Amy H. Pannoni

Representation of regional home improvement provider in connection with the administrative charges of employment discrimination and retaliation filed with the EEOC by two former employees. The matter is scheduled for arbitration. (Ongoing)

Currently defend wrongful termination suit brought against international nonprofit organization alleging gender discrimination on the basis of pregnancy under the Washington Law Against Discrimination, negligent infliction of emotional distress and intentional infliction of emotional distress. (King Cnty. (Wash.) Super. Ct. Ongoing)

Representing King County (Seattle) in class action by over 400 public defenders, attorneys and staff, who work for independent, nonprofit agencies but claim they are entitled to be enrolled in the State's Public Employee Retirement System. (Pierce Cnty. (Wash.) Super. Ct. Ongoing)

Won motion for summary judgment on all claims in wrongful termination case involving foreign-national plaintiff seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief related to residency in the U.S. and Canada. Our team secured a number of early case victories for Microsoft including 12(c) dismissal of three claims, blocking the deposition of a Microsoft executive and winning several discovery motions. The nine remaining claims for wrongful withholding of wages, race and national origin disparate treatment, disparate impact, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, misrepresentation, and four different federal immigration statute violations were dismissed on summary judgment. (W. D. Wash. 2011)

Successfully defended national restaurant chain in a week-long private arbitration involving difficult factual issues (allegations of rape, sexual assault and evidence spoilation) and legal claims of gender and national origin discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and negligent supervision. Judge ordered a complete defense verdict at the conclusion of the arbitration. (2010)

Defended national retailer employer in the largest wage and hour class action in Washington State history involving alleged underpayment of shift differential. Case removed to federal court. Class never certified. Case settled with individual claimants during court-ordered mediation. (2008)

Defended a Seattle-area restaurant chain in a wage and hour class action lawsuit alleging failure to provide rest and meal breaks and pay overtime; case settled with individual plaintiff and negotiated resolution that avoided class certification. 08-2-06858-7 (King Cnty. (Wash.) Super. Ct. 2008)

Conducted investigation into sexual harassment allegations from multiple parties and involving complicated issues relating to maintaining of privilege. (2007)

Achieved successful resolution of a four plaintiff discrimination lawsuit alleging constructive discharge and harassment for a multi-state restaurant company. (2006)

Obtained defense verdict for health care provider at trial on former employee's wrongful termination and whistleblower retaliation claims. C-02-5625 RBL (W.D. Wash. 2004)

Successful resolution of Washington wage and hour class action involving claims regarding exempt status of assistant managers. (King Cnty. (Wash.) Super. Ct.)

Successful resolution of class action under FLSA and Washington law involving on-call time for maintenance and repair technicians.

Conducted management training programs for clients in a variety of industries, including hospitality, nonprofit, retail, and technology, on the topics of discrimination law, harassment, effective performance feedback, wage and hour, compliance with FMLA and leave laws, and conducting terminations.

Advised multiple employers on complicated leave and accommodation situations involving current employees to assist clients in achieving business goals while maintaining good employee relations.