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Stephanie Henderson Stocker

Employment and labor Attorney at Olympia, WA

4.9   34 reviews
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 20 years
    State WA
    Acquired 2003
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

About Stephanie

Learn Stephanie’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. Employment and labor
    90%
    Our employment law practice brings 20+ years of both general and employment law plaintiff litigation, as well as expertise advising employers on maintaining policies and procedures that help to prevent discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

    20 years

  2. Estate planning
    5%

    20 years

  3. Personal injury
    5%

    20 years

PROVEN RESULTS – 20+ YRS SPECIALIZING IN EMPLOYMENT & DISCRIMINATION LITIGATION, REPRESENTING BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.

I lead our Employment Law practice at Henderson Law Group, bringing 20 years' experience in general & employment law litigation. Admitted to practice law in WA State (WSBA# 33567) and in Federal Court for the U.S. Dist. Ct. for the W. Dist. of WA. No history of disciplinary action.

EMPLOYEES. Our focus is mainly Plaintiff's work, representing employees enduring harassment, retaliation, discrimination from their current or former employer.  We are committed to helping maintain a workplace that is not only free from discrimination, but where employees are paid what they have earned under the law. 

EMPLOYERS. I am retained by a handful of small-midsize local employers, advising on maintaining policies and procedures that help to prevent discrimination and harassment in the workplace, drafting/revising employee handbooks, counseling through the legal landmines of effective firing/hiring practices, employee FMLA leave, reasonable accommodation of employees with disabilities, presenting preventative "Appropriate Employee Behavior" seminars to employers/HR departments, and much more…

● SHOULDER-TO-SHOULDER WITH EVERY CLIENT. I witness mistakes every day made by high volume law firms in taking on too many clients – dividing each case among several overworked attorneys assigned to manage one part of the case; typically not included in the big picture of who the client is and what the client wants as a “win.”  We do things differently. I take a more holistic approach to each client's case…and my results speak for themselves. Personally working every case end-to-end: issue-spotting all viable WA State & federal legal claims from client's facts, exhaustive case-specific legal research, crafting a compelling & well-supported case theme, followed by detailed persuasive briefing including a comprehensive demand with nationwide comparators of damages awarded in cases similar to our client's. I purposefully maintain a Plaintiff’s caseload of 20 or fewer clients, referring many potential clients to my peers. My proven personal strategy is to take a deeper dive into fewer cases. Our brand of wrap-around client compassion & expert legal strategy tailored to each client’s specific facts, results in a proven track record of exceptional outcomes for our clients.  

COMMUNITY LEADER. Dedicated to anti-oppression & equal rights advocacy, including serving as elected Chair of Women United Thurston County and on the Board of Directors for SafePlace Olympia (24-hour Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault advocacy & confidential safehouse shelter). 

● CASE RESULTS. In hiring our law firm to represent you, your objective is the same as ours – to deliver the results you need in a cost-effective manner.  We have a proven track record of success in a broad variety of employment disputes.  Each client’s case is unique. No two cases will result in the same outcome each time – even with similar facts and similar claims. Many times the resolution of a client’s claims involve both financial and non-financial remedies (depending on what our client is seeking).  Non-confidential accomplishments (and news stories covering those results) are below.

Snapshot of case results (list is not exhaustive). Visit Ms. Stocker's Linkedin profile for links to news coverage of the below cases.

