- Home
- Find a Lawyer
- Washington
- Seattle
- Employment & Labor
- Elizabeth Hanley
About Elizabeth
Elizabeth Hanley focuses her practice on employment, personal injury, class action, wrongful death, general litigation, and civil rights cases.
Elizabeth enjoys trial work and has tried cases to verdict in both Washington’s federal and state courts. She utilizes this litigation experience not only in the courtroom, but also in advising and negotiating solutions for clients outside of the courtroom. She enjoys the opportunity that her law practice affords her to find solutions for a wide variety of problems facing individuals in various industries. She assists physicians in negotiating compensation agreements, executives exiting a corporation to protect their ability to work by challenging or advising regarding non-compete agreements, represents individuals who have suffered discrimination and retaliation, and works on an individual or class-wide basis to ensure individuals are paid for the work they have performed.
Elizabeth also works to provide prompt and compassionate legal representation to individuals and their families who experience a wrongful death or personal injury. Her focus is on understanding the values and needs of the family or individual, and to translate that to legal action for the purpose of remediating and obtaining relief for her clients.
Elizabeth was selected to Superlawyers for Labor and Employment law in 2017, 2018 and 2019. She has been selected as a Superlawyer “Rising Star” in 2010, 2012, and 2014- 2016. She has been recognized as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers for each year from 2013 to present. She is on the board of governors of the Washington Association for Justice. She serves on the board of Lawyers Helping Hungry Children and as Co-Treasurer of the Justice for All PAC. She is a member of the Washington Employment Lawyers Association, American Association for Justice, and the King County Bar Association.
Prior to becoming an attorney, Elizabeth served as Lead Articles Editor of the San Diego International Law Journal. She also represented taxpayers in disputes with the IRS at the University of San Diego School of Law Tax Clinic, received Honors in Trial Advocacy, and externed with Federal Magistrate Judge Leo S. Papas for the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of California.
Prior to attending law school, Ms. Hanley worked for the Oregon Judicial Department for the Honorable Robert R. Selander. She also worked as an intern/staff writer for the U.S. Department of State in Public Diplomacy to the MidEast and South Asia in Washington, D.C. She earned her undergraduate degree at Gonzaga University, and during her undergraduate years studied British Literature at Trinity College, Oxford University.
When she is not practicing law, she enjoys playing the viola, violin and piano with her children now that she has "retired" from playing in symphonies herself.
Languages spoken
English
Photos and videos
Similar lawyers
Sponsored Listings
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| WA | Active | 2006 | 06/28/2022 |
| Legal answers | 2 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
|---|---|---|
| Super Lawyer: Employment and Labor | SuperLawyers | 2019 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2019 |
| Super Lawyer: Employment and Labor | SuperLawyers | 2018 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyer | National Trial Lawyers | 2018 |
| Super Lawyer: Employment and Labor | SuperLawyers | 2017 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2017 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyer | National Trial Lawyers | 2016 |
| Rising Star | Superlawyers | 2016 |
| Top 100 Trial Attorney | National Trial Lawyers | 2015 |
| Rising Star | SuperLawyers/Washington Law & Politics | 2015 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyer | National Trial Lawyers Association | 2014 |
| Top 40 Under 40 | National Trial Lawyers | 2014 |
| Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2014 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyer | The National Trial Lawyers | 2013 |
| Top 40 Under 40 | The National Trial Lawyers | 2013 |
| Rising Star | Washington Super Lawyers | 2012 |
| Listed as a Washington Rising Star | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2010 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney/Partner | Reed, Longyear, Malnati, & Ahrens, PLLC | 2017 - Present |
| Attorney | The Hanley Law Firm, PLLC | 2014 - 2016 |
| Attorney | Dano Gilbert Law Firm | 2011 - 2014 |
| Attorney | Blankenship Law Firm | 2008 - 2011 |
| Attorney | Magladry Weigel, P.S. | 2006 - 2008 |
