Employment
The lawyers in our Employment group comprise an experienced legal team known for being practical, professional and fair.
We counsel and advocate for both employers and employees. Our experience working on both sides sharpens our instincts for the best possible outcomes. Employment problems raise economic, privacy and morale issues that are minimized with early evaluation and resolution. We have found that conducting a prompt and thorough initial investigation of the issues allows us to work with our clients to measure risk and benefit and decide on the best approach.
We are committed to excellence and are well-respected for our work. Whether looking for advice on a limited issue, a partner for effective negotiating or attorneys who will aggressively litigate an individual or a class-based dispute, we have the skill and experience to effectively represent your interests.
Mediation & Arbitration
Our lawyers are frequently selected by other members of the employment bar to serve as neutral parties in mediation and arbitration.
Investigations
Our lawyers conduct independent investigations of workplace complaints for both public and private entities. We work directly with the employer or with outside counsel to provide prompt, thorough and confidential investigations of employee complaints or suspected misconduct.
Stokes Lawrence is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.
- Annual Employment Law Update - November 19, 2024
- Stokes Lawrence is proud to have 39 lawyers awarded in the 2025 editions of The Best Lawyers in America and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America
- Stokes Lawrence Attorneys Named to 2024 Washington Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- EEOC's Final Rule Implementing Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Becomes Effective
- Federal Overtime Exempt Salary Basis Increase
- Washington State Non-Compete Developments
- Federal Trade Commission Proposed Rules Prohibit Non-Competes for All Workers
- Sean Worley Presenting Two Topics at WAFLA's Washington H-2a Summit 2024
- An important new federal law, the Corporate Transparency Act, requires certain entities to report beneficial owner information beginning January 1, 2024.
- ICYMI: Stokes Lawrence 2023 Employment Law Update
- The Latest on Washington Non-Competition Agreements
- Annual Employment Law Update - November 16, 2023
- Law360 Highlights Stokes Lawrence in 2023 Regional Powerhouse Coverage
- Thirty-seven Stokes Lawrence attorneys are honored in the 30th Annual 2024 The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch edition
- Stokes Lawrence Attorneys Named to 2023 Washington Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- Evolving Rights for Pregnant and Nursing Employees
- Physical Inspection of I-9 Documents Returns in August 2023
- Farmers, Are You Up-To-Date with Current Labor Laws?
- ICYMI: Stokes Lawrence Presents: Pay Transparency Comes to Washington
- Kelby Fletcher Presents "Observations and Recent Appellate Developments in Washington State Employment Law"
- Stokes Lawrence Presents: Pay Transparency Comes to Washington
- Join Sean Worley at WAFLA H-2A Summit on January 12th
- U.S. News & World Report have recognized Stokes Lawrence on the 2023 "Best Law Firms" list
- What Does the End of Washington State's COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Mean for Employers?
- Annual Employment Law Update - December 1, 2022
- Are You Ready for Washington's Pay Transparency Law?
- Stokes Lawrence Managing Shareholder, Kelly Twiss Noonan, To Be Honored Among Region's Women Of Influence
- What Employers Need to Know about Seattle's New Independent Contractors Protections Ordinance
- 2023 The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch Honor 23 Stokes Lawrence Attorneys
- 19 Stokes Lawrence Attorneys Named to 2022 Washington's Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
- Stokes Lawrence Velikanje Moore & Shore welcomes Sean Worley to our Yakima Office
- Washington's Silenced No More Act: What it Means for Employers
- Sarah Wixson quoted in Good Fruit Grower's "Fine-tuning work time"
- ICYMI: Stokes Lawrence Presents - Washington Employment Law
- Stokes Lawrence Presents: Washington Employment Agreements - Fact or Fiction? Webinar
- Amy Alexander Quoted in Law360 Article "One By One, States Are Banning NDAs To Protect Workers."
- Governor Inslee Announces Mask Rule Changes Taking Effect March 12
- Supreme Court Blocks OSHA's Vaxx-or-Test ETS, Returns Case to Sixth Circuit
- 2021 Employment Law Update - Presentation and Materials
- COVID-19 Employer Update November 5, 2021: Mandatory Vaccination or Weekly Testing for Employers with 100 or More Employees
- Stokes Lawrence Named to 2022 "Best Law Firms" List
- EEOC Updates Guidance on Religious Accommodations to COVID Vaccines
- The Lawfulness and Awfulness of Employee Non-Solicitation Agreements
- What You Need To Know: Governor Inslee Announces Vaccination Requirement for State Workers and Statewide Indoor Mask Mandate
- 23 Stokes Lawrence Attorneys Recognized as Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch
- Are Vaccinated Employees Still Required to Wear Masks and Social Distance in Washington State?
