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James B Pizl

Employment and labor Attorney at Puyallup, WA

4.9   20 reviews
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 23 years
    State WA
    Acquired 1999
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About James

Learn James’s areas of practice.

1
Practice area
  1. Employment and labor
    100%
    Job Misclassification Failure to provide paid breaks and meal periods. Oxymoronic 1099 Employees Paid Safe and Sick Leave Act Violations Minimum Wage Violations Prevailing Wage Violations Age/Race/Gender and other Discrimination Sexual Harassment

EX-CORPORATE CFO NOW WORKING EXCLUSIVELY FOR EMPLOYEES.

 

My Legal Practice

I love representing Employees who have been unfairly treated by their employers.  Although I'm also a Certified Public Accountant and can help you with taxes, disputes with the IRS and other government agencies as well as financial accounting, my passion is employment law, specifically employee rights.  As a result I'm trying to laser focus my practice to that area.

There are employers in practically every industry that try to avoid paying employees what they deserve or that look the other way when there is blatant discrimination going on.  Name an industry and I can tell you how employers try to cheat employees to pad the bottom line.  Employers bank on the fact that their employees never find an advocate like me to stand up to them.

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.  Edmund Burke

Employment Law Practice Areas

  • Wrongful Termination
  • Hostile Work Environment
  • Job Misclassification - i.e. employee illegally put on "Salary" to avoid paying overtime
  • Minimum Wage Violations
  • Prevailing Wage Violations
  • Failure to Provide Paid Meal Periods and Paid Rest Periods
  • Wage Theft - employers taking illegal deductions or not paying at all
  • Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
  • Reclassifying Oxymoronic "1099 Employees"
  • Protecting Workers Paid "Under the Table"
  • Paid Safe and Sick Leave Issues

Awards

Top Contributor 2019,2018,2017
Top Contributor
2019 2018 2017
Client's Choice 2018
Client's Choice
2018

Contact James

Entente Law PLLC

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  20 customer reviews
5 Star
 
