Vera Fomina

Vera Fomina

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 14 years

Employment and labor Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Employment & Labor, Sexual Harassment, Discrimination ... +2 more

1001 Fourth Avenue, Ste 4368, Seattle, WA

About Vera

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 20 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 10 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2015

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Texas for 14 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2011

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Skidmore & Fomina

1001 Fourth Avenue, Ste 4368, Seattle, WA, 98154

Skidmore & Fomina, PLLC

14205 SE 36th Street, Suite 100, Bellevue, WA, 98006

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Vera Fomina's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

51 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 19 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Kirill | May 27, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

the best attorney

I had a pleasure of working with Vera Fomina on a number of complex employment-related issues and appreciated her knowledge, experience, courtesy, and honesty. I would highly recommend Vera to anyone seeking legal representation in the employment area, as I have no doubt that she will keep your best... interest and unique needs at the forefront.

Posted by anonymous | October 23, 2019 | Employment & Labor

Very helpful advice.

Vera’s advice on the Americans with disabilities act was extremely helpful. Getting guidances on how to navigate the employee vs. employer tension helped me prepare and gave me peace of mind that I was following the law and could be protected, to some measure, by following the law and doing the right... thing for both parties.

Posted by anonymous | September 09, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

You would be lucky if she takes your case! She an 11 out of 10!

Vera Fomina was the perfect attorney for me. Having dealt with Family Law and Civil Law attorney's in the past and having negative experiences with those attorney's I was worried about having a negative experience with an Employment Law attorney. Vera unlike most attorney's truly cares about her clie...nts and wants what's best for them and her customer service is off the charts, she is an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10. She took on my former multi Billion dollar corporation and their high powered attorney and got my case resolved for a satisfactory amount on a contingency fee basis. From the initial call her and her partner Greg they showed me respect and kindness and quickly could see I was discriminated against and suffered wrongful termination; unlike some of the other large law firms, who made me go through 4 pre screen calls before actually getting a call from an attorney. The other firms were cold and I was just a number in line. Vera empathized with my situation and wanted to help. One thing she offered compared to the other firms wanting to represent me, was that she was not going to charge me any contingent fee on the severance amount my company offered me, she was only going to take a fee out of whatever they got above the severance package I was being offered. Other lawyers and firms wanted the contingent fee to include the severance package. She also offered an hourly rate, but I was not in a position to pay a retainer. Vera was always very responsive to calls and emails, if she was busy, she was great about at least touching base. For example, if I called late morning and she was busy with meetings she would email me and let me know she was booked all day with other cases but would call me after hours so we could talk more than 5 minutes about the question. She would call as late as I was comfortable with which was great. There were even a few times she called on the weekends returning an email or voicemail I left her on a Saturday. I had no expectations for her to do that, but if it was something that could not wait till Monday she had no problem call me over the weekend. She sometimes took my calls and would say I am heading into a meeting can I call you back later this afternoon? Many attorneys would just let it go to voicemail and then call you 3 days later. She even texted me saying got your message, tied up for the next 4 hours I will call you after that. Vera is smart and aggressive. Vera was like I was walking down the street with two Rottweiler's and if I told her to attack and be aggressive she would. At one point during my case, I told Vera let's quit negotiating and just sue them and go to trial. Vera told me the pro's and con's and advised me against it. She said she will do what I want but really felt we negotiate something that would be better for me in the long run. Well I listened to her and what she said was right. She drew up the lawsuit and was ready to file in case things did not go well in the negotiations, in fact she let me review and let her know what changes or additional things should be put it. But we never filed it, and the matter go resolved to my satisfaction. Vera gives you the pros and cons and wants what is best for you. And being that the case is on contingency it is in her interest to get as much as she can for her clients. You will not find attorney who is so client focused and responsive to her clients like Vera, but don't let her good looks and charm fool you she can be tenacious and fierce with your former employer. There are bigger law firms out there, but none that will provide you the customer service combined with the aggressiveness against opposing counsel as Vera. She is knowledgeable about the law and will fight hard for her clients. I cannot say enough about how Vera treats her clients. I will say this, you would be lucky if she takes your case! Thanks Vera for your expertise and your amazing customer service!!

Posted by Mandy | August 07, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

Hands down the best!

