For Companies and HR Leaders with Businesses or Employees in Oregon
Employers
Counsel and defense for Oregon employers navigating employee leave obligations, accommodation issues, and leave-related claims.
For Workers and Executives
Employees
Representation for Oregon employees whose workplace rights have been violated in connection with protected leave.
Who We Are
Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP is a Portland-based employment law firm representing both employers and employees in workplace leave matters under Oregon and federal law. We provide practical, strategic counsel to help clients navigate complex employment issues, resolve disputes, and protect their legal interests.
We represent clients throughout Oregon in state and federal court and before agencies responsible for enforcing employment laws.
Because we regularly advise both employers and employees, we understand how leave laws affect each side of the employment relationship. That perspective allows us to provide practical, strategic guidance whether we're helping an employee protect their rights or assisting an employer in navigating complex leave obligations.
Many leave disputes can be avoided or better managed with early legal advice. We encourage employers and employees alike to seek counsel whenever possible before workplace issues escalate.
Meet Our Protected Leave Attorneys in Portland
What Are
Employment
Leave Rights?
Employment leave laws protect workers who need time away from work for qualifying medical conditions, family responsibilities, military service, and other legally protected reasons. Depending on the circumstances, employees may have rights under federal laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Oregon programs such as Paid Leave Oregon, Oregon's sick time laws, and federal and state military leave protections.
These laws can be complex, particularly when multiple leave programs overlap or when disputes arise over eligibility, documentation, job restoration, or retaliation after taking leave.
How Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP Helps Employees With Employment Leave Matters
Employees contact our firm when they believe their employer has denied protected leave, failed to restore them to their position, retaliated against them for taking leave, or otherwise violated Oregon or federal leave laws. Depending on the circumstances, we may assist with matters involving:
- FMLA leave rights
- Paid Leave Oregon (PLO)
- Oregon sick time
- Military leave protections
- Retaliation or interference related to protected leave
FMLA Leave
Counsel regarding eligibility, leave requests, job restoration rights, intermittent leave, medical certification issues, and employer interference with rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act
Paid Leave Oregon (PLO)
Representation involving working with your employer to take Paid Leave Oregon benefits, qualifying family or medical leave, employer obligations, reinstatement rights, and disputes arising during or after protected leave
Oregon Sick Time
Advice regarding earned sick time requirements, improper denial of sick leave, disciplinary action related to lawful sick leave use, and employer compliance with Oregon law
Military Leave
Representation involving military leave rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and Oregon law, including reemployment rights, discrimination, benefit protections, and leave for National Guard or Reserve service.
Leave Retaliation
Counsel for employees who believe they have experienced discipline, demotion, reduced hours, termination, or other adverse treatment after requesting or taking protected leave
Our Approach for Employees
We represent employees in employment leave issues from initial assessment through resolution.
Intake & Consultation
We begin by understanding your workplace situation, reviewing the events surrounding your leave request or workplace concern, and identifying the issues that may affect your rights and available options.
Legal Assessment
We assess the facts, review relevant documentation and employer communications, and evaluate potential claims or defenses under the applicable employment laws.
Strategy and Recommendation
Based on our assessment, we recommend a course of action that aligns with your goals, whether that involves resolving the matter directly with your employer, pursuing an administrative claim, or preparing for litigation.
Representation
When representation is appropriate, we advocate on your behalf throughout negotiations, administrative proceedings, or litigation, working to achieve a practical outcome that protects your interests.
We Also Offer Employment Leave Counsel and Defense for
Employers
Drawing on decades of employment law experience, Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP advises Oregon employers on compliance with federal and state leave laws while helping reduce the risk of disputes, administrative complaints, and litigation.
Employment Leave Matters We Help Employers Navigate
Employment leave laws can present significant challenges for employers, particularly when multiple state and federal requirements apply. Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP advises Oregon employers on a wide range of leave-related matters, helping them make informed decisions, maintain compliance, and reduce the risk of costly disputes. Common issues we assist employers with include:
FMLA Compliance
Advising employers on employee eligibility, required notices, medical certifications, intermittent leave, and restoration obligations under the Family and Medical Leave Act
Paid Leave Oregon Administration
Guidance regarding employer responsibilities, coordination with company leave policies, employee reinstatement obligations, and compliance with Paid Leave Oregon requirements
Sick Leave Compliance
Counsel regarding Oregon sick time accrual, employee use of protected leave, attendance policies, and documentation requirements
Military Leave Obligations
Advice regarding leave and reinstatement rights under USERRA and Oregon law, including benefit continuation and protection from discrimination
Leave Accommodation & Coordination
Helping employers navigate situations where FMLA, Paid Leave Oregon, the ADA, workers' compensation, or other leave obligations may overlap
Leave Retaliation Claims
Representation in disputes alleging retaliation, interference, or discrimination related to protected leave requests or leave usage
Our Approach for Employers
We work closely with our employer clients to help them navigate employment leave issues before they become larger disputes. Whether advising on a specific employee situation or broader policy concerns, we provide practical, strategic guidance tailored to each organization's goals. Here's an example of what the typical process entails.
Case Evaluation
We review the circumstances giving rise to the leave issue, the employer's policies and practices, and the available documentation to identify potential legal obligations and areas of concern.
Risk Analysis
We assess potential exposure under applicable state and federal leave laws, identify practical and operational considerations, and provide recommendations that align with the organization's objectives.
Documentation and Positioning
We evaluate leave records, personnel documentation, communications, and internal processes to help ensure the employer's actions are well supported and consistently applied.
Resolution Strategy
Whether the matter calls for proactive guidance, negotiation with an employee, response to an agency complaint, or defense litigation, we develop a strategy designed to protect the employer's interests while addressing the issues at hand.
Schedule an Intake with Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP
Whether you're an Oregon employer navigating complex leave obligations or an employee who believes your workplace leave rights have been violated, an early conversation can help clarify your options and the best path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Protected Leave Matters in Oregon
Below are common questions about paid leave claims in Oregon that may apply to both employees and employers.