Lawyers

Laurie Johnston is a partner at Gordon & Rees LLP. Laurie’s practice focuses on defense of employers in employment litigation and preventive employment counseling.

Laurie has litigated a broad range of subjects, including claims for employment discrimination and harassment, class actions, defamation, wage and hour violations, FMLA compliance, employee disability and other workplace legal issues.  She has also defended charges and suits brought before the EEOC, the Washington Human Rights Commission and Labor & Industries.

Laurie devotes the remainder of her practice to providing general advice to employers on a full range of workplace issues, including harassment, discrimination, terminations, the FMLA and ADA.  She also helps employers prevent problems by developing policies, forms, practices and training that address both the employer’s legal needs and its business realities. 

For the eight years prior to Gordon & Rees, Laurie practiced at the national employment firm of Jackson Lewis.  For the six years prior to Jackson Lewis, Laurie worked for Lee, Smart, Cook, Martin & Patterson P.S., Inc. in Seattle.  Her practice emphasized insurance defense litigation with a diverse litigation practice.  Prior to Lee Smart, Laurie gained significant trial experience working at the King County Prosecutor’s office.

Admissions

Washington State Bar Association
United Stated District Courts, Eastern and Western Districts of Washington
United Stated Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Memberships

Washington Defense Trial Lawyers Association, Employment Law Section Chair 
Inns of Court
Mother Attorney Mentoring Association (Board Member)

Community Involvement

Laurie is a regular volunteer for the King County Legal Clinic program.