For Companies and HR Leaders with Businesses or Employees in Oregon
Employers
Counsel and defense for employers in Oregon facing disability discrimination claims.
For Workers and Executives
Employees
Representation for Oregon workers in disability discrimination matters.
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 disability discrimination claims. We represent our Oregon clients in state and federal court, and before state and federal agencies including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries.
As disability discrimination attorneys, we have experience representing both employers and employees. We bring a unique perspective and understanding of the applicable laws and procedural realities each side encounters, and use that perspective to bring practical, informed, and strategic counsel.
Meet Our Portland Team Handling Disability Discrimination Cases
What Is Disability
Discrimination?
Are you being treated unfavorably, harassed, or denied equal opportunity because of an actual, historical, or perceived physical or mental impairment in the workplace? If so, you may be experiencing disability discrimination.
Both federal and state laws provide job-related protections to individuals with disabilities.
How Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP Helps Employees With Disability Discrimination Claims
We regularly assist employees with disability discrimination issues such as:
- Discrimination in the terms and conditions of work, including hiring, interviewing, promotions, compensation, and more
- Failure to provide reasonable accommodations
- Wrongful termination or demotion
- Harassment or a hostile work environment
- Retaliation
We also provide counsel for these other types of discrimination under Oregon and federal law.
Sex or Gender, Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
Advocating for individuals' rights in cases involving discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity under Oregon's Equality Act
Pregnancy
Representing individuals in disputes involving pregnancy-related discrimination or retaliation for taking protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA), or Paid Leave Oregon
Age Discrimination
Protecting employees based on their age from workplace discrimination and other adverse employment actions in violation of Oregon and federal law
Race & National Origin
Advocating for employees facing discrimination or harassment based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin
Religious Discrimination
Representing employees in matters involving religious discrimination or an employer’s failure to reasonably accommodate sincerely held religious beliefs or practices
Leave Issues
Advising employees on their rights to bereavement, medical, and family leave, including claims involving the wrongful denial of protected leave
Our Approach for Employees
We represent your interests in disability discrimination matters, from the initial assessment forward.
Intake & Consultation
Our team will evaluate the circumstances of your workplace discrimination concern.
Legal Assessment
We’ll evaluate your potential claims, the strength of your evidence, and potential outcomes under Oregon and federal laws.
Strategy and Recommendation
We’ll discuss your options, including direct negotiation with the employer, an administrative filing with BOLI or the EEOC, or litigation.
Representation
Our team vigorously advocates on your behalf to obtain a result that advances your best interests.
We Also Offer Disability Discrimination Defense for
Employers
Our combined decades of employer litigation experience enable Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP to provide employers with practical and strategic advice to help minimize the likelihood of disability discrimination claims and undergird their position should a legal challenge arise.
Disability Discrimination Claims We Help Employers Navigate
Navigating these claims requires precise documentation and adherence to federal EEOC guidelines and state statutes. We guide HR teams, help to assess options for accommodating employees with disabilities, and document legitimate, non-discriminatory employment actions for the following types of disability discrimination claims:
Hiring and Interview Discrimination
Claims from applicants saying they were not hired for a job they were qualified for simply because of their disability
Failure To Provide Reasonable Accommodations
Allegations that your company refused to provide a reasonable accommodation, or evaluating whether a requested modification poses an "undue hardship"
Wrongful Termination or Demotion
Claims that an employee was fired, laid off, or demoted because of a physical or mental impairment rather than legitimate business reasons
Harassment or a Hostile Work Environment
Claims that your company failed to prevent pervasive harassment, offensive comments, or jokes made by co-workers or supervisors about an employee's disability
Retaliation
Allegations that you punished or demoted an employee because they requested an accommodation or reported discriminatory behavior
Our Approach for Employers
We’ve represented many of our employer clients for decades, providing strategic and practical advice to help them avoid claims. Here’s an example of what the typical process entails.
Case Evaluation
We evaluate the reasons for the termination, review the supporting documentation, and assess potential legal risks and exposure.
Risk Analysis
We identify the legal and business risks associated with disability discrimination claims and provide recommendations that align with the organization's objectives.
Documentation and Positioning
We assess the legal and organizational risks associated with disability discrimination claims and develop practical strategies that align with the organization's goals.
Resolution Strategy
We provide guidance through negotiation, proceedings before BOLI or the EEOC, or litigation, depending on the needs of the disability discrimination matter.
Schedule an Intake with Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP
An early conversation can clarify the path forward. Whether you’re an Oregon employee fearing termination or exploring your options following a discharge, or are an employer in need of assistance with employment policies or other personnel matters, we invite you to consult with our team.