Ranking tables

Labor & Employment | USA

Washington

In Chambers USA, Labor - as distinct from employment – refers to the representation of corporates in their dealings with labor unions, including collective bargaining negotiations, strike avoidance and NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) proceedings. The section also covers wage and hour class and collective actions, as well as OSHA (Occupational health and safety act) and other workplace safety issues, which are also recognised in the Nationwide Occupational Safety and Health section. Employment covers litigation related to sex, race, age and national origin discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and employment-related restrictive covenants. This section also covers non-contentious matters relating to day-to-day business issues as well as workforce restructuring, and employment issues related to mergers and takeovers. Lawyers also advise on the writing of policy handbooks for major corporates and HR training.

Rankings overview for Departments

1

Band 1

  1. Kevin J Hamilton
    Kevin J Hamilton Perkins Coie LLP14 Years Ranked
  2. Patrick M Madden
    Patrick M Madden K&L Gates21 Years Ranked
  3. Kenneth J DiamondWinterbauer & Diamond PLLC
  4. Steven WinterbauerWinterbauer & Diamond PLLC

All Departments profiles

1

Band 1

  1. Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
    1
    Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
    Labor & Employment
    2025 | Band 1 | 19 Years Ranked

    Davis Wright Tremaine has a preeminent employment defense team with impressive trial experience in single-plaintiff and multiplaintiff litigation as well as class actions, covering a full range of employment and ERISA disputes. The team provides expert counsel to industry-leading national and international clients on labor relations, challenges to state regulations and benefits, and compensation matters.

  2. Perkins Coie LLP
    1
    Perkins Coie LLP
    Labor & Employment
    2025 | Band 1 | 19 Years Ranked

    Perkins Coie LLP has a first-class team lauded for its expert handling of matters such as employment discrimination, noncompete and trade secret disputes. Its lawyers frequently defend against large-scale class actions and provide in-depth advice to employers concerning employee benefits matters. The firm is further noted for its strong traditional labor practice, which includes advising employers hailing from a range of sectors on collective bargaining agreements.

2

Band 2

  1. Ballard Spahr LLP
    2
    Ballard Spahr LLP
    Labor & Employment
    2025 | Band 2 | 17 Years Ranked

    Ballard Spahr LLP is well regarded for its handling of employment disputes and employee benefits matters. Its lawyers are particularly noted for their defense of class actions involving wage and hour and discrimination issues. The team also offers strength in traditional labor law concerns, including collective bargaining and union campaigns. Its client roster features employers of all sizes active in a wide range of industries, such as retail, hospitality, banking, energy and technology.

  2. K&L Gates
    2
    K&L Gates
    Labor & Employment
    2025 | Band 2 | 16 Years Ranked
    K&L Gates boasts a talented group which is commended for its expertise in class action defense. The team is well regarded for its experience providing traditional labor law guidance. It also advises a wide range of clients, from large international corporations to startups and public bodies, on employment law compliance. The team's litigation expertise extends to both trial and appellate proceedings, and it also offers experience in arbitrations. Its lawyers are further noted for their provision of employment law due diligence pertaining to corporate transactions.
  3. Stoel Rives LLP
    2
    Stoel Rives LLP
    Labor & Employment
    2025 | Band 2 | 19 Years Ranked

    Stoel Rives LLP has a prominent team maintaining an excellent reputation for its expertise in traditional labor law, advising clients in a range of industry sectors in negotiations, arbitrations and litigation. The team has notable expertise in wage and hour class actions and disputes relating to discrimination and noncompete issues. It offers experience before all levels of court, as well as a number of government agencies. The firm is also recognized for its strong employee benefits and executive compensation practice. It has noted expertise pertaining to the healthcare, telecommunications, technology and energy sectors.

  4. Winterbauer & Diamond PLLC
    Labor & Employment
    2025 | Band 2
3

Band 3

  1. Jackson Lewis P.C.
    3
    Jackson Lewis P.C.
    Labor & Employment
    2025 | Band 3 | 11 Years Ranked

    Jackson Lewis P.C. is recognized for its expertise in labor and employment law. Adept at defending clients in employment disputes across a range of industries, the firm has key strength within the technology, healthcare and manufacturing sectors.

  2. Littler Mendelson, PC
    3
    Littler Mendelson, PC
    Labor & Employment
    2025 | Band 3 | 7 Years Ranked
    Littler Mendelson's practice runs the full gamut of labor and employment matters, both contentious and noncontentious. The firm is active across a range of industries, including hospitality, retail and financial services.
  3. Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC
    3
    Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC
    Labor & Employment
    2025 | Band 3 | 3 Years Ranked

    Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC boasts a strong trial team that is adept at representing clients in contentious labor matters and employment class actions. The team's expertise includes workplace safety and noncompete issues.

  4. Seyfarth Shaw LLP
    3
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP
    Labor & Employment
    2025 | Band 3 | 2 Years Ranked
    Seyfarth Shaw is noted for its strong and varied labor and employment practice. It is particularly strong at workplace investigations and employment-related litigation. Sector expertise includes aviation and retail.
  5. Summit Law Group, PLLC
    3
    Summit Law Group, PLLC
    Labor & Employment
    2025 | Band 3 | 9 Years Ranked
    Summit Law Group offers a solid labor and employment group with particular expertise in the public sector. Its lawyers are frequently selected by employers of all sizes to provide counsel and training on a wide range of matters, including labor relations, collective bargaining and employee benefits.
  6. Sebris Busto James
    Labor & Employment
    2025 | Band 3