- Overtime Pay for Agricultural Workers Comes to Washington State
- High-Risk EmployeesStill Protected, But Medical Coverage Requirement Lifted
- Some of Our Employees Are Fully Vaccinated for COVID-19Now What?
- What's in the $1.9 Trillion American Rescue Plan for Employers and Employees? Tax Credits for Paid Sick Leave, Vaccination Leave, and COBRA Coverage
- What does Governor Inslee's 'Healthy WashingtonRoadmap to Recovery' Mean for Employers?
- In Memoriam: Frederick "Rick" Rasmussen
- Yes, You Can Require Your Employees to Get Vaccinated . . . and Other Answers About COVID-19 Vaccinations and the Workplace
- What Employers Need to Know About the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package, HR 133
- 2020 Employment Law Update
- Mandatory Work From Home and More: What Washington State's Tightened COVID-19 Restrictions Mean for Washington Employers
- Observations and Recent Appellate Developments in Washington State Employment Law
- Deeply Divided Washington Supreme Court Grants Overtime Pay to Dairy Workers
- Stokes Lawrence Named to 2021 Best Law Firms List
- Employers: Apply By September 30, 2020 for Unemployment Tax Relief
- DOH, L&I Revise COVID-19 Requirements for Temporary Worker Housing
- Agricultural Employers COVID-19 Update: September 7 Deadline for Reimbursement Applications, Mandatory Paid Leave, Required Outbreak Testing, and More
- 23 Stokes Lawrence Attorneys Recognized as Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch
- Washington State Mandates Paid Sick Leave for All Agricultural Workers Even for Companies Exempt from the FFCRA
- SLVMS Successfully Assists in Upholding COVID-19 Rules for Farm Workers
- My Employee Tested Positive for COVID-19Now What?
- What's Next for Employers in the Era of COVID-19? Face Coverings, Accommodations, and More
- Job Protections for High-Risk Workers Extended to August 1, 2020
- COVID-19 Resources
- 20 Stokes Lawrence Attorneys Named to 2020 Washington's Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
- DOL Clarifies the Fluctuating Workweek Method of Computing Overtime
- King County Approved for Modified Phase 1 Reopening
- New Washington State Law on Commissions Goes Into Effect June 11
- Krista Slosburg Comments on Employees Working From Home
- Experience Ratings and COVID-19: Take Action to Keep Your Unemployment Premiums Down
- Protect Your Business and Employees From Massive Unemployment Fraud in Washington State
- Considering Employee Layoffs? Keep These Key Provisions in Mind
- Phasing Back to Work: Unemployment Benefits and Return-to-the-Workplace Issues
- The WARN Act: What Is It and Who Must Comply With It?
- New COVID-19 Symptoms to Add to Workplace Symptom Screenings
- What Washington's Phased Reopening Means for Employers
- Agricultural Employers Are Now Eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Emergency Grants
- EEOC Greenlights COVID-19 Testing Before Entering Workplace
- New Agriculture Industry Guidance Spells Out Safety and Health Requirements During Pandemic
- Washington State Orders Job Protections for 'High-Risk' Employees
- Seattle PSST; CDC Guidance for Essential Workers; More Details About FFCRA Leave
- EEOC Claims Against Yakima Farmers Again Dismissed By Court
- Stokes Lawrence Ranked Among Largest Women-Owned Businesses
- Planning to Claim Tax Credits Under the FFCRA? Here's What You Need To Know
- Employee Retention Tax Credit Under the CARES Act
- Form I-9 Compliance Goes Virtual
- COVID-19 and Unemployment Insurance: What's New in Washington
- An Employers' Guide to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
- What Are My OSHA Obligations if an Employee Was Exposed to COVID-19 at Work?
- DOL Releases FFCRA Poster for Employers
- New Act Gives Employers Payroll Tax Deferral & Refund Possibilities
- How Does Washington's Stay HomeStay Healthy Order Affect my Business?
