Washington Employment Lawyers

Employment law are those laws passed in Washington that apply to employers, employees and independent contractors. These laws apply to every aspect of workplace endeavors, such as hiring practices, wage disputes, and firing of employees. Washington's employment laws set forth specific mandates that need to be understood by both employers and employees.

At-Will and Contract Employment

Most job relationships in Washington are on the basis of "at will" employment, but in other cases there may be an employment contract with a predetermined term. "At will" employment implies that either the employee or the employer may end the relationship at any point, so long as the reason for the termination is not prohibited. If the employer and employee are working according to an employment contract, Washington employment law will govern the various clauses contained in the contract.

The Law of Discrimination in Washington

According to Washington law, employees may not discriminate against their employees regarding any phase of the employment, including hiring policies, workplace procedures, and termination. In Washington, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against persons based on their membership in a specific class. These classes may include: age, race, gender, religion, national origin, and disability. Lawyers who specialize in workplace discrimination in Washington can help clarify when behavior may be considered employment discrimination.

Interesting Facts About Washington

Washington is a state located on the Western Pacific Coast of the mainland U.S. Washington became a state in 1889. Before this, it was part of a region known as the Washington Territory. Washington state was named after President George Washington and is the only state to be named after a U.S. President.

Washington life is supported by an economy of agriculture, shipping, transportation, and heavy industry. Many of Washington's laws regulate these types of activities. Complex legal claims are heard at the Washington Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the state. The Washington Supreme Court produces many decisions that are influential across the country. A 2007 study showed that decisions coming from the Washington Supreme Court are the second most widely followed by all the appellate courts in the U.S.

Other important court bodies in Washington include the Court of Appeals, the Superior Court system, the Municipal Courts, and District Courts. Another interesting fact is that Washington's Supreme Court was the first court in the world to provide complete television coverage of all cases. These are televised year-round through the state's public television network.

Lawyers in Washington provide their clients with the legal services in accordance with state and national standards. Washington lawyers are skilled at interpreting the state's complex body of case laws and statutory codes. Legal questions and inquires can be directed to a local attorney in Washington.