For Companies and HR Leaders with Businesses or Employees in Oregon
Employers
Counsel and defense for employers in Oregon facing gender and/or sexual orientation discrimination claims.
For Workers and Executives
Employees
Representation for Oregon workers in gender and/or sexual orientation 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 claims alleging discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. We represent clients throughout Oregon in state and federal court, as well as before administrative agencies, including the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Our experience on both sides of employment matters gives us a well-rounded understanding of the legal standards and procedural challenges involved in discrimination disputes. We draw on that insight to deliver practical, strategic, and informed guidance tailored to each client’s situation.
Whether advising an employer or an individual employee, we emphasize the importance of seeking legal counsel early, often before issues escalate into formal discrimination claims.
Meet Our Portland Team Handling Sexual Orientation Discrimination Cases
What Is Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity
Discrimination?
Sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated differently in the workplace because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. This can include:
- Harassment
- Unequal pay or opportunities
- Denial of promotions
- Termination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity
In many cases, it also involves creating a hostile work environment where an individual is targeted or excluded because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
How Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP Helps Employees With Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity Discrimination Claims
We help employees facing gender or sexual orientation discrimination understand their rights and take effective legal action at every stage of the process.
- Reviewing your situation to assess whether discrimination occurred
- Explaining your legal rights and available options
- Filing complaints with agencies like BOLI and the EEOC
- Collecting and preserving key evidence
- Negotiating settlements or representing you in mediation
- Litigating your case in state or federal court, if needed
- Seeking remedies such as lost wages and emotional distress damages
- Providing strategic guidance throughout your case
We also provide counsel for these other types of discrimination under Oregon and federal law.
Age Discrimination
Legal protection against unfavorable treatment for workers based on age, who are protected against discrimination under Oregon and federal law
Race & National Origin
Representation in claims involving bias, harassment, or adverse actions based on race, ethnicity, color, or national origin
Religious Discrimination
Matters involving denial of reasonable religious accommodations or adverse treatment based on faith or sincerely held beliefs
Disability
Advocacy in cases involving failure to accommodate disabilities or unlawful workplace actions tied to physical or mental impairments
Pregnancy
Claims involving pregnancy discrimination, including retaliation or denial of leave under FMLA, OFLA, or Paid Leave Oregon
Leave Issues
Representing employees in matters involving bereavement, medical, family, and other protected leave, including disputes over leave requests, denials, or employer compliance with applicable laws
Our Approach for Employees
We represent employees in workplace sexual orientation discrimination matters, guiding them from the initial review through final resolution.
Intake & Consultation
We review the facts surrounding your sexual orientation discrimination issue and assess whether unlawful conduct may have occurred.
Legal Assessment
We analyze potential claims, available evidence, and remedies under Oregon and federal employment law.
Strategy and Recommendation
We outline your options, including negotiation, filing with agencies such as BOLI or the EEOC, or pursuing litigation.
Representation
We advocate aggressively on your behalf to pursue outcomes that protect your rights and interests.
We Also Offer Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination Defense for Employers
With decades of employment litigation experience, Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP delivers practical, strategic guidance to help employers reduce the risk of sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination claims and improve their position if a dispute arises.
Sexual Orientation Discrimination Claims We Help Employers Navigate
We advise and defend employers facing sexual orientation discrimination claims across a wide range of workplace situations.
Our counsel focuses on helping employers respond effectively to allegations, ensure compliance with applicable laws, and reduce the risk of future disputes.
Hiring and Promotion Decisions
We advise employers on making fair, legally compliant hiring and promotion decisions to reduce the risk of bias-based claims. This includes reviewing processes, documentation, and selection criteria.
Workplace Harassment Allegations
We assist in responding to complaints involving harassment based on sexual orientation, helping employers investigate claims and take appropriate corrective action.
Wrongful Termination Claims
We defend employers facing allegations that an employee was terminated due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, ensuring decisions are supported by legitimate, documented business reasons.
Failure To Accommodate or Respect Identity
We counsel employers on handling issues involving respect for gender expression, identity, or related workplace concerns to ensure compliance with applicable laws and policies.
Retaliation Claims
We help employers address claims that adverse actions were taken in response to complaints of discrimination or participation in an investigation.
Workplace Policy and Compliance Issues
We assist in developing and reviewing workplace policies to ensure they meet legal standards and reduce exposure to sexual orientation discrimination claims.
Our Approach for Employers
We work closely with new and longstanding employer clients to help prevent claims through practical, strategic guidance. The following outlines a typical approach.
Case Evaluation
We review the underlying facts, workplace context, and documentation to assess potential exposure to sexual orientation discrimination claims.
Risk Analysis
We identify legal and organizational risks and provide recommendations aligned with the employer’s goals and compliance obligations.
Documentation and Positioning
We evaluate personnel records, performance history, and internal communications to ensure the employer’s position is well-supported.
Resolution Strategy
We advise employers through resolution options such as negotiation, agency proceedings with BOLI or the EEOC, or litigation when necessary.
Schedule an Intake with Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP
Whether you are an Oregon employer seeking guidance on workplace policies from a gender discrimination lawyer or an employee concerned about discriminatory treatment, harassment, or evaluating your options after a termination, an early conversation with an employment discrimination lawyer can help clarify your rights and next steps.