| Judicial Extern | U.S. District Court Southern District of California | 2005 - 2006 |
| Oregon Judicial Department | 2002 - 2003 | |
| U.S. Department of State, Public Diplomacy to MidEast/South Asia | 2000 - 2000 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Washington State Association for Justice | Secretary/Treasurer | 2018 - Present |
| Justice for All PAC | Co-Treasurer | 2017 - Present |
| Washington State Association for Justice | Board of Governors | 2017 - Present |
| Justice for All PAC | Board Member | 2015 - Present |
| Washington State Association for Justice | Legislative Steering Committee | 2013 - Present |
| Lawyers Helping Hungry Children | Board | 2006 - Present |
| American Association of Justice | Member | 2006 - Present |
| Washington State Association of Justice | Chair Employment Law Section | 2014 - 2016 |
| Washington State Bar Association | Rules Committee | 2014 - 2016 |
| Washington State Bar Association | MCLE Task Force | 2013 - 2015 |
| Washington State Association for Justice | Judicial Relations Committee | 2013 - 2014 |
| Washington State Association for Justice | Public Affairs Committee | 2012 - 2013 |
| ACLU of Washington | Volunteer Attorney | 2012 - 2013 |
| Lawyers Helping Hungry Children | Vice-Chair | 2010 - 2013 |
| Washington State Trial Lawyers Association | Editorial Board | 2007 - 2008 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Employment Law Desk Book | Evidentiary Issues Chapter | 2017 |
| Washington Civil Rights Deskbook | Employment Law Chapter | 2017 |
| Trial News, Vol. 52-1 | The Amendments to the Federal Rules of Discovery: The Effect on the Employment Case | 2016 |
| Washington Employment Law Desk Book | Evidentiary Issues Chapter | 2013 |
| American Association for Justice Employment Rights Quarterly | Ashcroft v. Iqbal's Limited Application to Employment Discrimination Claims | 2009 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| University of San Diego School of Law | Juris Doctorate | 2006 |
| Gonzaga University | B.A. Honors | 2002 |
| Oxford University | N/A |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| When Cancer Comes to Work | Disability Discrimination and Accommodation of Disabilities | 2018 |
| Washington Employment Lawyers Association | Voir Dire | 2018 |
| Pierce County Roundtable | Discovery Sanctions | 2018 |
| WSAJ | Social Media Admissions in Litigation | 2017 |
| When Cancer Comes to Work | Navigating Employment Law Issues | 2017 |
| Employment Law CLE: Tips, Tactics, Trends, and Desk Book Update | Evidentiary Issues in the Employment Case | 2017 |
| When Cancer Comes to Work | Navigating Employment Law Issues | 2016 |
| Trial In Action | Voir Dire | 2016 |
| 38th Annual Insurance Law Seminar | Employment Practices Insurance: What All Trial Lawyers Need to Know | 2016 |
| The Business of Practicing Law | Exempt or Non Exempt: That is the Question | 2015 |
| Attorneys Fees | Attorney Fee Awards Update Under Washington's Wage Statute | 2015 |
| Annual Employment Law Conference | Proving From Beginning to End: Anatomy of a Recent Victory | 2015 |
| Americans with Disabilities Act: 25th Anniversary | Co-Chair | 2015 |
| WELA Annual Conference | Moderator of Judicial Panel (Federal Court Judge and State Court Judge) | 2014 |
| Employment Law for Plaintiff's Attorneys | WLAD and Title VII | 2013 |
| WSAJ Automobile Cases Seminar | Your Case Has Been Removed to Federal Court: Now What? | 2011 |
| What You Don't Know: Thinking Outside the Box in Employment Law | Getting Out of Arbitration | 2011 |
| Washington Employment Lawyers Association | Securing a Jury Trial: Defeating Arbitration Agreements | 2011 |
| Red Pencil in the Woods Conference September 2011 | Legal Issues for Freelance Editors | 2011 |
| Luvera Seminar, July 2011 | Spoliation of Evidence in the Employment Case | 2011 |
| Washington Employment Lawyers Association | Avoiding Dismissal After the Iqbal Case | 2010 |
| University of Washington Law School | Annual PALS Panel: Balancing Practice of Law with Parenting | 2010 |
| Washington State Association for Justice "How to CLE" | Getting Evidence Into the Computer & Beyond | 2009 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Plaintiff v. TrueBlue, Inc. | Judgments/Awards of $660,530 |
| Tolliver, et al. v. Avvo | $1.75 million |
| Rogers v. RCKC | $1.95 million |
| Petrov v. Hebert Research & James D. Hebert | $650,000 jury verdict |
| State of Washington v. Danzer-Thompson | Dismissal of Thirteen Felonies |
Wholeheartedly Endorse Ms. Elizabeth Hanley!!!!!!
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
July 19, 2022
Phenomenal Representation
5.0 stars
Posted by Marisa
June 21, 2021
Elizabeth is an outstanding lawyer - the very best!
