$15.0M
Recovery for employees denied legally required meal and rest breaks.
Employment
Employment Lawyer Tacoma, Washington
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. The firm represents Tacoma and Pierce County workers in employment claims on a contingency basis — no fees unless you get paid. Ready to talk with a legal professional? Contact us 24/7 for a free case review.
- $3B+RECOVERED
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- 24/7AVAILABILITY & SUPPORT
- 500+LEGAL PROFESSIONALS
Understanding Your Tacoma 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.
Key protections include the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), wage and hour laws, and Tacoma's municipal labor ordinances. These include Tacoma Minimum Wage requirements, the Tacoma Paid Leave Ordinance, Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (up to 12 weeks), and the Washington Mini-WARN Act (effective July 2025 requiring 60 days' notice for mass layoffs). Learn more about your rights with a Washington Employment Lawyer.
Wilshire Law Firm represents Tacoma and Pierce County workers across the full range of employment claims:
- Wrongful termination
- Unpaid wages and overtime
- Workplace discrimination (race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status)
- Sexual harassment and hostile work environment
- Retaliation for protected activities
State law claims are filed in Pierce County Superior Court, while federal claims are filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. WLAD administrative complaints go to the Washington State Human Rights Commission. A legal professional can review where your claim belongs during a free case review. For a broader overview, see our Washington employment lawyers page.
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Recovery for employees denied legally required meal and rest breaks.
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Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Each case is unique and evaluated on its own facts.
I Work at Joint Base Lewis-McChord as a Civilian Contractor. Do Washington Employment Laws Protect Me?
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. Because coverage can depend on your employer and role, contact Wilshire Law Firm for a free case review with a legal professional — available 24/7, with no fees unless you get paid.
Start Your Free Tacoma Employment Case Review
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Tacoma 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.
State-law employment claims in Tacoma are generally filed in the Pierce County Superior Court, while federal claims proceed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. The right venue depends on the laws your claim is based on. An attorney can confirm where your case should be filed.
Yes. Tacoma's port and maritime logistics operations are a major local employer, and the WLAD (RCW 49.60) protects covered workers there from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Federal law may also apply depending on the employer's size and the type of claim. An attorney can explain the full range of protections.
Under the WLAD, Tacoma workers generally have three years to file a discrimination lawsuit in court, or about six months to file with the Washington State Human Rights Commission. These deadlines can be affected by exceptions, so confirm the one that applies to your claim promptly. Delay can jeopardize a valid claim.
Yes. Washington wage law entitles covered employees at Tacoma's manufacturers and other employers to be paid all earned wages and overtime, and to pursue unpaid amounts through the Department of Labor and Industries or the courts. Willful violations can carry added damages. An attorney can review your pay records.