I cannot say enough about how wonderful Vera is. Vera was immediately invested in me and my issue from the moment we talked on the phone. She was kind, caring, and very knowledgeable and always went a step above and beyond. She was a wonderful advocates for me and helped guide me every step of the... way. I highly recommend her for any employment law issue you might have!

Posted by Rob | July 13, 2019 | Wrongful Termination

Very helpful and insightful

I talked to several lawyers as I considered my options after I was wrongfully terminated, and Vera was by far and away the most responsive, insightful and informative. She gave me welcome advice plus helped me to consider things I had not previously considered when negotiating with my employer. Vera ...will always be my first call if I need an Employment Attorney and I highly recommend her.

See All Client Reviews

Vera Fomina's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Vera
Jason Henry Schauer headshot
Jason Schauer

Sexual harassment lawyer | Jul 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

D. Daniel Delue headshot
D. Delue

Employment and labor lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Vera Fomina is a formidable lawyer, savvy, brilliant, and no one to tangle with! She also is honest and a fair adversary, who I would recommend for anyone seeking a fantastic lawyer. I enjoyed working against her so much, we teamed up on the next case!"

David L. Benson headshot
David Benson

Employment and labor lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Vera. She is a very smart and talented lawyer and does exceptional work for her clients. Our firm has been opposite her and think highly of her legal skills. She is a strong advocate for her employee clients."

Damien Nicholas Villarreal headshot
Damien Villarreal

Employment and labor lawyer | Dec 27

Relationship: Co-worker

"I have worked with Vera on a many cases and I can firmly state that she is a talented attorney who tirelessly advocates for her clients. I endorse Vera and would recommend her without hesitation to anyone seeking legal representation."

Robert Earl Smith headshot
Robert Smith

Employment and labor lawyer | Nov 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the pleasure of working with Vera Fomina for several years. Vera is a hardworking attorney who puts her clients’ needs first. I appreciate her integrity and commitment to each case she undertakes. She zealously advocates for her clients. I highly endorse this attorney."

Karen P. Kruse headshot
Karen Kruse

Employment and labor lawyer | Nov 11

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Vera was a conscientious, collegial and ethical opposing counsel. She has the ability to advocate well for her client while not alienating the other party's representative. Her employment law experience is already strong and will only grow as she continues in practice. I look forward to working with (or against) her in the future."

Timothy James Pauley headshot
Timothy Pauley

Employment and labor lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Vera is a very good attorney and excels in her representation of her clients in labor and employment matters in both an advisory capacity and in litigation on their behalf. She is sensitive to her clients' business and personal needs and expectations and is a formidable advocate on their behalf. Vera is also a great colleague to work with."

Fatema E. F. Burkey headshot
Fatema Burkey

Business lawyer | Feb 08

Relationship: Co-worker

"Highly recommended! Ms. Fomina is an exceptional attorney. She is a well-versed, organized and efficient practitioner, approachable and always professional."

Melinda Laine Moss headshot
Melinda Moss

Employment and labor lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse Vera. She is passionate about representing her clients, knows how to drive a case, and stays on top of the recent employment caselaw."

Lori Worthington Hurl headshot
Lori Hurl

Employment and labor lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Vera was opposing counsel on an employment matter I recently handled. It's not often that after you settle the case, you commend opposing counsel, but I did so with Vera because she kept me on my toes. She's direct, but also friendly and great to work with. I highly recommend her."

Jaime Neuman Cole headshot
Jaime Cole

Employment and labor lawyer | Jul 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I confidently endorse Vera. We've been colleagues for some time now and I value her advice on employment law related matters. She has an in-depth knowledge of employment law and a sharp intuition when it comes to her clients' situations. I have, on multiple occasions, referred clients to her when I have a conflict. She is extremely responsive and detail oriented. Any potential client should have full confidence in her ability to represent them."

Staci Lauren Gold Erwin headshot
Staci Erwin

Employment and labor lawyer | Jun 20

Relationship: Co-worker

"I have known Ms. Fomina since her legal start. I highly recommend her as legal counsel, an attorney, friend, and confidant. I have had the opportunity to witness not only her dedication to mastering the law in law school, but witnessing her work with numerous clients, both as a co-worker, and as a fellow attorney. Her dedication to her practice is by far stellar. She will bring an depth knowledge of the law to the table every time. What sets her far from the rest is her ability to apply this law to the particular facts of the case in a way that is unparalleled. Most importantly, she cares; and it will show in your results."

