Shemia Fagan | Civil Rights Attorney | Managing Partner HKM Employment Attorneys

My legal practice focuses on civil rights employment litigation. I represent employees in cases involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage violations.

Employment disputes often arise in situations where individuals are facing institutions with significantly greater resources. Litigation in this area requires careful preparation, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of how workplace decisions are made inside organizations.

Early in my career, I represented employers in employment disputes at a major Portland law firm. That experience gave me a direct view into how companies evaluate legal risk, investigate workplace complaints, and defend employment claims. Today, I use that perspective when representing employees, particularly in cases where internal processes and documentation play an important role.

Employment cases rarely turn on a single event. More often, they develop through a sequence of decisions, communications, and workplace interactions that unfold over time. Understanding how those decisions were made, and whether they complied with the law, is central to evaluating any potential claim.

My work typically involves cases such as:

• workplace discrimination
• sexual harassment and hostile work environments
• retaliation following protected activity
• wrongful termination
• wage and hour violations
• disability discrimination and accommodation issues

These cases often involve detailed document review, witness testimony, and careful analysis of employer policies and internal communications.

Before returning to full-time legal practice, I served in public office in Oregon for a decade, including service in the Oregon Legislature and later as Oregon Secretary of State. During that time, I worked on issues related to voting access, housing policy, and paid family and medical leave.

Today, my focus is on employment law and workplace civil rights.

This blog discusses issues that arise in employment litigation, including developments in discrimination law, litigation strategy, and the practical realities of workplace disputes.

— Shemia Fagan