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Spencer Nathan Thal

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Spencer Nathan Thal
Spencer Nathan Thal
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About Spencer

Offering remote consultations through video or voice from the comfort of your home, just call!

From your first contact, you will reach me personally--not an associate, paralegal or legal assistant.  You will have direct access throughout the representation relationship because I am committed to ensuring that you receive prompt, clear, and effective representation.  

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

20936 1503363544

Contact

Vanguard Law

PO Box 939
Poulsbo, WA, 98370

Website
http://www.vanguardlawfirm.com 

9125 - 15th Place South
Seattle, WA, 98108

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
ORInactive199104/10/2021
WAActive199003/23/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers307
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Appointment to Public Employment Relations CommissionGovernor Jay Inslee2018
Harlan Fiske Stone ScholarColumbia Law School1989
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Senior Labor Relations CounselAir Line Pilots Association2016 - 2017
Managing AttorneyVanguard Law2015 - 2017
Managing PartnerSwedlow Thal, PLLC2012 - 2015
General CounselTeamsters Local Union No. 1171996 - 2016
AttorneySchwerin Campbell Barnard1993 - 1996
AssociateHeller Ehrman1990 - 1993
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Public Employment Relations CommissionCommissioner2018 - 2019
Washington State Bar AssociationChair, Labor and Employment Section2005 - 2005
Washington State Bar AsssociationExecutive Committee, Labor and Employment Section2003 - 2005
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Oxford Journal of Legal StudiesThe Inequality of Bargaining Doctrine1986
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Oxford UniversityMA - Masters1994
Columbia University School of LawJ.D.1990
Oxford UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts1986
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Washington Labor and Employment Relations Association ConferenceLabor and Employment Law Meets Contract (CBA)2018
Washington Labor and Employment Relations Association ConferenceAdvanced Contract Negotiations2017
Washington Labor and Employment Relations Association ConferenceGrievance, Gripe or Unfair Labor Practice2016
Washington Labor and Employment Relations Association ConferenceAdvanced Collective Bargaining2015
Teamsters Local 959 Steward SeminarContract Negotiations and Enforcement2015
Washington Labor and Employment Relations Association ConferenceContract Negotiations: Layers of Players2013
Training AcademyUnion Representation2012
American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law SectionInformation Technology and Employee Rights2011
LERA ConferenceNegotiation Ethics2010
Washington Labor and Employment RelationsAdvanced Contract Interpretation2009
Teamsters Leadership AcademyAdvanced Arbitration2009
Warehouse Division ConferenceBargaining and Costing Contracts2008
LERA ConferenceHard Bargaining and Bad Faith2007
Washington LERANegotiating Economics2006
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Race DiscriminationSignificant Settlement
Employment DiscriminationSignificant Settlement
Teamsters Local 117 v State of WashingtonVictory
Teamsters Local 117 v. Department of CorrectionsVictory
Teamsters Local 117 v Port of SeattleVictory
Teamsters Local 117 v. Golden State FoodsVictory

Reviews

(71)
5 Star
97%
4 Star
1%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
1%
Review Spencer Thal

Excellent and Professional Firm

Posted by

Just want to say a “big thanks” for all that you have done for our group. Keeping us a breast of every step, responsive and listened to every point of view while offering your knowledge and experience. You are a true professional and I am grateful to have you and your team on our side.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Successful Outcome in Anti-Discrimination Case

Posted by

Our primarily female work group hired Spencer to represent us in an anti-discrimination case seeking back pay and a salary increase to achieve equity with a comparable work group that was predominately male. We had tried to work with our employer directly but they refused to engage in discussions. Spencer successfully negotiated a settlement that included the back pay and salary increase needed to achieve pay equity. I am very pleased with Spencer and his team and highly recommend him.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

First class service

Posted by

The level of service you will receive from Spencer is top notch. He always stayed in constant communication and had a warm welcoming manner while communicating things simply and thoroughly. I have hired lawyers in the past and have never been given anything close to the level of service I received from Spencer. I always felt like he had my back and was there with me throughout the entire process. Working with Spencer was an absolute pleasure. He maintains a genuine and humble approach while being the best at what he does. I would recommend him 100%.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

A Strong Advocate Delivering a Strong Outcome

Posted by

I never thought I would be in a position where I needed work-related legal counsel. Hiring Spencer was a smart decision. Spencer helped me navigate a challenging situation. He was extremely knowledgeable. He listened. He was responsive. He is someone you can trust to do what is right for you to get the best outcome and at the lowest cost. From day one Spencer provided me with a helpful action-plan and solid guidance. And more importantly, he worked to get me the best possible outcome in a short period of time with the least amount of stress. Spencer was a true advocate, and I am extremely grateful.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Responsive, knowledgeable, clear and effective

Posted by

Spencer and his team worked with me for over a year to win a hard earned settlement from a former employer who fought back hard with high price lawyers. The case was extremely complicated/convoluted involving both contract violations and discrimination. However, Spencer always seemed to find a way to distill and simplify in a way that gave me accurate updates on the process and a clear understanding of my options.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent discrimination lawyer!