Erin M Fairley headshot
Erin Fairley

Employment and labor lawyer | Jun 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Vera Fomina is a skilled, responsive and experienced employment law attorney whom I wholeheartedly endorse. I recommend her whenever my clients require advice regarding employment issues."

Cathryn V. Dammel headshot
Cathryn Dammel

Employment and labor lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Vera is a thoughtful, passionate, and creative advocate. I am continually impressed by her breadth of knowledge and how she interweaves what she knows into practical, compelling argument. Plus, she is a joy to work with."

Gregory Mark Skidmore headshot
Gregory Skidmore

Employment and labor lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Co-worker

"Vera Fomina is a professional in every sense of the word. She represents clients with dignity and grace while zealously advocating on their behalf. As an experienced counselor on employment matters, Vera has vast experience in assisting both employees and employers navigate various employment issues."

View All Endorsements
D. Daniel Delue headshot
D. Delue

Litigation lawyer

Damien Nicholas Villarreal headshot
Damien Villarreal

Unknown lawyer

Karen P. Kruse headshot
Karen Kruse

Employment and labor lawyer

Timothy James Pauley headshot
Timothy Pauley

Employment and labor lawyer

Douglas Lowell Davies headshot
Douglas Davies

Employment and labor lawyer

Fatema E. F. Burkey headshot
Fatema Burkey

Litigation lawyer

Melinda Laine Moss headshot
Melinda Moss

Litigation lawyer

Lori Worthington Hurl headshot
Lori Hurl

Employment and labor lawyer

Jaime Neuman Cole headshot
Jaime Cole

Employment and labor lawyer

Staci Lauren Gold Erwin headshot
Staci Erwin

Oil and gas lawyer

Erin M Fairley headshot
Erin Fairley

Estate planning lawyer

Cathryn V. Dammel headshot
Cathryn Dammel

Employment and labor lawyer

Gregory Mark Skidmore headshot
Gregory Skidmore

Employment and labor lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2022

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2022

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2021

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2021

Lawyer of Distinction, Employment Law, Lawyers of Distinction

2020

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2020

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2020

Recognizing Excellence, Lawyers of Distinction

2020

Lawyer of Distinction, Employment Law, Lawyers of Distinction

2019

Lawyer of Distinction, Employment Law, Lawyers of Distinction

2019

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Best Lawyer in San Antonio, Scene in SA Magazine

Work Experience

2018 - Present

Founding Member, Skidmore & Fomina, PLLC

2017 - 2018

Shareholder, Mercer Island Law Group, PLLC

2014 - 2016

Attorney, Advocates Law Group, PLLC

2012 - 2014

Attorney, Rougeux & Associates, PLLC

2011 - 2012

Attorney, Mani, Sloan & Little, PLLC

2009 - 2010

Intern, Office of Attorney General, San Antonio, Texas

Associations

2017 - Present

Washington Employment Lawyers Association

Member

2015 - Present

Washington State Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section

Member

2015 - Present

King County Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section

Member

2011 - Present

State Bar of Texas

Member

2017 - 2018

Pacific Coast Labor & Employment Law Conference, Planning Committee

Member

2015 - 2016

Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce

Member

2013 - 2014

Hill Country Human Resources Management Association

Board Member

2012 - 2014

Society for Human Resources Management

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Wrongful Termination Case

Settlement over $200,000

Gender Discrimination and Wrongful Termination Case

Settlement over $200,000

Gender Discrimination and Wrongful Termination Case

Settlement over $620,000

Wage and Hour and Wrongful Termination Case

Settlement over $600,000

Age Discrimination Case

Settlement over $230,000

Riggs v. Life Care Centers of America, Inc.

$1.5M verdict for the Plaintiff

Wrongful Termination Case (2019)

Settlement over $450,000

Breach of Contract Case (2020)

Settlement over $150,000

See More Legal Cases

Education

2011

St. Marys University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2008

University of Texas at San Antonio

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce Brown Bag Luncheon

"I Hired an Independent Contractor!"

2015

Comprehensive Risk Management Webinar

"Congratulations, You're Hired/Fired!"

Publications

2016

National Business Institute "Analyzing Key Employment Documents and Examination of Witnesses"

Languages

Russian

Swedish

German

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution