Court of Appeals Prohibits Aiding or Abetting Unlawful Employment Practices

The Oregon Court of Appeals issued an opinion in favor of a Bennett Hartman client that will enhance protections for workers in Oregon. Elisabeth Hernandez suffered a serious workplace injury in 2016. Her employer relied on a Colorado company, Reed Group, to manage the medical leave of its employees. Reed Group claimed to have expertise […]

Mishap with Technology Does Not Justify Termination

A well-regarded high school math teacher unintentionally displayed an inappropriate picture in class. The mishap occurred because the teacher did not realize personal pictures would sync with the camera roll he used in a class presentation. The District terminated the teacher on the grounds of “neglect of duty,” “immorality” and “inadequate performance.” The Fair Dismissal […]

Local Initiative to Establish Universal Preschool in Multnomah County Properly Placed on Ballot

Social justice advocates in Multnomah County sought to establish Universal Preschool in Multnomah County by initiative.  Counsel assisted in writing the initiative.  After it was filed, business groups filed two lawsuits, one raising constitutional concerns, and the other challenging the ballot title.  Advocates joined with Multnomah County Counsel to defeat those claims.  The court certified […]

Secretary of State Could Not Reject Clean Energy Initiatives on “Single Subject” Grounds

Clean energy advocates filed two initiatives, IP’s 48 and 49 (2020), to promote and establish clean energy infrastructure and standards.  The Secretary of State rejected both initiatives, claiming that because the proposals called for fair labor standards for clean energy-related construction projects, it impermissibly encompassed “two subjects.”  Advocates filed a lawsuit in Marion County challenging […]

A Finding that a Teacher has Engaged in “Sexual Conduct” as Defined by Statute Requires that the Employer Prove Actual Inappropriate Conduct

A new and inexperienced teacher struggled with classroom management in a middle school in Portland that had seen significant staff and administration turnover and dysfunction.  A few students claimed that teacher made them feel uncomfortable in class.  Teacher, who acknowledged challenges with classroom management, resigned after being non-renewed.  Over seven months later, District notified teacher […]

Black Lives Matter

We at Bennett Hartman, LLP acknowledge the call within the Labor Movement, the Judiciary, and the legal community for the self-reflection, personal accountability, and change necessary to eradicate the racism that permeates all facets of our justice system. In this moment – with the pandemic highlighting historic economic and health inequity and the murder of […]

A Message about Coronavirus from Bennett Hartman

To our clients, colleagues, and friends: During these unprecedented times, we want to re-assure you and our community that we are here to help, and that we will get through this together. While we work from home to comply with social distancing requirements, we continue to explore better technological resources to allow us to connect […]

Jury Verdict on Hostile Work Environment Claim

A Multnomah County jury gave a verdict in favor of a former employee of MindRite, a cannabis dispensary in Northwest Portland. In August 2017 the employee complained to the owners of MindRite that her male coworkers were sexually harassing customers and colleagues. After reporting the sexual harassment, the employee also told an owner of MindRite […]

Union Members File Constitutional Challenge to SB 1049

On August, 9, 2019, Aruna Masih and Greg Hartman of Bennett Hartman filed a petition with the Oregon Supreme Court on behalf of nine public employees who are union members challenging the constitutionality of SB 1049. The petition alleges that the SB 1049 cuts to Individual Account Program (IAP) benefits and salary cap constitute an […]