Labor Relations Associate - Seattle or Portland

Ballard Spahr LLP, which recently combined with Lane Powell PC, a more than 750+ lawyer firm with 19 offices across the U.S., is seeking a highly qualified associate to join its expanding Labor & Employment practice in Seattle and Portland. The ideal candidate will have 6 to 8 years of relevant Traditional Labor experience. In this role, an Associate will be responsible for representing employers in Labor-related matters in state and federal courts as well as administrative agencies such as the National Labor Relations Board, the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, the Washington Public Employment Relations Commission,  the Oregon Employment Relations Board, and the U.S. Department of Labor, among others, along with proceedings before labor arbitrators, and handling disputes and counselling relating to the administration and negotiation of collective bargaining agreements. As such, candidates should have experience representing and counseling clients on matters pertaining to collective bargaining, labor arbitration, Union organizing campaigns, picketing, strikes, labor injunctions and other labor related issues.  Experience handling Representation proceedings and Unfair Labor Practice investigations and litigation before the NLRB are required qualifications for the position.  Depending on experience and firm needs, the position may also be responsible for counseling clients on compliance with employment laws and drafting employment agreements and assisting in employment litigation. Experience or knowledge concerning occupational safety and health, prevailing wage law, and multiemployer benefit plans are desirable additional qualifications.  Excellent writing skills, attention to detail, and strong academic credentials are required.

Active bar admission in Washington or Oregon (or the ability to waive in), is required. Ideally, a candidate will be admitted, or able to waive in, to practice in both jurisdictions.

How to Apply:

Ballard Spahr is a nationally recognized law firm with more than 750 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States. A career at Ballard Spahr means joining a team of talented mentors, colleagues, and friends, supported by strong leadership that actively encourages professional growth.

To apply, please submit a resume, transcript, writing sample, and cover letter (optional) through our online application system. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is from $305,000 to $330,000 for Seattle ($260,000 to $285,000 for Portland), which reflects the Firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will depend on several factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and location.

In addition to the salary for this position, lawyers may be eligible for an incentive bonus program and/or a profit-sharing bonus program.

Ballard Spahr also offers an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, short and long-term disability, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, paid time off, ten paid holidays and an employee assistance program. A detailed summary of available benefits can be found here on our Careers website.

At Ballard Spahr, we believe that our skills, perspectives, and backgrounds drive innovation and excellence, while our unique culture fosters collaboration and success. Our culture of thriving together forms the cornerstone of how we deliver exceptional service and position our firm for a strong future. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. 

Ballard Spahr is an equal opportunity employer. We offer equal consideration to all qualified applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, handicap or disability, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, genetic information, ancestry, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.

SEARCH FIRMS: We are accepting search firm submissions for this position from search firms with which we have active fee agreements in place. Please contact Zachary Ottoson at ottosonz@ballardspahr.com for candidate submissions