Wendy J. Baker
Practice Focus
The best attorneys are problem solvers. My law practice focuses on finding effective solutions for both public and private employers in the defense of claims involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful discharge, violations of medical leave laws, workers' compensation retaliation, and wage-and-hour claims.
I have successfully defended numerous claims in all of these areas, including claims filed with the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries ("BOLI") and with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC").
I also negotiate and draft employment and other business contracts, severance agreements and personnel handbooks, as well as give advice on hiring, firing and layoffs. Internal investigations of employee complaints are a mainstay of my practice.
A major component of my practice is problem solving and prevention. To that end, I advise employers on how to train managers and supervisors to recognize potential discrimination or retaliation complaints before they become a reality. I help employers avoid wage claims by making sure employees are properly classified in accordance with state and federal law. I have extensive experience interpreting and implementing family medical leave laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA").
In addition, I have a wealth of experience in labor law, having advised both public and private employers in negotiations, contract enforcement and resolution of grievances, including unfair labor practice complaints.
Presentations and Client Trainings
Please contact this law firm directly to learn more about the following options. Prices for sessions vary according to topic, location, length of presentation and number of participants.
- The Price is Right: How Much Did This Mistake Cost the Employer?
- Employment Basics for Small Businesses
- Best Hiring Practices
- Employee Privacy
- Employer Rights and Responsibilities During a Union Organizing Campaign
- Dodging the Hazards of Electronic Communications in the Workplace
- How to Prevent Sexual Harassment
- Managing Employee Injuries, Illnesses and Disabilities: Juggling Workers' Compensation, ADA, and Leave Laws
- Preventing Retaliation Claims
- Top Ten Strategies to Avoid Litigation
- The Dirty Dozen: 12 Things Never to Say to an Employee
Areas of Practice
- Discrimination, including ADA, ADEA and Title VII
- Electronic Communication Issues in the Workplace
- Employee Classification Under Oregon Law & Fair Labor Standards Act ("FLSA")
- Employment Contracts and Severance Agreements
- Equal Employment Opportunity Matters ("EEOC")
- Family Medical Leave, both Oregon and U.S.
- First Amendment Rights of Public Employees
- Management-Side Labor Relations
- Medical Marijuana
- Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreements
- Personnel Manuals and Handbooks
- Privacy Issues in the Workplace
- Retaliation Claims
- Sexual Harassment
- Wage and Hour Claims
- Workplace Investigations
Bar Admissions
- Oregon, 2002
- U.S. District Court District of Oregon, 2002
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 2006
Education
- University of Oregon School of Law, Eugene, Oregon
- J.D. - 2002
- University of Washington
- B.A. - 1975
- Major: Communications
Published Works
- Reporter and Editor, The Register-Guard
- Reporter and Editor, The Seattle Times
- Reporter and Editor, The Associated Press
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Oregon State Bar, Sole & Small Firm Practitioners Section, Executive Committee, 2010 - Present
- Local Government Affairs Council, Eugene Chamber of Commerce, Member, 2010 - Present
- United Way of Lane County, Member, Internal Operations Committee, 2007 - 2009
- Oregon State Bar, Legal Ethics Committee, 2004 - 2007
- Oregon State Bar, Chair, Legal Ethics Committee, 2006 - 2007
Past Employment Positions
- Arlie & Company, Corporate Legal Counsel
- Harrang Long Gary Rudnick P.C., Attorney
- Gaydos Churnside & Balthrop, Eugene, OR, Law Clerk and Attorney
Pro Bono Activities
- Member, Executive Committee, Sole & Small Firm Practitioners Section, Oregon State Bar, 2010
- Member, Local Government Affairs Council, Eugene Chamber of Commerce, 2010
- Member, Internal Operations Committee, United Way of Lane County, 2007 - 2009
- Member, Legal Ethics Committee, Oregon State Bar, 2004 - 2007
- Chair, Legal Ethics Committee, Oregon State Bar, 2006 - 2007