95%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
5%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
0%
Client's Choice 2018
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Mike | December 8, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Employment Professor
Just got off the phone with James concerning an employment dispute. Was more than impressed with his knowledge of employment law. Very friendly and listens to your concerns.
Posted by anonymous | April 20, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Absolutely Amazing Partnership - Consulted with and Hired!
Attorney Jim Pizl is straight forward, easy to understand, cost efficient, and most importantly, highly effective with respect to the objective in which he is set forth to achieve. Lastly, he doubles as a quasi-psychologist and keeps you positive about the potential outcome all the way through the process - which admittedly - is equally needed. 10 stars for Attorney Jim Pizl who will tackle both the small and the large global firms on your behalf. I would work with him again, if needed, and would refer him to anyone else who has been treated with suspect behavior by an employer. He is responsive, outstanding and effective!
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Posted by Greg | February 25, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer
James is one of those few lawyers that actually cares about his clients. Before I even officially hired him, he was the first to reply to me with legal advice. Originally my employer had not paid me two weeks worth of work and I wasn't even sure if this was a case worth pursuing knowing how much legal fees were. Well after contacting James, he let me know that he would take my case on a contingent basis, meaning I wouldn't pay a penny unless he won. He also let me know that what they did was completely illegal and that he was confident that he would win if the case went to court. Long story short we didn't have to go to court. James was so efficent that after just a couple of emails, I ended up recieving the full amount owed to me in less than a week. If ever need any legal help this is your guy. Once you get to know him, you'll know he doesn't just care about the money, but also helping people. Specially those who need it most.
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Posted by David | October 5, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Excellent experience
Jim responded incredibly quickly to my question, and offered a free consultation over the weekend less than 24 hours from my initial inquiry. He was attentive in listening to the details of my situation and offered frank, honest and helpful advice, even reviewing my relevant legal documents during that consultation to better assist me. I would not hesitate to hire him if needed or recommend to others A++
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Posted by Jacque | April 26, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic support
Jim listen to my situation, and provided advice. He was empathetic and supportive. He helped me get what I deserved before the court date. He was compassionate and understanding. I would highly recommend him.
Posted by Tina | March 12, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney & Employee Advocate
I felt that I was wrongfully terminated. I’ve never needed an attorney before and didn’t know the first steps. Someone told me about Avvo. I was so fortunate to find Jim. He spent about an hour during our consultation. He was so helpful and very informative. I hired him and he went to work on my case. He discovered that I hadn’t been paid correctly. I worked on commission and was required to work 10 hour days. There were many days, over the 4 years I worked there, I didn’t get paid minimum wage. Jim discovered I had been cheated out of thousands of dollars. Turns out that the wage violations were a bigger part of my case than the wrongful termination. Jim’s knowledge of employment law is very impressive. His expertise is even more enhanced because he’s a CPA. He’s extremely intelligent and personable as well. He always made me feel like I was his only client. Even though he was very busy, he was always quick to respond to my texts. We went to mediation and my case was settled. I can’t thank him enough. You’re in great hands with Jim handling your case. He truly cares about helping his clients.
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Posted by Megan | March 2, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Jim saved my business
I recently worked with Entente Law Firm for an unexpected legal situation involving my LLC. Jim handled my legal matter with the professionalism, expertise and swiftness needed from a good attorney. I had no idea how I would have handled this situation by myself and am very happy that I reached out to Jim and Entente Law Firm for help.
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Posted by Ryan | December 28, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
Contacted and retained. Fantastic guy and a big help... Very grateful and feel like I have someone on my team.
Posted by anonymous | November 14, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic employee-focused employment lawyer!
I also was very fortunate to have found Jim via search on Avvo! I got unfairly and rudely/suddenly hosed by the rich, arrogant, jerk owner of the small business I was working for. I wasn't sure whether or not a lawyer could help so I did a few searches on Avvo. Jim's name popped up as an employment lawyer and he had great reviews so I reached out to him. He is very responsive and a great communicator. He took my matter seriously, was upfront/transparent and went to work. And I ended up getting a settlement I was happy with and was more than I was expecting when I initially contacted him. Well done, Jim, thank you! And hopefully I won't need to contact him again. But if I do, I won't hesitate to call on Jim for his help!
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Posted by Steven White | August 8, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Honest Initial Consultation
I contacted James for a potential age discrimination case. He listened to my side and gave me honest feedback and I decided to go with the package the company was offering. Other lawyers I contacted either didn't return calls or proposed an expensive 1 hour planning session.
Posted by Lori | May 8, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Lawyer!