2020-present

  • $350K settlement against local grocery store chain for claims of workplace sex harassment, retaliation, and constructive discharge.
  • $350K settlement against a WA State police department for claims of workplace disability discrimination & harassment, age discrimination, gender discrimination & harassment, retaliation, and constructive discharge, and other claims under RCW 49.60, the WA State Law Against Discrimination.
  • $200K settlement against a WA State police department for claims of workplace disability discrimination & harassment, age discrimination, gender discrimination & harassment, retaliation, and constructive discharge, and other claims under RCW 49.60, the WA State Law Against Discrimination.
  • $250K settlement and a second $200K settlement against the WA State agency that trains our state-wide police and other law enforcement with self-defense and combat tactics for certification of their work in the field. Claims settled were for workplace sex harassment, retaliation, age discrimination and constructive discharge.
  • $350K settlement against WA State agency for claims of workplace gender harassment, age discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, constructive discharge, and other claims under RCW 49.60, the WA State Law Against Discrimination.
  • Several $100K+ settlements for claims of workplace disability discrimination & harassment, age discrimination, gender discrimination & harassment, retaliation, and constructive discharge, and other claims under RCW 49.60, the WA State Law Against Discrimination.

2019:

  • $350K settlement won against private WA employer – federal ADA & WA State WLAD/RCW 49.60 claims, incl. disability discrimination and discrimination based on gender (pregnancy), failing to accommodate my client’s disability (epilepsy); retaliation for her bringing complaints of retaliation and discrimination.   
  • $300K settlement won against WA State agency on behalf of our client, former union shop steward of state agency. Claims included whistleblower retaliation and wrongful termination.
  • Other $100K+ settlements for claims of workplace gender harassment, age discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, constructive discharge, and other claims.    

2018:

  • $837K settlement won against private employer for claims of sex assault and workplace sexual harassment against my client’s former employer.
  • $350K settlement won against private WA employer – male employer/supervisor harassing male employee. Claims under WA Law Against Discrimination (WLAD)/RCW 49.60: hostile work environment, retaliation, disparate treatment discrimination (disability).
  • $250K settlement won against WA State agency – female employer/supervisor harassing male employee. Claims under WLAD/RCW 49.60: hostile work environment, retaliation, disparate treatment discrimination; wrongful termination in violation of public policy.
  • $197K settlement won against WA State agency – female employer/supervisor harassing female employee. Claims under WLAD/RCW 49.60: hostile work environment, retaliation, disparate treatment discrimination (disability).

2017: 

  • $350K settlement won against Lewis County Superior Court Judge, Nelson Hunt.  Claims included sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination in violation of public policy.

2016: 

  • $335K settlement won against WA State (disability discrimination, hostile work environment, retaliation). 
  • NEWS STORY on King5 News: 

2015: 

  • $175K settlement won against Morton General Hospital (religious discrimination, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, retaliation). 
  • I represented wrongfully terminated Morton General Hospital, CEO, Seth Whitmer.

We have successfully represented individuals in many areas of employment law:

  • Age Discrimination
  • Disability
  • Failure to accommodate a disability
  • Gender
  • National Origin
  • Racial Discrimination
  • Religious Discrimination
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Sexual Discrimination
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • Severance Agreements & Releases
  • Retention of Employee Benefits Upon Termination
  • Wrongful Discharge
  • Termination

There is no fee for an initial consultation with our law firm. We look forward to meeting you!

 
 
 

Awards

Client's Choice 2019,2017,2015,2014
Client's Choice
2019 2017 2015 + 1 ...

Photos and videos

View more

Contact Stephanie

Henderson Law Group, PLLC

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  34 customer reviews
5 Star
 
