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Desktop Image: Finch, Peter
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Peter G. Finch

He/Him

Partner

T 206.757.8153 Seattle
T 213.633.6856 Los Angeles
I'm constantly innovating on the job, because my clients' labor and employment problems require unique, creative solutions.
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Having practiced traditional labor law exclusively for more than two decades, Peter Finch believes that solving his clients' problems means helping them achieve their business goals cost-effectively, devising strategies that look several steps ahead, and avoiding administrative charges that needlessly divert their precious time and resources.

As a former attorney with the NLRB, and active member of the ABA's Committee on Practice and Procedure Under the National Labor Relations Act, Peter leverages his experience and connections with Board agents around the country to guide his clients with confidence through the sometimes arcane and confusing world of federal labor law. This includes representing them when faced with a union organizing campaign, advocating for them in unfair labor practice cases, and providing them with strategic advice and counsel when confronting thorny, legally complex matters.

Peter also helps his clients resolve labor issues that might impact potential mergers and acquisitions. And for clients with a union-represented workforce, Peter serves as the chief negotiator and strategist in collective bargaining for employers in a broad range of industries, arbitrates grievances, investigates and defends clients against administrative charges, and serves as the lead advocate in trials.

Practice Highlights

Labor relations

Representing employers at the bargaining table and in strategic support roles for first and successor agreements; advising clients on contract interpretation and administration matters; handling arbitration of contract interpretation and disciplinary matters; providing materials and advice for strike preparation; providing management training for union and nonunion employees; and providing advice and counsel regarding political alliances with labor organizations when necessary to achieve mutually beneficial legislative outcomes.

Administrative proceedings

Serving as lead defense counsel in unfair labor practice investigations and hearings before state and federal agencies; pursuing unfair labor practices against unions to address unlawful picketing, contract violations, and bad faith bargaining; representing employers in all phases of election proceedings; and providing strategic advice and support to clients faced with union organizing campaigns.

Transaction advice and counsel

Working with M&A attorneys; advising and representing employers in all manner of transactions involving one or more bargaining units; assisting with all labor-related issues that arise during the due diligence process; working with clients to manage and structure actual or potential collective bargaining relationships; and ensuring employees easily transition from one employer to another.

Defense of large telecommunications company

Successfully defended telecommunications employer charged with firing line worker as retaliation for protected concerted activity. Although DWT was retained after complaint issued, our defense led the regional director to withdraw and dismiss the complaint prior to trial, dispatching liability that could have exceeded $300,000.

Unfair labor practices charges for large hospital

Obtained full dismissals for an acute care hospital employer in a variety of ULPs related to terminations that former employees alleged were for union or protected concerted activity.

Defense of hospital

Successfully defended a renowned hospital, showing that contract language, past practice, and bargaining history established “clear and unmistakable waiver” of union’s right to bargain over, or otherwise restrict, employer’s ability to unilaterally change employees’ healthcare benefits.

Defense of healthcare provider

Defended large healthcare provider in a case proving that, as a successor employer, it had the right to set employees’ initial terms and conditions of employment, and unilaterally change shifts for unit employees across departments.

Agency charges for large shipping company

Served as part of a coordinating counsel team for a nationwide shipping company, addressing discrimination, retaliation, and failure to accommodate charges filed by current and former employees with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and related state and municipal agencies, as well as working with district counsel to ensure consistency for litigation.
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Admitted to Practice

  • Washington, 1997
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, 2000
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington, 2010

Education

  • J.D., Seattle University School of Law, 1997, cum laude
  • B.A., Writing/Media, Loyola University Maryland, 1990

Memberships & Affiliations

    • Committee on Practice and Procedure Under the National Labor Relations Act, American Bar Association
    • Member, The Fellows of the American Bar Association
    • Washington State Bar Association
    • Governor, Washington State Bar Foundation
    • PCLELC Planning Committee, King County Bar Association, 2013
    • Board of Directors; Governance Committee Chair – King County Library System Foundation, 2015-2021
    • Board of Directors; Former Chair, Finance Committee – Youth Theatre Northwest, 2012-2015
    • President, Board of Directors; Coach – Mercer Island Women's Lacrosse Club, 2008-2014

Professional Recognition

    • Fellow, College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, 2024
    • Recognized as a Trailblazer in "Employment Law" by the National Law Journal, 2021

Background

    • Field Attorney, NLRB, 1997-2001, 2007-2012
    • Staff Attorney, NLRB Office of the General Counsel, Division of Advice, 2001-2007
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03.06.25
Presentations
Speaker, "What Employers Need to Know About The Current State of Federal Labor Law," Washington Employment Law Seminar 2025
Publications
11.02.24
News
Quoted in "Trump Return Signals Less Heat On Employers From NLRB," Law360 Employment Authority Read More External Link
map of washington
09.23.24
Insights
Construction
Are Suppliers Subject to Prevailing Wage Rates When Supplying Materials to a Public Project in Washington State? Read More
09.12.24
Presentations
Speaker, "Labor & Employment Issues in the Healthcare Industry," PNW Healthcare Regulatory & Compliance Seminar, Davis Wright Tremaine, Seattle
work meeting
11.09.23
Insights
Labor
NLRB's New Joint-Employer Standard Drastically Increases Potential Liability for Businesses Employing Third Parties Read More
Supervisor and employee at construction site
11.02.23
Insights
Workplace Safety
OSHA Rule Could Allow Union Representatives to Join Inspections – Even at Non-Unionized Worksites Read More
Publications
10.24.23
News
Quoted in " Full Impact Of Cemex Remains To Be Seen At NLRB, Attys Say," Law360 Employment Authority Read More External Link
work meeting
10.19.23
Insights
Labor
Non-Union Employers Face Triple Threat: Unfair Labor Practice Charges, Unionization, and Bargaining Orders Read More
contract and pen
05.31.23
Insights
Labor
NLRB General Counsel Moves to Invalidate Non-Compete Agreements Read More
work meeting
05.08.23
Insights
NLRB Makes It Significantly Harder for Employers to Issue Discipline for Workplace Outbursts Read More
Business meeting
05.01.23
Insights
Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
NLRB Announces Willingness to Impose Extraordinary Remedies for Repeat Offenders Read More
04.11.23
Presentations
Employment, Benefits & Immigration
2023 Oregon Employment Law Seminar, Davis Wright Tremaine, Portland, Ore. Read More
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