Related Practices

Admitted to Practice

Washington, 2008
U.S. District Court Western District of Washington
U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit

Katharine M. Tylee

Associate

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Bellevue

T425.646.6122

F425.646.6199

Kate Tylee focuses her practice on employment litigation and counseling. She defends clients in federal and state courts on matters related to age and race discrimination, wage and commission disputes, wrongful termination, retaliation, and denial of benefits under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD).

Kate also counsels employers on Seattle’s paid sick and safe leave ordinance that took effect September 2012. As part of her counseling work in this area, Kate drafts and revises employee handbooks and policies that address ordinance requirements regarding paid sick and safe leave, as well as other changes in employment law. She also trains managers on how to prevent and deal effectively with sexual harassment and other discrimination complaints and workplace policies. Kate’s clients include large hospital systems, national corporations, nonprofits, and businesses in technology, retail and food services industries.

Representative Experience

M.R.B. v. Puyallup School District*

Won defense verdict in high-profile student press case where the Puyallup School District was sued for negligence and invasion of privacy. Defense verdict affirmed by Court of Appeals. 282 P.3d 1124 (2012)

Mediation of discrimination complaint for technology company

Obtained quick, favorable settlement for technology and software client in age discrimination dispute with senior-level manager who agreed to low settlement two months after submitting demand letter. (2012)

Nelson v. Providence Health & Services

Won summary judgment on all claims in wrongful termination case brought by former cardiovascular technician alleging discrimination based on her medical condition of multiple sclerosis. Plaintiff claimed employer violated the FMLA, ADA and WLAD, and engaged in retaliation under state and federal laws (W.D.Wash. 2012)

Cowling v. Tacoma School District*

Defended the Tacoma School District in a lawsuit involving claims of discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower retaliation, negligent infliction of emotional distress, outrage, and violations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Achieved successful resolution following summary judgment on federal law claims. (2010-2011)

Ostheller v. City of Burlington*

Defended the City of Burlington in a lawsuit involving claims of defamation and intentional interference with a business expectancy. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the City of Burlington on both claims. (2011)

* Denotes experience completed at a prior firm

Additional Qualifications

Attorney, Patterson Buchanan Fobes Leitch & Kalzer, Inc., P.S., Seattle, 2008-2011
Legal Intern, The Center for Justice, Spokane, Wash., 2007-2008
Legal Extern, King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Seattle, 2006

Professional & Community Activities

Program Committee Member, Girls on the Run, 2012-present
Board of Advisors, Gonzaga University School of Law, 2013
State Liaison, King County Washington Women Lawyers
Kinship Care Solutions Project, King County Bar Association
Neighborhood Clinic, King County Bar Association

Education

J.D., Gonzaga University School of Law, 2008, cum laude
- Managing Editor, Gonzaga Law Review, 2007-2008
- Research Assistant, 2007-2008
- National Moot Court Team, 2007
- National Trial Team, 2006-2008
- Best Oralist Award, Gonzaga Linden Cup, 2007
- CALI Award, Legal Research and Writing III, 2006
B.A., Society & Justice, Sociology, University of Washington, 1999
- Dean's List, 1997-1999
- UW Husky Hall of Fame Inductee, 2008
- Scholar Athlete Award, 1996-1999