I was so very fortunate to have connected with Jim Pizl. We were introduced on the Avvo website. I posted an employment law question on Avvo’s website and Jim responded within 1 hour. He offered a detailed answer and asked a follow-up question, that is what started the relationship. I posted a question about employment law, specifically misclassification of workers – W2 vs. 1099 Independent Contractors. It was determined that I was misclassified. From there he and I partnered on the employment matter. He put so much time and effort in my case and went the extra mile. He is an excellent communicator! Jim responded to emails/calls almost instantly, he is prompt and detailed. During the entire case I felt I was Jim’s only client. He showed great care and attention throughout the process. His expertise of employment law educated me greatly and I always knew what was going on. I thank Jim and am grateful to have had him on my side. I can’t thank him enough for settling my case. Due to his knowledge in employment law we were successful in reaching a settlement.
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Posted by Rus | April 27, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Loves his job, not just money !!!
I can tell James does it not just for the money, as most attorneys.. he loves the job, and very open for some complex cases... Each time I contacted him, I could feel the energy that he has to make some impact in Law world, and mainly help people. While speaking to other attorneys, they either were scared to risk, or would not grab cases that don't bring them millions...So contact James, and you will notice that he will at least help, or point to the place that can...
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Posted by Misty | April 27, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
I retained Mr. Pizl to help with bringing a suit regarding the separation from my former employer & to aid with obtaining unemployment. He is extremely efficient & professional. He is thorough & very good with communicating every step of the process, including having a quick response time to my inquiries. I could not be happier with Mr. Pizl, and highly recommend him.
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Posted by Virginia | April 23, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Very Responsive, professional, inspired confidence
Certainly didnt expect to receive a call after hours, however I did! James has excellent listening skills, a great analytical mind. I now have a game plan and an Attorney when the time comes. It's obvious James loves his job. Thank-you again!
Posted by anonymous | April 17, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Quick response and resourceful
I consulted James regarding to unfair practice at my work. He provided very detail consultation and extremely quick response. He was able to provide me all of the facts of the laws and followed up with some tips what I can do. Unfortunately I have not been with the company long enough and I appreciate he didn't overpromise things that he can do. I would recommend James to others as I trust him taking care of his clients.
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Posted by Ernest | January 7, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Awesome advice and late at night
I had a specific question about the way my boss removed me from the schedule but he didn’t fire me, I posted this at 11:30 PM on a Saturday night and within 10 minutes James replied with some very sound advice about filing unemployment and that I may be entitled to missed wages from breaks and lunches etc. Based on the speediness of James service he will be my first call in the future, I will be recommending him to everybody I know. Nowadays it seems hard to find somebody with a sense of customer service especially an 18 year attorney Who probably wouldn’t make much money on a case like mine yet he took the time out of his Saturday evening to reply with a very helpful answer, true professional.
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Posted by anonymous | December 19, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
VERY VERY GOOD
James responded quickly to my question and had some great ideas on what to do. With a follow up phone call was very nice to talk to and again offered more great advice. A person cannot go wrong working with James he will be highly recommended to any of my family or friends.
Posted by anonymous | December 6, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Responsive and helpful
James responded to my question with an educated response and once I followed up with him, offered further assistance which I really appreciate. - great help.
Posted by anonymous | September 25, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Above and beyond
James Pizl answered the question I posted quickly and with great detail. He was very communicative and suggested we have a conversation over the phone. We spoke on a Saturday and he again provided me with more detailed information. I am very appreciative.
Posted by anonymous | September 24, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Whered he go?
I gave him 3 stars because technically all you had to do was answer my question what you did a very good job of and let me know that I was in need of an attorney but when I emailed him back he never responded so I'm kind of stuck not knowing what I'm supposed to do next
Response from James Pizl September 26, 2017
Please re-email me at [email protected] or text me at 253-310-7519. I'm not aware of any emails I haven't returned but I'm concerned if your case isn't moving the way you think it should. I do get messages in Avvo that I try to return on Avvo but sometimes I'm not sure who is messaging me. Perhaps this is what happened. Make sure you leave contact info so I know an so we can connect offline.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
  • Contingency 33%-35%
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 7.1 (Very Good)

Work Experience

  • Principal
  • Entente Law PLLC
  • 2017 - Present
  • CFO/General Counsel
  • BARTELSON TRUCKING LLC
  • 2012 - 2018

Education

  • Seattle University
  • J.D.
  • 1999
  • Central Washington University
  • B.S.
  • 1993

Legal Cases

  • PLUMBING COMPANY FAILING TO PAY OVERTIME
  • Settled Pre-Lawsuit

Associations

  • Washington Employment Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2018 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • English

Attorney endorsements

Received (2)
Given (1)
Endorse James
Employment and labor Attorney | Mar 06
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Jim is a diligent and competent employment lawyer. Specifically, Jim's knowledge of wage and hour cases and class actions is extensive. I have worked with and against Jim, and he is a great attorney and works hard to get results for his clients. I definitely endorse this attorney."
Employment and labor Attorney | Feb 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this attorney. This lawyer provides excellent advice on AVVO and is a solid member of the legal community."
Employment and labor