Employment Lawyer Tacoma, Washington
Representing Tacoma and Pierce County Workers
Tacoma is Washington’s third-largest city and the heart of Pierce County’s economy — a workforce anchored by Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Port of Tacoma (one of the busiest container ports in North America), major healthcare systems including MultiCare Health System and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, aerospace and manufacturing employers, and a growing logistics and distribution sector. Amazon, Boeing suppliers, and regional government are among the area’s largest employers.
Tacoma’s workforce is diverse, spanning military and government employees, port and logistics workers, healthcare professionals, manufacturing workers, and service industry employees — all of whom are entitled to the full protections of Washington state law. At Wilshire Law Firm, we represent Tacoma and Pierce County workers in employment law claims against employers of all sizes. We work on a contingency fee basis — no fees unless you get paid.
Washington Employment Protections in Tacoma — Including Local Ordinances
Tacoma workers are protected by the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), Washington’s wage and hour laws, and Tacoma’s own municipal labor ordinances:
- Tacoma Minimum Wage — Tacoma has maintained a local minimum wage above the state rate; workers should confirm the current applicable rate with L&I or an employment attorney
- Tacoma Paid Leave Ordinance — Tacoma has its own paid sick leave requirements that apply within city limits
- WLAD (RCW 49.60) — broader than federal law, applying to employers with as few as eight employees and covering more protected classes
- Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) — up to 12 weeks of paid leave for qualifying family and medical events
- Washington Mini-WARN Act (effective July 2025) — requiring 60 days’ notice before covered mass layoffs for employers with 50+ full-time workers
Tacoma employment claims are filed in Pierce County Superior Court. Federal employment claims are filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington in Tacoma or Seattle.
Employment Cases We Handle in Tacoma
- Wrongful termination — including retaliation, discrimination, and public policy violations
- Unpaid wages and overtime — including port and logistics worker wage claims, final paycheck violations, and willful violation double damages
- Workplace discrimination — race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran status
- Sexual harassment and hostile work environment
- Retaliation for reporting safety violations, filing wage complaints, or exercising protected rights
Frequently Asked Questions — Tacoma Employment Lawyer
Q: I work at Joint Base Lewis-McChord as a civilian contractor. Do Washington employment laws protect me?
A: Generally, yes — civilian employees of federal contractors are protected by Washington state law as well as federal employment law, including Title VII and the ADA. The specific laws that apply depend on the nature of your employment relationship. An employment attorney can evaluate your situation.
Q: Where are Tacoma employment cases filed?
A: State law claims are filed in Pierce County Superior Court. WLAD administrative complaints go to the Washington State Human Rights Commission. Wage complaints go to Washington L&I. Federal claims are filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
Q: Tacoma has its own paid sick leave law — what if my employer is violating it?
A: Workers can file complaints with the City of Tacoma or Washington L&I. Employers who violate Tacoma’s sick leave ordinance may face penalties in addition to liability under state law.
Q: Does Wilshire Law Firm charge upfront fees in Tacoma cases?
A: No. All Tacoma employment cases are handled on a contingency fee basis — no fees unless you get paid. Court costs and case expenses may apply.
Contact Our Tacoma Employment Attorneys
If you are a Tacoma or Pierce County worker who has been wrongfully terminated, denied wages, or subjected to workplace discrimination or harassment, call Wilshire Law Firm 24/7 for a free consultation.