Author: Michael Droke

Mike started his career as a client, not a lawyer. He represented the same company where he worked in management, thus “walking both sides of the street.” As a lawyer, Mike devotes his practice to employment law, providing practical, results-oriented advice and litigation representation in situations where the law, facts or business risks are ambiguous.

Washington State Prohibits Non-Competes and Many Non-Solicitation Agreements

On March 23, 2026, Washington’s Governor Bob Ferguson signed a law that eliminates non-compete agreements, severely restricts non-solicitation agreements, and imposes other requirements related to all Washington employees. Who is covered? This law applies to all employees in Washington, even...

Next on the Chopping Block: In Light of Recent Removals of the Agricultural Exemption from State Wage and Hour Laws, Employers Are Wondering Which Employees Are Exempt and for How Much Longer?

Agricultural employers are often at the mercy of nature which causes constant fluctuations in labor needs. Given the unique nature of the agricultural industry, their workers have historically been exempt from minimum wage and overtime requirements. These requirements differ from...

Quirky Question #266: What’s up with Pregnancy Discrimination?

Question: Over the summer, we heard a lot about new guidance on pregnancy discrimination. What do we need to know to ensure we are complying with local, state, and federal laws on pregnancy discrimination?

Quirky Question # 238, No Laughing Matter – Company Found Liable for Wrongfully Terminating Independent Contractor’s Agreement

Quirky Question # 238, No Laughing Matter – Company Found Liable for Wrongfully Terminating Independent Contractor’s Agreement

Question: My company relies on independent contractors, over whom we don’t exert control. They often joke around with each other. I’m not liable for employment discrimination if I terminate one of them after they complain about another, right?