- Emergency Measures for Washington Food, Beverage, and Other Businesses
- Agricultural Employment is Essential - Ready Your Work Force for Continued Operations in the Face of COVID-19
- What Employers Need to Know About the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, HR 6201
- Krista Slosburg Interviewed by CNN on Coronavirus
- An Employers' Guide to Navigating the Coronavirus
- Graving, Howshar, Ichikawa, Slosburg Promoted to Shareholder
- New in 2020: Paid Leave, Non-Competes, Rising Minimum Wage, and More Overtime Eligibility
- For Eighth Year, Stokes Lawrence Is Named a Best Law Firm
- Employers May Face Civil Actions for Damages for Improper Worker Classification
- Best Lawyers Lists Stokes Lawrence Attorneys on Its 2020 Guide
- Covenants not to compete: Winter is Coming
- Super Lawyers Recognizes 17 Stokes Lawrence Attorneys
- Washington Expands Workplace Rights for Pumping Breast Milk
- Amy Alexander Joins the Stokes Lawrence Employment Practice
- Termination: Documentation, Employees on Leave, and Severance Agreements
- Washington State Is Making Big Changes to Employee Non-competes
- Hiring: Job Descriptions and Interviews
- Guidelines for Responding to No-Match' Letters From SSA
- Where Have All the Doctors Gone? A Short Summary of the Census of Washington Physicians
- DOL's New Overtime Rule Raises Minimum Salary Threshold for Exempt Employees
- Arbitration Agreements Must Be Understood By Employees
- Stokes Lawrence Again Named Best Law Firm for Seventh Year
- SLVMS Welcomes John Schroeder to its Litigation Practice
- Stokes Lawrence Welcomes Ellen Hutchinson
- 15 Stokes Lawrence Attorneys Named to 2019 Best Lawyers List
- Stokes Lawrence Named to 2018 Washington's Best Workplaces
- 17 Stokes Lawrence Attorneys Named to 2018 Super Lawyers Lists
- Arbitration Agreements May Require Revision to Remain Enforceable in Washington State
- Stokes Lawrence Again Recognized as a Best Firm for Female Attorneys
- Court Rules Ag Employers to Pay Hourly Wage for Non-Piece-Rate Work
- Kelby Fletcher Article Featured in PSBJ
- Aviva Kamm Participates in Forum on Workplace Harassment
- The Adverse Effect Wage Rate for H-2A Workers Increases Again in Washington
- Ellen Jackson, Sarah Wixson Named Volunteer Attorneys of the Year
- Paid Sick Leave: 9 Things Every Washington Employer Needs to Know (Including Agricultural Employers)
- 2017 Employment Law Update for Washington Employers
- How Washington's Paid Sick Leave Law, Initiative 1433, Impacts Your Business
- 17 Stokes Lawrence Attorneys Named as Washington Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- Employer's Guide to Washington Paid Sick & Safe Time
- Justo Gonzalez Participates in Thought Leader Forum on Immigration & Employment Law
- 2017 Employment Law Institute CLE
- Updates and Guidance on Recent Immigration Sweeps By ICE
- Sarah Wixson, Brendan Monahan to Speak at WAWGG 2017 Convention
- Updated DOL Overtime Rules on Hold
- What Do the New Paid Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Increase Mean for Your Business?
- Employment Law Institute Client Workshop
- Stokes Lawrence Named to 2017 Best Law Firms List
- Bonuses May Increase Rest Break Pay for Farm Workers
- 11 Stokes Lawrence Attorneys Named to 2017 Best Lawyers List
- DOL Ruling Requires Home Care Employers to Pay Overtime
- Sarah Wixson Clarifies Rules for Farm Labor Contractor in Good Fruit Grower
- Defend Trade Secrets Act Expands Remedies for Protecting Rights, Comes With New Requirements for Employee Contracts
- Sarah Wixson Comments on Piece-Rate Pay Guidelines
- DOL Issues New Rules on Overtime Pay
- 12 Best Practices for Hiring H-2A Workers
- 8 Tips for Effective Workplace Investigations
- Employee Use of Social Media and Email
- Employee Use of Social Media and Email
- Supreme Court Redefines Who Constitutes a "Farm Labor Contractor" in Washington
- Will Your Tipping Policy Land You in Court?
- Sarah Wixson Quoted on Rest Breaks Ruling
- Do You Need a Farm Labor Contractor License?
- Employment Law Client Workshop
- Farm Labor Workshops
- Brendan Monahan Elected President of the Federal Bar Association of the Eastern District of Washington
- Third Annual Employer Forum
- Employment Law Institute
- Should You Pay Workers for Travel Time?
