Thomas J.Wybenga
Partner
Labor & Employment
twybenga@seyfarth.com
As a highly experienced employment lawyer, Tom is laser-focused on learning his clients’ businesses and cultures as context for his legal advice.
More About Tom
For nearly 30 years (25 of those with Seyfarth), Tom’s practice has focused exclusively on employment law. He oversees and litigates federal and state employment cases across the country, as well as defending companies in federal, state, and local agency charges. Tom also leads internal investigations for his clients and daily provides business-practical advice and counseling regarding the broad spectrum of legal issues arising in the workplace.
Tom serves as co-office managing partner in Seattle, and is an elected member of Seyfarth’s partner board.
Tom serves as co-office managing partner in Seattle, and is an elected member of Seyfarth’s partner board.
- JD, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Recipient of US Department of Education FLAS Fellowship to the Universiteit van Amsterdam
CALI Excellence for the Future Awards: Civil Law Practicum and European Union Law - BA, Calvin College
Dean’s List (1985-1989)
Awarded Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal from Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam
- Georgia
- Tennessee
- Washington
- US Supreme Court
- US Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
Related Services
- Agency Investigations & Audits
- Class & Collective Actions
- Complex Discrimination Litigation
- Demands & Administrative Charges
- Discipline & Performance Management
- Employment
- Employment Agreements & Covenants
- Employment Litigation
- Leaves of Absence Management and Accommodations
- Separation & Release Agreements
- Termination Counseling
- Wage Hour Class & Collective Actions
- Workplace Training
Related Key Industries
Blogs
Related News & Insights
-
Legal Update
Mar 16, 2026
Washington State Poised to Ban Noncompetition Agreements: What Employers Need to Know
-
Attorney Publication
Feb 4, 2026
Now Available! Washington Peculiarities: An Employer's Guide to Labor & Employment Laws in the Evergreen State (2026 Edition)
-
Recognition
11/20/2025
Seyfarth Honored as a Finalist for Employer of the Year at AWB’s Evening of Excellence
-
Attorney Publication
May 15, 2025
Now Available! Washington Peculiarities: An Employer's Guide to Labor & Employment Laws in the Evergreen State
- King County Bar Foundation, Board of Trustees (2025-present)
- American Bar Association (Labor and Employment Law Section)
- Washington State Bar Association (Labor and Employment Law Section)
- Co-Author, “Washington State Poised to Ban Noncompetition Agreements: What Employers Need to Know,” Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 16, 2026)
- Co-Author, “Washington Peculiarities: An Employer's Guide to Labor & Employment Law in the Evergreen State (2026 Edition),” Publication, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 4, 2026)
- Co-Author, "Washington Peculiarities: An Employer’s Guide to Labor & Employment Law in the Evergreen State (2025 Edition)," Publication, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (May 15, 2025)
- Co-Author, “Washington Increases Minimum Wage and Salary Thresholds for Exemption and Non-Competes,” Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 28, 2024)
- Breakthrough T1D Pacific Northwest Chapter, Board of Directors (2024-present)
- Calvin University, Board of Trustees
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF, Seattle Guild), Board of Trustees
- Make-A-Wish Foundation, Trustee and Corporate Council Member
- Netherland America Foundation, member
- Willamette Sailing Club, member
“(Tom) has the innate ability to balance business realities with legal compliance. He listens in order to fully understand the perspective of his clients and then works towards a solution that allows for varying degrees of risk tolerance. His appropriate use of humor helps put people at ease and takes the sting out of what can often be a painful process for employers.”
—Client feedback
"Tom understands our company culture and processes. He offers advice specifically tailored to our needs and does not adopt a 'cookie cutter' approach. We appreciate his practical guidance." —Client feedback
As a highly experienced employment lawyer, Tom is laser-focused on learning his clients’ businesses and cultures as context for his legal advice.
More About Tom
For nearly 30 years (25 of those with Seyfarth), Tom’s practice has focused exclusively on employment law. He oversees and litigates federal and state employment cases across the country, as well as defending companies in federal, state, and local agency charges. Tom also leads internal investigations for his clients and daily provides business-practical advice and counseling regarding the broad spectrum of legal issues arising in the workplace.
Tom serves as co-office managing partner in Seattle, and is an elected member of Seyfarth’s partner board.
Tom serves as co-office managing partner in Seattle, and is an elected member of Seyfarth’s partner board.
- JD, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Recipient of US Department of Education FLAS Fellowship to the Universiteit van Amsterdam
CALI Excellence for the Future Awards: Civil Law Practicum and European Union Law - BA, Calvin College
Dean’s List (1985-1989)
Awarded Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal from Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam
- Georgia
- Tennessee
- Washington
- US Supreme Court
- US Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
Related Services
- Agency Investigations & Audits
- Class & Collective Actions
- Complex Discrimination Litigation
- Demands & Administrative Charges
- Discipline & Performance Management
- Employment
- Employment Agreements & Covenants
- Employment Litigation
- Leaves of Absence Management and Accommodations
- Separation & Release Agreements
- Termination Counseling
- Wage Hour Class & Collective Actions
- Workplace Training
Related Key Industries
Blogs
Related News & Insights
-
Legal Update
Mar 16, 2026
Washington State Poised to Ban Noncompetition Agreements: What Employers Need to Know
-
Attorney Publication
Feb 4, 2026
Now Available! Washington Peculiarities: An Employer's Guide to Labor & Employment Laws in the Evergreen State (2026 Edition)
-
Recognition
11/20/2025
Seyfarth Honored as a Finalist for Employer of the Year at AWB’s Evening of Excellence
-
Attorney Publication
May 15, 2025
Now Available! Washington Peculiarities: An Employer's Guide to Labor & Employment Laws in the Evergreen State
- King County Bar Foundation, Board of Trustees (2025-present)
- American Bar Association (Labor and Employment Law Section)
- Washington State Bar Association (Labor and Employment Law Section)
- Co-Author, “Washington State Poised to Ban Noncompetition Agreements: What Employers Need to Know,” Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 16, 2026)
- Co-Author, “Washington Peculiarities: An Employer's Guide to Labor & Employment Law in the Evergreen State (2026 Edition),” Publication, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 4, 2026)
- Co-Author, "Washington Peculiarities: An Employer’s Guide to Labor & Employment Law in the Evergreen State (2025 Edition)," Publication, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (May 15, 2025)
- Co-Author, “Washington Increases Minimum Wage and Salary Thresholds for Exemption and Non-Competes,” Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 28, 2024)
- Breakthrough T1D Pacific Northwest Chapter, Board of Directors (2024-present)
- Calvin University, Board of Trustees
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF, Seattle Guild), Board of Trustees
- Make-A-Wish Foundation, Trustee and Corporate Council Member
- Netherland America Foundation, member
- Willamette Sailing Club, member
“(Tom) has the innate ability to balance business realities with legal compliance. He listens in order to fully understand the perspective of his clients and then works towards a solution that allows for varying degrees of risk tolerance. His appropriate use of humor helps put people at ease and takes the sting out of what can often be a painful process for employers.”
—Client feedback
"Tom understands our company culture and processes. He offers advice specifically tailored to our needs and does not adopt a 'cookie cutter' approach. We appreciate his practical guidance." —Client feedback