Labor Law

We proudly specialize in representing labor unions and union members in all aspects of labor law, in state and federal courts, before administrative agencies, and in arbitration. Our goal is to build long-term relationships with our union clients to help them achieve their strategic goals. Along the way we provide advice to union leadership and staff on organizing, bargaining, contract grievances, unfair labor practices, union governance, union elections,  policy and legislation, and employment matters. We are very familiar with the challenges posed by both private and public sector labor laws, and our attorneys have decades of experience representing unions in many sectors of the economy.

Our attorneys are experts in guiding unions through unfair labor practice charges and representation cases, both with the National Labor Relations Board and Oregon’s Employment Relations Board. Our work with unions on unfair labor practice cases is grounded in a deep understanding of existing federal and state labor law, as well as the practical experience that comes from pursuing many of these cases over the years. But we also embrace cutting edge legal strategies to vindicate employee and union rights to engage in protected activity.

Our attorneys also provide legal support and assistance during collective bargaining. We like nothing more than helping unions achieve fair collective bargaining agreements, building power for unions and workers. We can assist at all stage of the collective bargaining process, as little or as much as your bargaining strategy requires. Frequently our attorneys train bargaining teams, attend and participate in bargaining sessions, provide legal advice on bargaining strategies, and assist unions in filing and litigating unfair labor practice charges related to bargaining.

Our lawyers frequently represent unions and their members in grievance arbitrations in cases of employee discipline or contract interpretation. Our approach starts with gaining an understanding of the overall goals of the union and member, as well as the historical relationship between union and employer. We work as a team with union staff and leadership, favoring a collaborative approach that capitalizes on existing skills and resources within the union. We also pride ourselves on creating solid, trusting relationships with union members throughout the grievance and hearing process.

We believe that diligent preparation before an arbitration hearing creates the foundation for a successful outcome. Our pre-hearing strategy typically includes factual investigation, information requests from employers, research regarding past practices and bargaining history, legal research about relevant arbitration precedent, and thorough witness preparation. In hearing itself, we combine zealous advocacy, intimate knowledge of labor arbitration principles, and the flexibility to adapt to new circumstances as they arise. We pride ourselves on providing superior representation in arbitration at an affordable cost.