- 9 Stokes Lawrence Attorneys Named as 2016 Best Lawyers in America
- SLVMS Lawyers Quoted on Rest Break Decision
- Stokes Lawrence Forms Mediation & Arbitration Practice Group
- Washington Supreme Court Rules Piece Rate Workers Entitled to Paid Rest Breaks
- Department of Labor Plans Overtime Overhaul
- Does Your Business Comply With Washington's Newly Amended Data Breach Notification Law?
- For Second Year, Nearly Half of Stokes Lawrence Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
- Stokes Lawrence Velikanje Moore & Shore Wins Summary Judgment in $2 Million Lawsuit
- The Ties That Bind
- The Ties That Bind
- EEOC Ordered to Pay Attorneys' Fees for Filing Baseless, Unreasonable, and Frivolous Lawsuit Against Stokes Lawrence Clients
- Brendan Monahan Quoted on Pending Piece-Rate Ruling
- The Internet and ADA: How to Make Your Website More Accessible
- The Internet and ADA: The Right to Equal Enjoyment of the Web
- Is Your Non-Compete Enforceable?
- NLRB Issues New Rule on Employee Email Communications
- Stokes Lawrence Partners With Northwest Immigrant Rights Project to Aid Child Immigrants
- Kelby Fletcher and Stokes Lawrence Employment Group Lawyers Recognized for Pro Bono Work
- Best Practices for Conducting Employment Background Checks
- Employment Background Checks: Limits Under Seattle Ordinance No. 124201
- Observations and Recent Appellate Developments in Washington State Employment Law
- Legal Requirements for Employment Background Checks
- Yakima Event - Avoiding Personal Liability: Advice for Owners and Managers of Privately Held Businesses
- Worker Classification: Avoiding Liability for Misclassification
- Stokes Lawrence Named Best Law Firm for Third Consecutive Year
- Strategies for Success under Health Care Reform
- Supreme Court to Address Piece Rate Pay
- Strategies for Success Under Health Care Reform
- Best Practices for Retaining Employee Records
- 8 Stokes Lawrence Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers in America
- Stokes Lawrence Employment Law Institute Client Workshop
- Stokes Lawrence Employment Law Institute CLE
- Employment Law Beyond the Basics
- My Partner is a Jerk. What Can I Do?
- Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for Closely Held Businesses
- Supreme Court Rules Closely Held Businesses Can Avoid Contraception Mandate
- Nearly Half of Stokes Lawrence Attorneys Named Washington Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- 5 Tips for Protecting Your Business Through Effective Supervision
- Employment Group Gains Win
- Stokes Lawrence Employment Practices Group Wins Summary Dismissal Against the EEOC on All Claims
- Chambers USA Once Again Recognizes Carolyn Cairns and Shannon Jost As Leading Attorneys
- OSHA's New Rule Creates Delicate Balancing Act for Food Industry Employers
- Sarbanes-Oxley Implementation: Why Should Privately Held Companies and Nonprofit Entities Care About SOX?
- Employers, Be Sure You Know the Four Steps to Employee Garnishment
- As an Employer, There Is What You Can Do and What You Should Do. Is There a Difference?
- Assessing Risk Under the Farm Labor Contractor Act
- Stokes Lawrence Noted for Employment, IP and Litigation Practices
- 13th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference
- Don't Forget: October 1, 2013 ACA Notice Deadline for Employers
- Farm Labor Contractor Law
- Judge Denies New Trial in Evans Fruit Case
- 20th Annual Employment Law Institute
- Stokes Lawrence Employment Attorneys Advocate for Fairness, Defend Clients Against Meritless Claims
- Stokes Lawrence Employment Group Notches Another Win Against EEOC Claims
- Stokes Lawrence Employment Group Garners Another Victory
- Evans Fruit Wins Summary Judgment Dismissing Retaliation Claims Brought by the EEOC
- Employment Litigation from Start to Finish
- Introduction to Employment Law Claims
- 12th Annual Labor & Employment Law Conference
- Observations and Recent Appellate Developments in Washington State Employment Law
- Introduction to Employment Law Claims
- Employment Law Issues for Non-Employment Lawyers
- 19th Annual Employment Law Institute
- The Changing Marketplace and its Impact on Physician Employment and Practices
- Stark III: Did It Cripple Non-Competition Agreements In An Effort To Save Them?