James Sikora’s practice focuses on advising and counseling employers throughout Washington and Oregon. He prioritizes providing practical solutions for employers— considering the employer’s business needs, culture, and other important, non-legal factors—on a wide range of employment issues. He assists employers with issues encountered throughout the lifespan of a business, including employee handbooks, equal employment opportunity practices, leaves of absence and disability accommodations, wage and hour practices, terminations, workplace investigations, employment agreements, non-competition agreements, and workplace trainings.
Additionally, when disputes arise, James successfully represents and advocates for employers in threatened lawsuits and mediation, in state and federal agencies—including the EEOC, Washington Human Rights Commission, Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI), and Department of Labor and Industries—and in state and federal court. He has defended employers against claims of workplace discrimination and harassment, unpaid wages, wage and hour violations, disability discrimination, and wrongful termination.
Outside of the office, James spends his time trail running, traveling, and reading.
Admitted to practice:
State of Oregon
State of Washington
United States District Court for the District of Oregon
United States District Court for the Western District of Washington
Education:
J.D., University of Pittsburgh, 2008
B.A., University of Pittsburgh, summa cum laude, 2005
Professional memberships & Affiliations:
American Bar Association
Labor & Employment Law Section
Clark County Bar Association
Multnomah Bar Association
Oregon State Bar
Labor & Employment Law Section
Washington State Bar Association
Labor & Employment Law Section
Awards & Recognition:
Accomplished & Under 40, Vancouver Business Journal, 2020
University of Pittsburgh Law Review, Member and Articles Editor, 2007-2009
Excellence in Health Law Award, University of Pittsburgh School of Law, May 2008
Published Articles & presentations:
“The Families First Coronavirus Response Act: What Employers Need to Know,” Vancouver Business Journal, September 3, 2020
“Going Back to Work: Factors for Employers to Consider as Employees Return to the Workplace,” Vancouver Business Journal, May 26, 2020
“Pandemic-Related Hot Topics,” Southwest Washington SHRM, May 12, 2020
“COVID-19 and Your Business,” Vancouver Business Journal, March 27, 2020
“New Guidance On Tips, Gratuities & Service Charges,” Vancouver Business Journal, May 31, 2019
“Changes in Overtime Rules are on the Horizon,” Vancouver Business Journal, March 29, 2019
“What Does State's Amended Equal Pay Act Mean for Employers?,” Vancouver Business Journal, August 3, 2018
“Workplace Harassment: What is it and how to address it?,” Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce, HR Boot Camp Seminar, June 1, 2018
“Human Resources: Best Practices to Avoid an Employee Lawsuit,” Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, Fall Business Law Workshop Series, September 21, 2017
Community Activities:
Humane Society for Southwest Washington, Board of Directors, 2019-Present
The Greater Vancouver Chamber, Public Affairs Committee, Member, 2018-Present
Southwest Washington SHRM, Board of Directors, Member, 2017