Employment Lawyer Oregon
Protecting Oregon Workers’ Rights — Statewide
Oregon employees have some of the strongest workplace protections in the country. But when employers violate those rights — through wrongful termination, wage theft, discrimination, or harassment — workers often need experienced legal counsel to hold them accountable. At Wilshire Law Firm, our employment attorneys represent workers throughout Oregon in claims against employers of all sizes, from small businesses to major corporations. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis — no fees unless you get paid.
If you believe your employer has violated your rights, contact us today for a free consultation — available 24/7.
Oregon Employment Law: What Workers Need to Know
Oregon is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can generally terminate workers without cause. However, Oregon law carves out significant and powerful exceptions that protect employees from illegal firing, pay violations, and workplace mistreatment.
The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) is the state agency responsible for enforcing Oregon’s workplace laws — covering wage claims, discrimination complaints, and civil rights in employment. BOLI enforces protections that frequently go beyond federal minimums, making Oregon one of the most employee-friendly states in the nation.
Key Oregon employment protections include:
- ORS 659A — Oregon’s primary anti-discrimination statute, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics
- Oregon Equal Pay Act — requiring equal pay for comparable work across all protected classes, with strong penalties for violations
- Paid Leave Oregon — up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave (14 weeks for pregnancy-related conditions), with benefits funded through employer and employee contributions
- Tiered minimum wage system — Oregon’s minimum wage varies by region, with Portland Metro at the highest rate, adjusted annually on July 1
- Final paycheck rules — one of the strictest in the nation: terminated employees must receive their final check by the end of the next business day; employees who resign with at least 48 hours’ notice must be paid on their last day
- Penalty wages — Oregon employers who fail to timely pay final wages can be liable for up to 30 days of the employee’s regular wages as a penalty, in addition to the underlying amounts owed
Employment Cases We Handle in Oregon
Oregon employers cannot fire workers for discriminatory reasons, in retaliation for protected activity, or in violation of public policy. If you were fired after reporting a safety violation, taking protected leave, filing a workers’ compensation claim, or because of a protected characteristic, you may have a wrongful termination claim. Learn more →
Unpaid Wages & Wage Theft — Oregon
Oregon workers are owed every dollar they earn — including overtime at 1.5x for hours over 40 per week, properly calculated meal and rest break compensation, and timely final paychecks for hourly paid employees. When employers fail to pay, Oregon law provides strong remedies including penalty wages and attorney’s fees. Learn more →
Workplace Discrimination
BOLI and Oregon’s ORS 659A prohibit employment discrimination based on a wide range of protected characteristics. Our attorneys can handle claims involving discriminatory hiring, promotion, pay, discipline, and termination.
Sexual Harassment & Hostile Work Environment
Oregon employers have an affirmative duty to prevent and address workplace harassment. If your employer failed to act on complaints of harassment, or if a supervisor or coworker subjected you to unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic, we can help.
Retaliation
It is illegal in Oregon for an employer to retaliate against an employee for filing a complaint, reporting workplace violations, participating in an investigation, or taking protected leave. Retaliation claims can arise alongside or independently from the underlying workplace issue.
Employee Misclassification
Employers sometimes misclassify workers as independent contractors or exempt employees to avoid paying overtime, benefits, and other required compensation. Oregon law provides remedies when misclassification results in lost wages.
Oregon Cities We Serve
Our Oregon employment attorneys represent workers throughout the state, including:
- Portland — Oregon’s largest city and primary legal market, home to the Multnomah County courts and a major hub for employment litigation
- Eugene — Lane County’s largest city, home to the University of Oregon and a significant regional workforce
- Salem — Oregon’s state capital, with a significant public-sector and government employee workforce
We represent employees statewide, regardless of where your employer is located.
Why Choose Wilshire Law Firm for Your Oregon Employment Case?
- Proven track record — Consistently achieving top settlements in employment and class action cases
- No fees unless you get paid — Our contingency fee structure means you pay nothing upfront
- Available 24/7 — Call any time for a free case evaluation
Contact Our Oregon Employment Attorneys
If you are an Oregon worker who has been wrongfully terminated, denied wages, or subjected to discrimination or harassment, Wilshire Law Firm is ready to help. Call us 24/7 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team will review your situation, explain your rights under Oregon law, and help you understand your options.