Posted by

I had a employee discrimination case in Seattle. I searched the Internet for Discrimination Lawyers and found Spencer at Vanguard Law. Based on his positive reviews I reached out to him. I found him to be easy to work with, provided very good advice and together we walked through the process. I valued his experience and wisdom. The case was resolved in a timely manner and to my great satisfaction. I highly recommend Spencer!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Patience wins in the end!!!

Posted by

As a first time client ever needing to seek legal advice, I’m sure glad I did my research and found this firm for my employment lawsuit. He came highly recommended by other attorneys that I had in my friend circle. Before I even hired Spencer, he was very responsive and detailed about the entire process and what the possible outcomes and scenarios could look like and costs associated. Him and his legal team were always responsive and reached out anytime a new development was reported. He gave me plenty of time to process and make choices that I felt were best, while giving me his many years of experienced legal advice. He suggested a longer approach to filing my case as I needed some time to heal from the trauma before we began. After looking over all the evidence of the case, he supported my position and offered to represent me with full support. Every step of the process was laid out for me to make decisions and in understandable “non legal language” for my better understanding. We had several check ins and preparations on what to prepare for in depositions and mediation and trial/ settlement outcomes. I would defiantly recommend this firm and Spencer if you are looking for great communication, relatability, quick whit , a great sense of humor and tons of legal experience. You can really tell they strive for justice and back their clients 100 percent. I can’t thank him enough for getting me though one of the most stressful situations of my life. Through all of the waiting and persistence, we succeeded in a positive outcome that went in our favor and huge weight has been lifted off a stressful year. I hope I never need his services again but if I do, I’m glad to have him on my side! Thank you to his son Zack and legal assistant as well. Very professional experience all around.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Workplace hostility and harassment

Posted by

Spencer was referred to me by a friend who had a similar issue with his employer. He immediately began to provide meaningful and precise guidance on how to navigate an organization’s HR and legal departments. Spencer always made time to assist with legal documents reviews/responses, and drafted the final separation and severance package. Spencer made me feel like I was his only client and that gave me great peace of mind. Thank you Spencer.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Just the legal help I needed

Posted by

My company was not going to give me the severance I deserved. Spencer was able to review the documents, validate I had a strong case, and then help me write the response to the company with enough legal terms to let them know we were serious. He then helped with the negotiation and reviewed the final documents. The settlement was just what I was looking. Spencer’s advice and experience was exactly what I needed to achieve my goal. I highly recommend him.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Sr. Executive

Posted by

Spencer worked tirelessly to achieve justice when I was harassed and discriminated against because of my ethnicity and gender. He gave great advice that allowed me to make informed decisions. He was thorough yet swift, and had great communication throughout. I would highly recommend his services.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(8)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Peter Altman, Employment and labor Attorney on May 16, 2019
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer. I've worked with Spencer at several different public agencies. He is a zealous advocate for his clients, but also fair and reasonable. If you're looking for legal counsel on labor & employment matters, look no further.

Lauren Berkowitz, Personal injury Attorney on May 16, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Without reservation, I endorse Spencer. He is straightforward, honest, and easy to work with both as a lawyer and as a client of his. He has a talent for getting insurance companies to respond and negotiate in PI cases, and his wealth of knowledge in labor cases is formidable.

Robert Lavitt, Employment and labor Attorney on May 15, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Spencer is an excellent, creative and highly experienced labor and employment attorney.

Jon Zimmerman, Employment and labor Attorney on May 15, 2019
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Spencer is one of the best (if not the best) employment attorneys in the Seattle area. He is like a ninja, only faster and smarter. Employers respect him and some employers fear him because they know he will go to the mat for workers. Spencer will use legal jiu jitsu on employers, stunning them into submission and creating victory for Spencer’s smart, hard-working clients. Wise workers have Spencer in their corner.

James Smith, Employment and labor Attorney on Feb 2, 2013
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

Spencer is a brilliant attorney. I endorse him.

Mark Busto, Employment and labor Attorney on Jan 6, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have worked with Spencer on Bar-related matters and cases. He is smart, committed and great fun to work with. I would trust him implicitly to represent me.

Dmitri Iglitzin, Employment and labor Attorney on Jan 6, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have known Spencer and his work for almost 20 years. I can unreservedly recommend him for his professionalism, expertise, honesty and work ethic. Any worker who is in need of legal services would be well-advised to give Spencer a call.

Daniel Swedlow, Employment and labor Attorney on Jan 6, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker

Avvo will only let me endorse Spencer Thal in one category which is unfortunate because in addition to being a fantastic labor and employment lawyer, he is also a highly capable personal injury attorney. Spencer has a razor sharp mind and consistently achieves outstanding results for his clients. I am proud to call Spencer a top notch lawyer, a partner and a friend.

Cost

RATES
    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
      20 minutes
    OTHER BILLING TYPES
    • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.
      25%-40%
    • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.
      Sometimes
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card

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