Based in Seattle, our Employee Benefits Team advises employers, large and small, in all aspects of employment compensation, benefits and incentives, from the highest paid executive to the lowest paid employee. Our attorneys design plans to meet the particular employment needs and desires of our clients, while taking maximum advantage of applicable employment benefit laws, labor and tax laws.

Since the late 1960s, our Seattle Employment Rights and Labor Team has actively provided counseling and litigation services covering all aspects of the employer-employee relationship. Areas of focus include:

• Discrimination
• Wrongful Discharge/Public Policy
• ADA/Disability Accommodation
• Harassment
• Non-Competition/Trade Secrets
• Workers' Compensation
• Safety and Health
• WISHA/OSHA Violation Challenges
• Wage and Hour
• Retaliation
• National Labor Relations Matters

Our Team has represented clients in a countless number of lawsuits over employment issues. We are skillful, creative and efficient in our work, and always keep our eye on the ultimate goal to minimize exposure at the lowest cost.

We also draft policies, procedures and handbooks, provide ongoing advice as particular employment situations arise and assist our clients in creating win-win situations with their employees. In addition, we conduct an annual employment law update seminar for clients, furnish them with bulletins and update them as employment laws change.

We also counsel our clients in labor disputes (such as organizing campaigns and picketing) and represent them in labor arbitrations and matters before the National Labor Relations Board.

Because we work as a team, we are able to provide quick responses to questions or concerns, even if the primary contact lawyer is not available. Additionally, we pride ourselves on responding to phone calls and emails promptly. Also, should a particular question require extensive legal research, we have the ability and technology necessary to research the statutes and laws of all states, which can be especially helpful for clients with multi-state facilities.

Overall, our goal is to provide prompt, cost-efficient service, and focus not only on what the law requires, but on identifying and implementing the most practical and realistic solutions to problems at hand.

Ryan Swanson works with railway and surface transportation carriers in addressing and responding to whistleblower and retaliation complaints lodged by employees with OSHA. Recent sweeping legislative and regulatory changes have altered the procedures for how OSHA handles complaints relating to adverse employment actions due to alleged safety violations, injury reports and retaliatory policies. The statutory changes include new evidentiary standards to plead meritorious complaints, the appeal process for adverse findings and conclusions, and discovery procedures during OSHA investigations. Our attorneys have experience in advocating for employers in a variety of industries under these ever-changing laws to ensure the preservation of workplace safety policies and compliance with the federal law.

Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland's Immigration Group provides a full array of services, including everything from helping foreign workers enter the United States to defending individuals and businesses in immigration-related proceedings, many of which are Fortune 500 and foreign-based companies. In addition, we represent clients before the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies, U.S. consular offices world-wide and the federal courts.

Because of our in-depth experience, we can identify all of the options available to a client under the immigration laws, evaluate the merits of each option and then assist the client in selecting the option most optimal. In addition, we:

• Understand the personal and business pressures faced by clients with immigration problems, and therefore the need for fast action
• Staff our practice group with sufficient personnel to be able to respond quickly to clients
• Develop creative solutions for difficult immigration law problems
• Stay up-to-date on developments in the law, which change frequently

Click here for more information on our Seattle Immigration Group

Legal disputes don't come neatly packaged. Fortunately, many can be settled before a lawsuit or other formal proceeding begins; others however, may require a trial for resolution.

When a client comes to us with a dispute, we listen carefully to all the details. We then evaluate our client's position and make recommendations for a resolution consistent with his or her goals. We take a practical, common sense approach to such matters, and explore all avenues possible to assist and better protect our clients.

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Registered Investment Advisors ("RIAs") are often presented with many challenges when dealing with complex legal, regulatory and compliance issues. Ryan Swanson’s services for RIAs are focused on guiding you through these obstacles to solve problems that can impede your ability to service your clients effectively. The following list is a sampling of the employment related services Ryan Swanson’s attorneys regularly provide for a wide variety of RIAs and their clients throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Employment Agreements
• Create employment agreements
• Negotiate severance agreements
• Advise regarding joining Protocol for Broker Recruiting
• Advise regarding recruitment from Protocol and non-Protocol member firms

Click here for more information on our Registered Investment Advisor practice.