Adam Arms

Contact Information:

Direct: (503) 404-3556 ext. 800
Fax: (503) 248-6800

Email: Click here »

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Bio

For more than two decades, I have built my practice around labor and employment law, protecting workers’ rights, strengthening and protecting collective action, and providing clear, practical guidance in complex workplace matters. My practice includes representing employees and unions in high-stakes disputes, litigation, negotiations, governance, compliance, and professional licensing matters. I have extensive experience representing clients before courts and administrative agencies, and advising organizational leadership and elected union leaders on legal, labor, governance, and state and local policy issues.

My work is grounded in legal rigor and real-world practicality. I approach each matter with careful listening, strategic thinking, and pragmatic problem-solving, with an emphasis on resolving immediate disputes while preserving long-term relationships and advancing fairness and equity through client-centered advocacy.

Joined Firm

2026

Admitted to Practice

  • Oregon State Bar (2001)
  • California State Bar (1999)

Education

  • University of California San Francisco College of Law (formerly UC Hastings College of the Law) (J.D. cum laude, 1999)
  • Saint Mary’s College of California (M.A. cum laude, 1996)
  • University of California, Davis (B.S. cum laude, 1994)

Prior Experience

  • General Counsel, Oregon Education Association (2016 – 2025)
  • General Counsel & Business Representative, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 125 (2013 – 2016)
  • Partner, McKanna Bishop Joffe & Arms LLP (2006 – 2013), Associate (2003 – 2006)
  • Metropolitan Public Defender (2001 – 2003)
  • Coalition on Homelessness, San Francisco (1999 – 2001)

Professional Activities

Co-Author:  Public School Educator Licensure, Employment, and Dismissal, Labor & Employment Law in Oregon:  Public Sector (Oregon State Bar, 2025)

Oregon State Bar Labor & Employment Law Section

Oregon State Bar Administrative Law Section

Oregon State Bar Civil Rights Law Section

Oregon Trial Lawyers Association