Overview
Sophie Shaddy-Farnsworth represents employers in all areas of labor and employment law. She has significant experience litigating a wide range of employment-related disputes at the trial and appellate level and advises employers to help reduce the risk of litigation and develop thoughtful solutions to complex workplace challenges. Sophie also specializes in traditional labor law and represents employers in collective bargaining and resolving grievances and counsels companies on compliance with state and federal prevailing wage law. She also regularly advises educational institutions across the state on Title IX compliance and defends against student discrimination-related claims.
She has experience representing clients in several industries, including secondary and higher education, health care, and renewable energy.
Education
Lewis & Clark Law School, J.D., 2020, summa cum laude; Pro Bono Honors Award; Executive Editor, Lewis & Clark Law Review
Lewis & Clark College, B.A., Sociology, Anthropology, 2010; Dean’s Honors List; Dean’s Academic Scholarship
Admissions
Oregon
Languages
- Spanish
Experience
Advice and Counsel
- Provides counsel to clients on matters involving leave laws, disability and religious accommodations, employee separations, and performance management of employees.
- Regularly advises clients regarding labor relations issues and assists with collective bargaining, grievances, and contract negotiations processes.
- Advises energy clients on supply and EPC agreements to ensure compliance with state and federal labor law regarding prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.
Employment Litigation
- Obtained summary judgment for health care employer on claims for breach of contract and retaliation
- Obtained dismissal of numerous civil lawsuits for health care employers involving First Amendment, Title VII and state law religious discrimination claims
- Obtained dismissal of lawsuit brought by former student involving Title IX discrimination and harassment claims
- Successfully defended agency charges against numerous employers in health care, manufacturing, and other industries.
Insights
Insights & Presentations
- “Navigating the Hybrid Workplace Landscape, ”SHRM/Stoel Rives 22nd Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, March 2024
- “Restrictive Covenants,” Client Training, Fall 2023
- “Harassment and Discrimination: Awareness and Avoidance,” Client Training, June 2022
- “Privacy Considerations for Scholarship Providers, Webinar, March 2022
- “Legal & Legislative Update,” SHRM/Stoel Rives 20th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, March 2022
Recognition
- Lewis & Clark Law School, Best Oral Advocate, Moot Court Competition, 2018
- Lewis & Clark Law School, Best Appellate Brief, Moot Court Competition, 2018
- Lewis & Clark Law School, Pro Bono Honors Award, 2020
Affiliations
Professional
- SHRM/Stoel Rives Labor and Employment Law Conference, Co-Chair, 2023-2025
- Oregon Association of Defense Counsel, Member
- National Association of College and University Attorneys, Member
- Multnomah Bar Association, Mentor, Member