HKM Wins at Trial. HKM served as co-counsel representing defendants Delta Inn, Inc. and Hung G. Kim in a $30 million claim regarding the ownership of Delta Inn. On December 19, 2011, after a four-week bench trial in King County Superior Court, the court issued a verdict in favor of defendants. Soon In Kim v. Delta Inn et. al., 10-2-19547-5 SEA (King County Superior Court).

HKM Wins Jury Verdict For Former Employee. HKM represented plaintiff Wendy Dorn in two-week jury trial regarding overtime wages. On September 15, 2011, jury returned verdict in favor of Ms. Dorn and, on November 30, 2011, the court awarded attorneys’ fees. Dorn v. Kent Post No. 15 et. al., 10-2-10169-1 KNT (King County Superior Court).

HKM Obtains Class Certification in Overtime Claim. On September 13, 2011, the Federal District Court in Oregon certified a class of Sleep Country sales associates in an overtime claim against the company. HKM represents the Sleep Country class. Shanklin et.al. v. Sleep Country USA, Inc., 3:10-CV 00406-MO (D. Or.).

HKM Writes Employment Discrimination Section of the Washington State Practice Manual. As in previous year, HKM has written the Employment Discrimination section of the Washington State Practice Manual. The publication is expected to be published in early 2012.

HKM Expands with New Hire. On September 28, 2011, attorney Cindy Lin joined HKM as a full-time associate attorney. You can learn more about Ms. Lin here.

HKM Prevails in Non-Compete Case. HKM represented Robert Heffner, current CEO of Falck North America, in non-compete lawsuit filed by Rural Metro Corp., after Mr. Heffner left Rural/Metro. Rural/Metro dismissed the case on November 4, 2010 after Heffner prevailed at TRO hearing. Rural Metro Corp. v. Heffner, 2:10-CV-02292-GMS (D. Ariz.).

Washington Employment Law Attorney

ERISA and employee Benefits

ERISA refers to a federal law entitled Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. It is a federal statute that establishes minimum standards for pension plans in private industries. It contains complex and extensive rules regarding federal income tax and establishes minimum standards for health, retirement, and other welfare benefit plans. Our firm has successfully represented clients in a wide range of ERISA and employee benefit lawsuits. Some of the employee benefits and ERISA matters that we handle include:

Disability benefits cases
Severance pay claims
FMLA and medical leave issues
Pension, retirement, and 401(k) plan issues;
Employee stock options and stock purchase plan matters;
Health benefit disputes
COBRA disputes
ERISA benefits interference and discrimination laws
ERISA fiduciary claims
Beneficiary disputes
Multi-employer benefit plan contribution and withdrawal liability cases.

HKM Employment Attorneys represent s employers, ERISA employment benefit plan administrators, plan sponsors, plan participants and employees in employee benefits and ERISA disputes. Our firm is recognized as one of the premier labor and employment law firms in the Northwest area. Our clients have included Fortune 500 Companies, government agencies, and individual employees. If you believe that you may need assistance with an ERISA or employee benefit-related issue, speak with a Washington employment law attorney from our firm today.

Employee Benefit Representation in Washington

As an employee, it is important that you are given all of the benefits you deserve under federal law. Our attorneys have a thorough knowledge of the laws and regulations affecting employee benefits and this benefits both employers and employees. If you have any questions regarding your possible case, please do contact our firm without delay. We have helped many to better understand the situation they are in regarding their benefits or their obligation towards benefits. We may be able to start assisting you immediately.

Contact a Washington employment law attorney from the firm so that we can answer any questions you may have regarding employee benefits.