Employment
Employment Lawyer Washington | Wilshire Law Firm
Were you fired, underpaid, discriminated against, or retaliated against at work in Washington? Wilshire Law Firm — an award-winning, nationally recognized team — stands up for Washington State workers. Contact us 24/7 for a free case review with a legal professional; there are no fees unless you get paid.
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Understanding Your Washington Employment Case
Explore essential resources on your rights, your options, and what to expect — everything you need to navigate the legal process, all in one place.
Washington state employees are protected by some of the most comprehensive employment laws in the country. When employers ignore those protections — through illegal termination, wage violations, discrimination, or retaliation — Wilshire Law Firm is ready to fight on your behalf. Washington is an at-will employment state, but with significant legal protections. The Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD, RCW 49.60) applies to employers with as few as eight employees — broader than federal law's 15-employee threshold. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) enforces wage/hour and safety laws, and the Washington State Human Rights Commission handles discrimination claims. Key protections include WLAD discrimination protections (race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and citizenship status); the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA), with amendments effective July 2025; Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), providing up to 12 weeks of paid leave; the Minimum Wage Act; final paycheck rules; the Washington Mini-WARN Act, covering employers with 50 or more full-time workers and requiring 60 days' advance notice (effective July 2025); and immigration status protections (SB 5104, effective 2025), which prohibit using immigration status to coerce workers regarding wage violations, with penalties up to $10,000 per violation.
Wilshire Law Firm handles the full range of Washington employment claims. Our cases include wrongful termination; unpaid wages and wage theft (overtime at 1.5x for hours exceeding 40 per week); workplace discrimination; sexual harassment and hostile work environment; retaliation; tech sector layoffs and mass layoff discrimination; and employee misclassification. Learn more about wrongful termination in Washington → and unpaid wages and wage theft in Washington →.
Wilshire Law Firm is an award-winning, nationally recognized team with a proven track record in employment settlements. We represent Washington workers on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs, and we are available 24/7. There are no fees unless you get paid. The firm also represents workers in California — learn more from our San Diego employment lawyers.
Do I Have a Washington Employment Claim?
You may have a Washington employment claim if your employer violated your legal protections through illegal termination, wage violations, discrimination, or retaliation. Washington is an at-will employment state, but the Washington Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60) protects employees at employers with as few as eight workers, and laws enforced by the Department of Labor & Industries protect your wages and safety. Because every situation is different, contact Wilshire Law Firm for a free case review with a legal professional.
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Washington Employment FAQs
Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
We've answered the most common ones below. If yours isn't here, call us — we're available 24/7.
The Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), RCW 49.60, prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on protected characteristics and applies to employers with as few as eight employees, which is broader than federal Title VII. It covers workers across the state. Federal laws may also apply depending on the employer and the claim.
Under the WLAD, a worker generally has three years to file a discrimination, harassment, or retaliation lawsuit directly in court. Deadlines can be affected by tolling and other exceptions, so confirm the specific deadline for your claim promptly. Missing a deadline can end an otherwise valid claim.
No. Washington workers can file a WLAD lawsuit directly in court without first filing an administrative complaint. As an alternative, you may file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission, which generally must be done within six months of the unlawful act. An attorney can help you weigh the two options.
Yes. Washington's wage laws require payment of earned wages and overtime for covered employees, and workers can pursue unpaid amounts through the state Department of Labor and Industries or in court. Willful withholding of wages can carry additional damages. Whether you are owed overtime depends on your duties and pay level, not just being salaried.