Employment Lawyer Spokane, Washington
Eastern Washington Workers Have the Same Rights as Anyone in the State
Spokane is Washington’s second-largest city and the commercial, medical, and cultural hub of the Inland Northwest — a region that stretches across Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. Spokane’s economy is led by a rapidly growing healthcare sector, with Providence Health & Services, MultiCare, and a cluster of hospitals, research facilities, and clinics making healthcare the city’s dominant private employer. Education, government, transportation, warehousing, and manufacturing round out a workforce of more than 260,000 in Spokane County.
Despite being geographically removed from the Seattle metro, Spokane workers are fully entitled to the same protections under Washington state law — including the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), Washington’s wage laws, and Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program. At Wilshire Law Firm, we represent Spokane workers in employment law claims, and we work on a contingency fee basis — no fees unless you get paid.
Washington Employment Law Applies Fully in Spokane
The WLAD applies regardless of where in Washington the employer operates, and Washington’s wage laws apply to all covered employees in the state:
- WLAD (RCW 49.60) — prohibiting discrimination in employment based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, and more — covering employers with as few as 8 employees
- Washington Minimum Wage Act — Washington’s minimum wage of $17.13/hour (2026) applies statewide
- Washington overtime protections — with salary thresholds significantly higher than federal law
- Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) — protecting workers statewide from termination during qualifying leave
- WISHA whistleblower protections — protecting workers who report unsafe conditions to L&I
Spokane employment claims are filed in Spokane County Superior Court. Federal claims are filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington in Spokane.
Spokane’s healthcare sector, in particular, generates a significant volume of employment claims — including discrimination based on disability or medical conditions, retaliation for reporting patient safety concerns, and wage violations in healthcare staffing.
Employment Cases We Handle in Spokane
- Wrongful termination — including healthcare worker retaliation, discrimination, and WLAD violations
- Unpaid wages and overtime — including willful violation double damages under RCW 49.52.070
- Workplace discrimination — race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran status
- Sexual harassment and hostile work environment
- Whistleblower and patient safety retaliation — particularly relevant in Spokane’s large healthcare sector
- Retaliation for taking PFML, filing wage complaints, or reporting safety violations
Frequently Asked Questions — Spokane Employment Lawyer
Q: Where are Spokane employment cases filed?
A: State law claims are filed in Spokane County Superior Court. WLAD 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 Eastern District of Washington.
Q: Does Wilshire Law Firm handle cases across Eastern Washington, not just in Spokane city limits?
A: Yes. We represent workers throughout Spokane County and the surrounding Inland Northwest region, including Spokane Valley, Cheney, and other Eastern Washington communities.
Q: Does Wilshire Law Firm charge upfront fees in Spokane cases?
A: No. All Spokane employment cases are handled on a contingency fee basis — no fees unless you get paid. Court costs and case expenses may apply.
Contact Our Spokane Employment Attorneys
If you are a Spokane or Eastern Washington 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.