Overview
A powerhouse in representing public sector and private employers in Washington
Employers facing employment and labor law problems want help immediately – practical advice from attorneys who know how to solve workplace problems, not simply recite statutes and regulations. Summit Law’s Labor & Employment lawyers understand what employers need, bringing deep knowledge of the law and our clients’ organizations to address those needs while reducing the risk of costly and disruptive litigation. Our team is recognized by clients and peers as a premier labor and employment practice in Washington, serving clients across the country.
Labor and collective bargaining. We advise employers on a full spectrum of labor issues, from union organizing campaigns to collective bargaining to grievance proceedings. We recognize that productive labor relations require a long-term perspective, and we have worked hard to develop a “firm but fair” relationship with labor unions. We are spirited advocates for our employer clients while still nurturing healthy relationships with employees and their representatives.
Counseling and preventing disputes. Much of our practice is aimed at helping employers nurture happy, productive workforces – anticipating and creatively solving problems before they spiral out of control. Our clients call us for legal advice about the laws that govern their employment relationships and for practical guidance on dealing with employees and unions.
Labor and employment litigation. If and when litigation becomes unavoidable, we are ready. Summit’s attorneys have a wealth of experience representing employers in administrative matters before state and federal agencies (including the EEOC, NLRB, and PERC), grievance proceedings mandated by collectively bargained employment agreements, and in lawsuits before state and federal courts. We regularly handle high stakes civil employment litigation involving discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and wrongful discharge claims, as well as class action wage and hour cases, and disputes involving non-compete and other restrictive covenants. We have extensive experience in trying jury trials.
Training. Our attorneys regularly give presentations and provide training to executives, human resource professionals, and supervisors about the laws that govern employers and the best ways to effectively manage a workforce.
Clients. Our firm has advised hundreds of Washington public sector employers. We advise cities, counties, school districts, library districts, special purpose districts, port and rail authorities, transit agencies, public universities, health departments, fire and police departments, emergency dispatch centers, park districts, water districts and other public employers as well as private sector employers of all sizes, from start-ups and nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies.
