For Companies and HR Leaders with Businesses or Employees in Oregon
Employers
Counsel and defense for employers in Oregon facing workplace discrimination claims.
For Workers and Executives
Employees
Representation for Oregon workers in workplace discrimination matters.
Who We Are
Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP is a Portland-based employment law firm that advises and represents both employers and employees on employment law matters, including workplace discrimination claims. We represent clients throughout Oregon in state and federal courts and before agencies such as the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Our experience representing both employers and employees provides valuable insight into the legal, practical, and procedural issues that arise in workplace discrimination matters. We use that perspective to help clients assess risks, understand their options, and make informed decisions at every stage of a dispute.
Whether we are advising an employer responding to a discrimination complaint or an employee concerned about unlawful treatment in the workplace, we believe legal guidance is often most helpful when sought early. Prompt advice can help address concerns before they escalate and position clients to navigate complex workplace issues more effectively.
Meet Our Portland Team Handling Workplace Discrimination Cases
What Is Workplace
Discrimination?
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee or applicant is treated unfavorably because of a protected characteristic such as race, age, sex, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran or military status, or other characteristics protected by law.
Discrimination can affect hiring, compensation, promotions, discipline, termination, workplace opportunities, and other terms and conditions of employment. Both Oregon and federal laws provide protections against unlawful discrimination in the workplace.
How Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP Helps Employees With Workplace Discrimination Claims
Workplace discrimination claims often involve complex facts, evolving legal standards, and important career considerations. Employees may seek legal counsel when they believe a protected characteristic has influenced employment decisions, when concerns raised internally have not been addressed, or when they need guidance evaluating their options before taking action.
Employees may contact our firm regarding a wide range of workplace discrimination concerns, including situations such as:
- Being denied a promotion, leadership opportunity, or pay increase while similarly situated employees outside a protected class are treated more favorably.
- Experiencing disciplinary action, demotion, or termination that appears connected to age, race, disability, religion, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or another protected characteristic.
- Facing repeated discriminatory comments, conduct, or workplace policies that create a hostile work environment.
- Being denied a reasonable accommodation for a disability, medical condition, or sincerely held religious belief.
- Experiencing retaliation after reporting discrimination, participating in an internal investigation, or raising concerns about unlawful workplace conduct.
We provide counsel across the full spectrum of workplace discrimination claims under Oregon and federal law:
Age Discrimination
Protection against adverse actions based on an employee’s age, under Oregon and federal law
Race & National Origin
Counsel for claims involving discrimination or harassment based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, or national origin
Sex or Gender, Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
Advocating for rights in matters involving discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, protected under Oregon’s Equality Act
Religious Discrimination
Issues involving failure to accommodate religious practices or discrimination based on an employee’s faith or sincerely held religious beliefs
Disability
Representation in matters involving failure to provide reasonable accommodations or adverse actions tied to physical or mental disabilities
Pregnancy
Disputes involving pregnancy-related discrimination or retaliation for taking leave under FMLA, OFLA, or Paid Leave Oregon
Leave Issues
Advising employees about their rights regarding bereavement, medical, family, and other protected leave, including situations where requested leave has been denied
Our Approach for Employees
We provide employees with practical, strategic guidance in workplace discrimination matters, helping them evaluate their options and navigate the process from initial consultation through resolution.
Intake & Consultation
We meet with clients to understand their concerns, review relevant facts and documentation, and assess potential workplace discrimination issues.
Legal Assessment
We analyze the applicable laws, available evidence, and potential legal and practical considerations that may affect the matter.
Strategy and Recommendation
We advise clients on available options and develop a strategy tailored to their goals, circumstances, and risk tolerance.
Representation
We advocate for our clients through negotiation, administrative proceedings, or litigation as necessary to protect their interests.
We Also Offer Workplace Discrimination Defense for
Employers
Drawing on decades of employment law experience, Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP provides practical and strategic counsel to employers facing workplace discrimination allegations. We help employers assess risk, respond to complaints, navigate agency investigations, and defend claims while minimizing disruption to business operations.
Workplace Discrimination Claims We Help Employers Navigate
Employment discrimination disputes can arise in many forms and often involve overlapping state and federal laws. We advise and represent employers facing a wide range of discrimination-related claims, including:
Disability Accommodation Claims
These include claims alleging that an employer failed to provide a reasonable accommodation, engage in the interactive process, or address an employee's disability-related needs.
Pregnancy and Leave-Related Disputes
We handle matters involving allegations of pregnancy discrimination, failure to accommodate pregnancy-related limitations, or issues arising under FMLA, OFLA, or Paid Leave Oregon.
Race and National Origin Discrimination Claims
These types of claims involve allegations that employment decisions, workplace conduct, or company policies were influenced by an employee's race, ethnicity, ancestry, or national origin.
Age Discrimination Claims
You may be faced with a claim that employment actions such as hiring, promotion, discipline, layoffs, or termination were improperly based on an employee's age.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Claims
We can advise you on matters involving allegations of unequal treatment, harassment, or adverse employment actions based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Religious Accommodation and Discrimination Claims
These claims often involve requests for religious accommodations, scheduling conflicts, workplace policies, or allegations of discrimination based on an employee's sincerely held religious beliefs.
Our Approach for Employers
We work closely with employers to address workplace discrimination concerns, reduce legal risk, and develop practical strategies that align with organizational goals and workplace obligations.
Case Evaluation
We review the underlying facts, relevant policies, workplace records, and the nature of the discrimination allegations to assess the issues presented.
Risk Analysis
We evaluate potential legal exposure, operational considerations, and reputational concerns to help employers make informed decisions.
Documentation and Positioning
We analyze personnel records, internal communications, investigation materials, and other documentation to assess and strengthen the employer's position
Resolution Strategy
We provide strategic guidance through internal investigations, agency proceedings, negotiations, or litigation, depending on the needs of the matter.
Schedule an Intake with Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP
Whether you are an employer responding to a workplace discrimination concern or an employee seeking guidance regarding potential discriminatory treatment, an early conversation with experienced employment counsel can help you better understand your options and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Workplace Discrimination
Below are common questions about workplace discrimination claims in Oregon for both employers and employees.