
Key Point:
- Seattle and Washington workers are protected by the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), the Washington Minimum Wage Act, and Seattle’s own minimum wage ordinance, which is among the highest in the nation.
- If you were underpaid, discriminated against, harassed, or wrongfully terminated in Seattle, you may be owed lost wages, damages, and attorney’s fees.
- A Seattle employment lawyer handles claims through Washington L&I and the Washington State Human Rights Commission, not the California agencies, and can tell you what your case is worth.
If you are a Seattle employee, there is a good chance you will have legal questions about your job at some point in your career. That is where a skilled Seattle employment lawyer comes in. From reviewing employment contracts to recovering unpaid overtime, from family and medical leave to fighting wrongful termination, a Seattle employment lawyer offers invaluable services throughout your career.
Whatever your workplace concern, Bibiyan Law Group is committed to helping you reach the best possible outcome under Washington law. We are with you every step of the way, from your first consultation to the resolution of your case.
Dealing with a workplace problem in Seattle? Contact Bibiyan Law Group for a free consultation. We will review your situation and tell you what your options are under Washington law.
How Can a Seattle Employment Attorney Help Me?
We dive deep into each employment claim, uncovering the details that decide cases. Whether you are navigating a wrongful termination, a wage dispute, or a hostile work environment, our services include:
- Assessing and negotiating employment contracts
- Pursuing wage and hour claims through the Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)
- Advocating for workers in discrimination and harassment claims under the Washington Law Against Discrimination
- Bringing retaliation claims for employees punished for asserting their rights
- Thorough investigations, witness interviews, and evidence preservation
- Negotiating fair compensation for workplace violations
- Presenting your case in court when a fair settlement is not offered
What Laws Protect Seattle Workers?
Seattle employees are covered by a strong set of state and local protections that differ from other states:
Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), RCW 49.60. Protects employees from discrimination and harassment based on race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age (40+), religion, and other protected characteristics. Enforced by the Washington State Human Rights Commission.
Seattle Minimum Wage Ordinance. Seattle sets its own minimum wage, among the highest in the country, which employers within the city must pay. The 2026 Seattle rate is $21.30 per hour. When the local rate is higher than the Washington state minimum, the employer must pay the higher Seattle rate.
Washington Minimum Wage Act, RCW 49.46. Sets the statewide wage floor and requires overtime at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. Note that Washington uses a weekly overtime standard, not California’s daily eight-hour rule.
Washington Paid Sick Leave and Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), RCW 50A. Washington workers accrue paid sick leave and may qualify for partial wage replacement during family or medical leave.
Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act, RCW 49.58. Requires equal pay for substantially similar work and includes pay transparency protections.
Federal laws including Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA, the FLSA, and the FMLA also apply to Seattle workers.
What Types of Claims Does a Seattle Employment Attorney Handle?
- Wrongful Termination: Being fired for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation, or in violation of a contract or public policy.
- Workplace Discrimination: Adverse treatment based on a protected characteristic under WLAD.
- Wage and Hour Disputes: Recovering unpaid wages, overtime, and missed pay, including violations of the Seattle minimum wage ordinance.
- Sexual Harassment and Hostile Work Environment: Seeking justice for victims of workplace misconduct.
- Retaliation and Whistleblower Claims: Protecting workers punished for reporting illegal activity or asserting their rights.
- Family and Medical Leave Violations: Enforcing your rights under Washington PFML and the federal FMLA.
Not sure whether you have a claim? Our attorneys evaluate Seattle employment cases at no cost. Schedule your free consultation with Bibiyan Law Group or call (310) 438-5555.
What Evidence Should I Collect?
Before meeting with your attorney, gather what you can: employment contracts, pay stubs and time records, performance reviews, disciplinary notices, relevant emails and texts, witness information, and any company policies related to your issue. Your attorney will help you obtain anything you cannot access on your own.
Contact a Seattle Employment Lawyer
If you need a Seattle employment lawyer, Bibiyan Law Group is ready to help. We focus exclusively on representing employees, never employers, and we work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we recover for you.
Contact Bibiyan Law Group or call (310) 438-5555 to schedule your free consultation.
Trusted Resources
We work with these Washington and federal authorities every day so you do not have to navigate them alone:
- The Washington State Human Rights Commission, which handles discrimination and harassment complaints under WLAD.
- The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), where Washington workers file wage claims.
- The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces federal anti-discrimination law.
Filing with these agencies involves strict deadlines. Before you contact them on your own, talk to us first. We will tell you what your claim is worth and handle the process for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost to hire an employment lawyer in Seattle?
Most employment lawyers, including Bibiyan Law Group, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and the fee comes only from a successful recovery. Your initial consultation is free.
What is the minimum wage in Seattle?
Seattle sets its own minimum wage, which is among the highest in the nation and higher than the Washington state minimum. The 2026 Seattle rate is $21.30 per hour. If you work in Seattle and are paid less, your employer may owe you back wages.
How is overtime calculated in Washington?
Washington requires overtime pay at 1.5 times your regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Unlike California, Washington does not have a daily overtime rule for hours over eight in a day.
How long do I have to file a discrimination claim in Washington?
Under the Washington Law Against Discrimination, you generally have three years to file a lawsuit or six months to file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission. Deadlines are strict, so speak with an attorney promptly.
What should I do if I was wrongfully terminated in Seattle?
Write down the timeline of events, preserve all related documents and communications, do not sign a severance agreement before an attorney reviews it, and contact an employment lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.