Jeffrey B. Youmans

Partner

Jeff Youmans represents employers in lawsuits, arbitrations, and administrative proceedings involving a wide range of employment law issues, including wrongful termination, discrimination, and wage-and-hour litigation. He regularly counsels employers on how to comply with state and federal employment laws and regulations. Jeff also represents employers in appeals of safety and health citations under OSHA and WISHA.

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries v. Tyson Foods, Inc.

Successfully represented a large food company in an appeal of a WISHA safety and health citation alleging failure to provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment. After an administrative hearing, the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals vacated the bulk of the citation against the company, and the courts upheld the board's ruling on appeal. 143 Wash. App. 576, 178 P.3 1070 (Wash. App. 2008)

Employment dispute for hospital

Successfully represented hospital in an appeal of a WISHA safety and health citation alleging failure to protect employees from the risk of workplace violence. After an administrative hearing, the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals vacated the citation against the hospital. Docket No. W05 0231 (Bd. of Indus. Ins. App. 2007)

Jack Miller v. CourtTrax Corporation

Successfully represented defendant technology company in an arbitration of claims by a former manager that he was entitled to bonuses and back salary. The arbitrator ruled in favor of the defendant on all claims. (2007)

Arbitration agreement dispute for automobile dealership

Successfully represented defendant in a jury trial regarding the enforceability of an arbitration agreement with an employee. Obtained a jury verdict in favor of the defendant enforcing the arbitration agreement. 05-2-20617-9-KNT (King Cnty. (Wash.) Super. Ct. 2006)

Brenda Daly v. Cazier Enterprises, Inc.

Successfully defended restaurant in a lawsuit by a former employee alleging sexual and racial harassment and retaliation. The court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendant and dismissed all of the employee's claims. CV-05-5059-EFS (E.D. Wash. 2006)

Admitted to Practice

Washington
U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington

Education

J.D., University of California, Berkeley School of Law, 1996
- Order of the Coif
B.A., English, University of California, Berkeley, 1993, with highest honors
- Phi Beta Kappa

Memberships & Affiliations

- Pro Bono Legal Counsel, The Children’s Museum, Seattle
- OSHA Committee, Section of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association

Professional Recognition

- Named one of the "Best Lawyers in America" in Employment Law - Management by Best Lawyers, 2024-present; in Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2024-present
- Selected to "Washington Rising Stars," Thomson Reuters, 2005-2008