94%
4 Star
 
6%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
0%
Client's Choice 2019
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 anonymous | April 16, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
I can say that I sincerely recommend Stephanie Stocker! She is one of the strongest labor law attorneys in the field. She’s well known to opposing attorneys and respected. She is part of a family of respected attorneys in Olympia, WA. My experience was simply amazing. My initial consultation with Stephanie was to review my case. She was honest and straight forward in explaining that if she takes on my case she will go the distance to come to a fair resolution accordingly to my particular case. That’s exactly what my experience was. It was fair settlement and I feel very good about it! Stephanie was professional throughout the entire experience. She was responsive and most importantly honest. She fought hard for me and was patient in explaining the laws to me, which I appreciate considering I don’t know labor laws as thorough as she does. Stephanie has a strong background in private and public labor case law. I believe this is an attribute to her success. I am very satisfied with her services, professionalism and the outcome in my case! I can’t thank Henderson Law Group enough!!! Stephanie believed in me and in my case, I appreciate her for that. She fought hard for me and I sincerely appreciate her for that! If Stephanie takes on your case, you can be confident she will fight for you to achieve the best possible outcome! That was my experience.
Read less
Posted by Jose | April 15, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
My review of Stephanie Stocker
Stephanie was exactly what I hoped for in representation for my case against the State of Washington. She is passionate and very competent in her field. Not many attorneys enjoy labor law, but Stephanie loves it! She has confidence and has a code of professionalism and honesty. She also partners with another attorney Mike Johns, on some occasions, for example , when a case can not be resolved and there is the possibility of a court trial. The two are an excellent team from my experience! I recommend her services to anyone who feels they have been treated differently, unjustly terminated or discriminated in the workforce. She will listen intently and will tell you honestly if You have a case. She will not take on a case unless she knows there’s an injustice that needs to be correct. I would also recommend Stephanie based on her integrity, she’s honest!!! I am very pleased with the results in my case and am so thankful I had Stephanie and Mike represent me. I highly recommend Stephanie Stocker.
Read less
Posted by John | September 18, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Strong advocate
Stephanie worked hard for me and several others in my police department after we suffered workplace discrimination at the hands of power-driven, narrow minded supervisors. I think our settlements have now caused a shift in the City's thinking about how they interact with employees. This should help both the department and the public for years to come.
Read less
Posted by Kyle | October 8, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Rapid Response
When crisis arrives you don’t have time to wait to respond. Stephanie answered the call with thoughtfulness, depth and empathy. Her calm approach allowed space for temperatures to settle and arrive at win/win solutions!
Posted by Barbara | August 9, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Perceptive and professional
Having been impressed with the things I saw Stephanie achieve in volunteer civic organizations, I hired her to update and revise my estate and will. I have also sought her opinion on other potential legal matters and found her advice sound, insightful and in my best interest. She is personable, kind, ethical and has extremely high integrity.
Read less
Posted by Mary | July 29, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Conscientious, caring, and sharp
Stephanie has been consistently helpful, articulate, warm, available, and accountable when I have needed her counsel. These qualities bolster my trust in her and are why I would recommend her to anyone in need of legal services in her areas of expertise.
Posted by James | October 14, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Amazing Lawyer and Person
I couldn't say enough nice things about Stephanie or my experience with her. She is incredibly hands on, knowledgeable, and pleasant. The amount of detail that goes into her work is mind boggling. I always gelt very comfortable with her, and knew I was in good hands from the first conversation. She was transparent and informative through every step of the process, and was strategically always a step ahead. I would recommend her to any and all people needing her expertise, both for her professionalism, and for her personality. All around wonderful person and lawyer!
Read less
Posted by Jay | July 4, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I recommend Stephanie Stocker, employment law attorney
My name is Jay and I hired Stephanie Stocker in 2016 to represent me in employment-related retaliation issues I was having with my longtime employer, WA State. Stephanie went to bat for me. My employer’s evident plan to terminate my employment in retaliation was halted by Stephanie’s persistent work and passionate lawyering on my behalf. She believes in me and it showed in her efforts to protect my rights against my employer. I remain employed with WA State and they are no longer retaliating against me. I want to thank the team at Henderson Law and especially Stephanie for her efforts on my behalf. I affectionately refer to Ms. Stocker as the sword of Damocles over their heads (with regards to those retaliating against me at work). I have referred others to your law offices all the time. I really am grateful for Stephanie‘s service and hard work for me in this regards.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 450-450 per hour
  • Contingency 40%-40%
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney & Partner
  • Henderson Law Group, PLLC
  • 2013 - Present
  • Manager -- Microsoft
  • Logic20/20, Inc.
  • 2010 - 2013
  • Elected Vice President of Legal & Technology
  • Puget Sound Project Mgmt Institute
  • 2009 - 2012
  • Legal Counsel -- Microsoft
  • BluWater Consulting
  • 2007 - 2009
  • Legal Division Director
  • Robert Half Legal
  • 2005 - 2007
  • Judicial Clerk to Chief Justice Gerry Alexander
  • WA State Supreme Court
  • 2002 - 2003
  • Employment Litigation Attorney
  • Carney Badley Spellman, PS
  • 2001 - 2005
  • Attorney (Rule 9)
  • Paine Hamblen Coffin Brooke & Miller, LLP
  • 1999 - 2002
View all work experience

