Maria Hart works with employers in all aspects of employment and labor law. She defends employers in discrimination cases, sexual harassment lawsuits, wrongful discharge, and breach of contract cases. Maria also counsels clients on compliance with federal and state employment laws and assists clients with drafting employee handbooks, personnel policies, employment contracts, and severance agreements. Maria represents unionized employers in labor arbitrations and National Labor Relations Board proceedings, including unfair labor practice charges and unit determination hearings.
Representative Experience
Disability discrimination case for a national manufacturer
Defended a national manufacturing company in a lawsuit involving claims of wrongful termination and violation of family medical leave laws. Achieved successful resolution of the case following a partial summary judgment. (2011)
Labor issues for media, entertainment and communication company client
Assisted a national media, entertainment and communication company client with unfair labor practice charges and unit determination petitions. (2010-2011)
Wrongful discharge lawsuit for an assisted living facility
Defended and achieved successful resolution of a wrongful discharge lawsuit for a multi-state assisted living facility company. (2011)
Labor arbitration for a medical center
Represented a medical center in a labor arbitration involving a union’s claim that a former employee’s termination for poor performance was in violation of collective bargaining agreement. The arbitrator ruled for the medical center denying the grievance. (2010)
Sexual harassment dispute for a casino company
Achieved successful resolution of a lawsuit by a former employee alleging sexual harassment for a casino company. (2010)
Wrongful discharge lawsuit for a library district
Defended and achieved a successful resolution in a lawsuit involving plaintiff’s claims of wrongful termination in violation of public policy and breach of contract for a library district. (2010)
Green v. Seattle Art Museum
Represented the Seattle Art Museum in a race and national origin case brought by a terminated employee. The federal court granted summary judgment in all respects. On appeal, the 9th Circuit affirmed the dismissal. (2009)
Kaman v. Seattle Symphony
Represented the Seattle Symphony in the appellate stage of a disability discrimination and harassment lawsuit. The Washington Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s dismissal of the case on summary judgment. (2009)
Loaris v. Washington Mutual Bank
Represented Washington Mutual Bank in a disability discrimination case filed by a former employee. After three days of hearings the arbitrator ruled in the bank's favor in its entirety. (2009)
Villaneuva v. Providence St. Peter Hospital
Represented Providence St. Peter Hospital in a disability discrimination lawsuit. Obtained summary judgment for client on all claims. (2009)
Labor issues for medical center client
Represented a medical center client in labor arbitrations and unfair labor practice charges. (2007-2008)
Multi-plaintiff discrimination case for a restaurant company
Defended client in an age and gender discrimination lawsuit alleging constructive discharge and harassment and assisted the client in achieving a successful resolution. (2006)