:
- Breach of contract
- Class actions
- Defamation
- Employment discrimination and harassment
- Family and medical leave
- Intellectual property issues
- Negligent hiring and supervision
- Retaliation
- Vicarious liability
- Wage and hour
- Wrongful discharge
Employment Mediation Services
Williams Kastner offers comprehensive employment mediation services designed to help resolve disputes efficiently and effectively. Our attorneys facilitate resolution in a wide range of employment matters, including claims involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour violations, and wrongful termination. Serving as neutral third-party mediators or advocates, we guide employers and employees toward mutually agreeable outcomes without the need for litigation. We also provide strategic mediation preparation and skilled representation to ensure our clients’ interests are protected throughout the process, while encouraging timely and cost-effective dispute resolution.
Employment Practices Guidance
Williams Kastner advises employers on a wide range of employment practices to help ensure legal compliance, reduce risk, and support effective workforce management. Our attorneys provide practical guidance on day-to-day HR issues and policy development across the full employment lifecycle, including:
- Disability accommodations
- Protected Leave
- Disciplinary actions
- Drug and alcohol policies
- Electronic use policies
- Employee handbooks and manuals
- Impact of HIPAA and peer review privileges on personnel matters
- Independent contractor versus employee status
- Interviewing and hiring
- Noncompete and nonsolicitation agreements
- Record retention (including electronic)
- Reduction in force management
- Severance Release Agreements
- Terminations
Federal and State Regulatory Compliance
Williams Kastner helps employers navigate and comply with a wide range of complex federal and state employment regulations. Our attorneys provide guidance on matters involving key agencies that enforce workplace laws, safety standards, wage and hour rules, and employee rights.
- U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
- Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
- Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)
- Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA)
- Washington Employment Security Department (ESD)
- Washington State Human Rights Commission
- Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA)
- Oregon Safe Employment Act (OSEA)
- Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI)
- Oregon Employment Department
Labor/Management Relations
Williams Kastner provides strategic counsel to employers on all aspects of labor and management relations. Our attorneys assist with:
- Arbitration – grievance and interest arbitration
- Contract analysis
- Corporate reorganization and long-range planning
- Corporate transfers, including possible successorship issues and liability
- Single and multi-employer collective bargaining
- Strike prevention, preparation, and management
- Supervisor training
- Union representation campaigns
Management Training
Our attorneys offer customized workplace training programs for managers and supervisors on key topics such as harassment prevention, retaliation, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and other critical employment issues tailored to your organization’s needs.
Workplace Investigations
Williams Kastner attorneys conduct independent, thorough workplace investigations for school districts, public agencies, and private employers. Our team is experienced in handling sensitive matters involving allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, employee misconduct, policy violations, and other complex personnel issues. We provide objective fact-finding and clear, defensible reports that help employers make informed decisions.
Stay in the know! Click here to receive regular client alerts and information about upcoming Labor & Employment seminars.