Education

  • Gonzaga University School of Law
  • Juris Doctorate
  • 2002
  • University of Washington
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • 1998

Legal Cases

  • See "About Me" section above for Stephanie Stocker's Case Results

Associations

  • Women United of Thurston County - https://www.unitedway-thurston.org/introducing-women-uniteds-new-chair-stephanie-stocker
  • Elected Chair
  • 2017 - Present
  • Washington State Association for Justice, Civil Rights Section
  • Eagle Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • SafePlace Olympia - LEARN MORE HERE: https://www.safeplaceolympia.org/history.html
  • Executive Board Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • Women United of United Way Thurston County
  • Board Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Washington Employment Lawyers Association (WELA)
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Business2Youth Connect -- Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
  • Mentor to High School Students
  • 2014 - Present
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
  • Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • Washington Women Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Thurston County Chamber of Commerce Women's Group
  • Board Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Licensed Attorney
  • 2003 - Present
  • Thurston County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • Junior League of Olympia
  • Leader
  • 2002 - Present
  • Elected to Puget Sound Project Management Institute
  • Vice Chair
  • 2009 - 2012
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • King County Trustee - WA Young Lawyers Board of Trustees
  • 2006 - 2007
  • Washington State Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, Continuing Legal Education Committee
  • Past Chair
  • 2002 - 2007
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers Association - www.thenationaltriallawyers.org/ntl-groups/top-100-trial-lawyers/
  • 2019
  • Awarded South Sound Exceptional Woman
  • Soroptimists International of Olympia
  • 2017
  • Awarded "40 Under Forty" Business Professionals in Puget Sound
  • Puget Sound Business Examiner
  • 2016
  • Awarded 10 Best Labor & Employment Attorneys in WA State
  • AILC
  • 2016
  • Awarded #1 in Legal Team Leadership, out of 360 global branches
  • Robert Half Legal International
  • 2006
  • Elected WSBA King County Trustee - WA State Young Lawyers
  • WA State Bar Association
  • 2004
  • WSBA Legal Professionalism Committee (2003-2007)
  • WA State Bar Association
  • 2003
  • CALI award for earning top grade in a law school course
  • CALI "Excellence for the Future Award"
  • 2002
  • Chair WSBA YLD Continuing Legal Ed. Committee (2002-2007)
  • WA State Bar Association
  • 2002
  • Best Legal Oralist
  • Gonzaga Law School Linden Cup appellate advocacy competition
  • 2001
  • Best Legal Brief Writer
  • National Moot Court appellate advocacy competition
  • 2001
  • CALI award for earning top grade in a law school course
  • CALI "Excellence for the Future Award"
  • 2001
  • CALI Award for earning top grade in a law school course
  • CALI “Excellence for the Future Award”
  • 2000
  • CALI Award for earning top grade in a law school course
  • CALI “Excellence for the Future Award”
  • 1999
  • Dean's List - 4.0 GPA earned
  • University of Washington
  • 1998
  • Dean's List - 3.8 GPA earned
  • University of Washington
  • 1997
View all awards

Publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Thurston County Chamber of Commerce Business Meeting
  • Employment Law
  • 2015
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (12)
Given (32)
Endorse Stephanie
Employment and labor Attorney | Oct 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Stephanie Henderson Stocker. Ms. Stocker is a bright and talented attorney. Most importantly Ms. Stocker is extremely personable. I know that she cares about her work and exceeds the expectations of her client's. Any time I have a client with an employment issue I refer them to Henderson Law Group. I know that Ms. Stocker will provide the client not only with sound legal advise but excellent representation."
Employment and labor Attorney | May 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Stephanie Stocker as a fellow employment attorney the community. She is professional, thorough, and dedicated to her craft. She also possesses a unique combination of creativity and pragmatism. Her clients are in good hands."
Employment and labor Attorney | Mar 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Stephanie is bright, hardworking, and practical. Representing both employers and employees, Stephanie brings a unique perspective to all her cases. If you are an employer or an employee and need to consult a top notch employment attorney, I highly recommend Stephanie."
Employment and labor Attorney | Feb 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Stephanie Stocker is a fierce advocate.She is smart, talented, and gifted. Ms. Stocker is able to quickly diagnose the situation and determine the correct course of action. Ms. Stocker is also very compassionate and can make a client feel at home weather on the phone her in her office. She is the kind of attorney that everyone should have access too. I strongly recommend Stephanie stocker."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jan 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Stephanie Henderson Stocker since we both clerked at the Washington State Supreme Court nearly 15 years ago. She assesses complex issues quickly, backed by detailed research, and persuasively advocates for her clients’ needs while maintaining impeccable ethical standards. In the years that I have known Stephanie, she has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to her clients. Given her background not only as a lawyer but also as a business woman, she approaches issues with a dual perspective—both from the business side and the employee side. With this experience, Stephanie can provide her clients with thorough assessments of risk and opportunity, and identify sensible solutions to workplace issues. I heartily endorse Stephanie as an excellent advocate and counselor."
Employment and labor Attorney | Nov 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Stephanie is an experience attorney with exceptional writing and advocacy skills. She is timely in her responses and will work hard to help resolve your matter."
Employment and labor Attorney | Nov 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Stephanie since high school, argued alongside her in courtrooms through our law school tenure, and remained close with her professionally every since. She is smart, creative, passionate, sincere and attentive to details in every situation. Her positive outlook and energy are contagious, and she brings a huge arsenal of talent to all her work. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking a responsible, hard working attorney."
Employment and labor Attorney | Nov 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"As a colleague and a friend I have known Stephanie for 15 years going back to law school. She is great communicator that helps make Stephanie an excellent advocate for her clients."
Employment and labor Attorney | Oct 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Stephanie is very well versed in employment law and takes special care to listen to her clients. She is a very caring and upbeat person who looks to always seek a positive outcome for her clients. I am proud to recommend her without reservation as an excellent lawyer and person. Stephen J. Henderson"
General practice Attorney | Oct 22
Relationship: Co-worker
"I am happy to recommend Stephanie to anyone needing legal representation. Stephanie goes above and beyond for her clients, often taking calls after work hours and on weekends. She is meticulous in her preparation and has a deep understanding of the law in her areas of practice. Stephanie also has a wonderful magnetic personality that naturally draws people in. It makes her difficult to contend with for opposing lawyers."
Employment and labor Attorney | Oct 20
Relationship: Friend
"Stephanie is a wonderful addition to the legal profession. She is thoughtful, empathetic and professional. She has the dedication, intelligence and skills to help you with your labor and employment law matters."
General practice Attorney | Jul 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements
Litigation
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Personal injury
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Lawsuits and disputes
Employment and labor
Criminal defense
General practice
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Construction and development
Litigation
Personal injury
General practice
Olympia Employment and labor Lawyer Stephanie Henderson Stocker
Stephanie Henderson Stocker
Employment and labor Attorney
Olympia, WA
Licensed for 20 years
Free Consultation
Virtual consultation available