Bio
My law practice reflects my belief that everyone deserves respect and dignity in the workplace, no matter how large and powerful their employer might be. Most of my legal representation involves violations of worker rights—claims such as unlawful harassment, whistleblower retaliation, medical leave violations, unpaid wages, and many others. I also regularly represent clients in civil matters outside the employment arena when someone with a righteous case can’t find an attorney to represent them.
I often attempt to negotiate a fair resolution before litigating a case. If my attempts at negotiation are unsuccessful, I will fight tirelessly for my clients. Several of my clients have won substantial jury verdicts after the other side refused to fairly settle their claims. I’ve pursued claims in state and federal courts, state and federal administrative forums, and court-mandated and private arbitrations. I’ve also obtained victories on appeal.
I spent nearly a decade working as a legislative aide and policy advocate before going to law school. While in law school, I clerked for Student Legal Services at Portland State University and the Community Development Law Center at Legal Aid Services of Oregon. I joined Bennett Hartman in 2013 and became a partner in 2017.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy bicycling around Oregon and planning my next travel adventure.
Joined Firm
2013
Admitted to Practice
- Oregon State Bar (2013)
- S. District of Oregon (2014)
- Washington State Bar (2018)
- S. Western District of Washington (2018)
Education
- Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College (J.D., 2012)
- The Evergreen State College (B.A., 2001)
Representative Cases
- Bybee v. Baker City et al., Baker Co. Circuit Court, Case No. 23CV34954 (jury award of $200,000 in favor of employee whose employment was terminated after he filed a workers’ compensation claim and requested reassignment)
- Woody et al. v. Fred Meyer Stores, Inc., U.S. District Court of Oregon, Case No. 3:22-cv-01800-HZ and Sapphire v. Fred Meyer Stores, Inc., King Co. Sup. Court, Case No. 22-2-19510-0 SEA (class action settlements for a total of $6.6 million for wage errors caused by faulty payroll system conversion)
- Hernandez v. Reed Group, Ltd. et al., 311 Or. App. 70, 490 P3d 166 (2021) (appellate victory against third-party benefits administrator on claim of aiding or abetting unlawful denial of medical leave)
- Vasquez v. Blubird World, LLC, Mult. Co. Circuit Court, Case No. 18CV41572 (jury verdict in favor of employee on claims of hostile work environment, disability discrimination, and constructive discharge)
- Hathaway et al. v. Colrich California Construction, Inc. et al., Mult. Co. Circuit Court, Case No. 16CV07602 (settlements on behalf of tenants of 300-unit apartment building that failed to remedy habitability defects)
- Thanane et al. v. Providence Health & Services – Oregon, S. District Court of Oregon, Case No. 3:13-cv-01620-MO (class action wage claim settlement on behalf of more than 30,000 employees for unpaid wages as a result of timecard rounding software and timecard manipulations by managers)