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
March 1, 2021
Couldn't ask for better
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
February 24, 2021
Amazing lawyer
5.0 stars
Posted by Jolie
February 23, 2021
Hire Elizabeth!
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
March 23, 2020
Superb, Efficient, and Results!
5.0 stars
Posted by Mike
September 19, 2019
The best lawyer - I would choose her over and over again
5.0 stars
Posted by Kastle
June 21, 2019
Excellent Work-product and Reputation
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
June 5, 2019
Excellent Lawyer
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
March 18, 2019
Advertising
Attorney endorsements
(25)
Olga Blotnis, Employment and labor Attorney on May 17, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Elizabeth is kind and compassionate, yet an assertive advocate for her clients. Her clients are in great hands.
Kirk Davis, Employment and labor Attorney on Feb 15, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Ms. Hanley really cares about her clients and that comes shining through in all aspects of her work. I always refer clients to her with absolute confidence that Ms. Hanley will achieve the best possible outcome.
Bart Parsley, Employment and labor Attorney on Jan 13, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have gotten to know Elizabeth and I believe in her. We worked together before and she treats her clients with respect and empowers them with complete information. She works hard, is ethical, has courage, and I feel great referring people to her seeking a litigator or employment law lawyer.
Maury Kroontje, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 7, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Ms. Hanley is a very top-notch lawyer. I've seen her work hard and effectively for her clients, and obtain excellent results. Her commitment to civil justice is inspiring.
Amanda Peters, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 15, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I continually refer wage and hour and employment discrimination cases to Elizabeth. She is passionate about her cases and the legal process.
Elizabeth Touschner, Employment and labor Attorney on Jul 8, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Elizabeth is an experienced, knowledgeable, and hard-working employment law attorney. She is a passionate advocate for her clients in pursuing the justice they deserve.
Edward Le, Employment and labor Attorney on May 18, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have rarely seen a lawyer with as much passion as Elizabeth. Her commitment to justice is an inspiration to me.
Therese Norton, Employment and labor Attorney on Apr 5, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Elizabeth is a force to be reckoned with and goes to bat for her clients. She is knowledgeable and effective. I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer.
Herbert Ellis, Nursing home abuse and neglect Attorney on Jan 23, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Amie Peters, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 10, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Elizabeth is approaches each of her cases with thoughtfulness and vigor. She uses a creative eye in helping solve her client's problems and gives honest opinions. I highly recommend Elizabeth to anyone looking for a caring advocate.
Crystal McDonald, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 28, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Elizabeth is not only a fantastic lawyer but a fantastic person. She is empathetic, listens, and understands her clients. I highly recommend her!
Jo-Hanna Read, Unknown Attorney on Apr 10, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Karen Koehler, Personal injury Attorney on Apr 9, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Elizabeth is a strong fighter for her clients.
Hardeep Rekhi, Employment and labor Attorney on Feb 22, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
She is great lawyer. Dedicated to her clients and is always working hard to get them justice.
Gregory Wolk, Employment and labor Attorney on Feb 18, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Elizabeth is an amazing advocate who truly cares for her clients. She has proven over and over again that she is more than a match for the opposition. And, speaking from experience, she is a lot of fun to work with! Any client of hers is truly fortunate.
Douglas Weinmaster, Employment and labor Attorney on Jan 31, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Elizabeth Hanley is one of the most hard-working and energetic lawyers I have had the pleasure of working with. She applies her outstanding legal abilities and passion for the law to help her clients navigate the often emotional and complex arena of litigation. Without hesitation, I endorse Elizabeth’s work.
Aaron Engle, Employment and labor Attorney on Jan 27, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Elizabeth is a dedicated and tireless advocate for her clients. She really takes the time to understand the needs of her clients. She also possesses exemplary legal and analytical skills. Elizabeth is honest, and she is a dependable counselor for her clients. She is approachable, responsive, and highly ethical. I recommend her without reservation.
Antoinette Davis, Employment and labor Attorney on Jan 25, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Elizabeth is a bright, passionate, rigorous and thorough counsel. Her legal analysis is superior and she has an excellent ability to connect with clients and hone in on the issues that really matter. Without a doubt, I recommend this attorney!
Mimy Bailey, Employment and labor Attorney on Jun 20, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Ms. DeLong and would recommend her to anyone needing advice on employment issues. A smart, passionate, and level-headed attorney.
Christina Sherman, Employment and labor Attorney on Dec 14, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter
A talented and hard working attorney who will go the extra mile for her clients.