WA State Court of Appeals Rules, Time Spent on Out-of-Town Travel is “Hours Worked” and Compensable: What WA lawyers need to know

Lauren Parris Watts | Seyfarth

Drawing on her corporate and business experience, Lauren assists clients of all sizes and across industries in identifying practical, strategic, and innovative solutions to employment issues that give consideration to greater business objectives, as well as diversity and inclusion goals. She advises employers on a variety of day-to-day employment issues including accommodations, FMLA and other leave rights, and misconduct allegations and investigations. In addition, Lauren regularly works with employers to navigate complex personnel issues and has successfully negotiated hundreds of severance negotiations. When necessary, Lauren defends her clients in litigation in matters related to wrongful termination, harassment, and claims of retaliation and discrimination.

Employers look to Lauren for advice related to the full spectrum of diversity and inclusion matters and rely on her to perform cultural assessments and risk-reduction audits to analyze current issues and internal processes. Lauren works closely with clients to understand their business and workplace culture so that she can proactively identify potential risks, strategically guide clients in avoiding potential litigation, and advise employers on building and strengthening their workplace culture. She utilizes her creativity and out-of-the box problem-solving ability to advise clients on effective approaches that support successful change management and process improvement. Lauren is prepared to guide clients through investigations and other crisis situations, including providing legal counsel on company messaging, and post investigation steps such as discipline, trainings, and implementation of new processes and best practices.

Education:

• JD, Seattle University School of Law
• BA, Johns Hopkins University

Heriberto Alvarez, Jr. | Seyfarth

Clients turn to Heriberto to help them navigate complex labor and employment disputes. He represents employers of all sizes and in a wide range of industries in federal and state courts across the full gamut of employment issues. Heriberto represents employers in wage and hour class actions; claims of discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination; and restrictive covenants and trade secrets disputes. Heriberto also advises companies on the labor and employment implications of mergers and acquisitions, and recommends best practices for worker classifications, reductions in force, and leaves of absence. He has also drafted employee handbooks and personnel policies; negotiated employment, severance, and release agreements; and conducted harassment trainings and wage and hour presentations.

Education: 

• JD, University of California, Berkeley School of Law
• BA, University of California, Santa Barbara

I. New Court of Appeals decision on out of town travel | 03:00pm – 03:20pm
II. WA law on other types of compensable travel for nonexempt employees | 03:20pm – 03:40pm
III. Related law on travel related reimbursements | 03:40pm – 04:00pm