LaurenParris Watts
Partner
Labor & Employment
lpwatts@seyfarth.com
Lauren helps her clients create inclusive workplace cultures, manage the challenges and opportunities of a complex workforce, and avoid litigation risk.
More About Lauren
Drawing on her corporate and business experience, Lauren assists clients of all sizes and across industries in identifying practical, strategic, and innovative solutions to employment issues that give consideration to greater business objectives, as well as diversity and inclusion goals. She advises employers on a variety of day-to-day employment issues including accommodations, FMLA and other leave rights, and misconduct allegations and investigations. In addition, Lauren regularly works with employers to navigate complex personnel issues and has successfully negotiated hundreds of severance negotiations. When necessary, Lauren defends her clients in litigation in matters related to wrongful termination, harassment, and claims of retaliation and discrimination.
Employers look to Lauren for advice related to the full spectrum of diversity and inclusion matters and rely on her to perform cultural assessments and risk-reduction audits to analyze current issues and internal processes. Lauren works closely with clients to understand their business and workplace culture so that she can proactively identify potential risks, strategically guide clients in avoiding potential litigation, and advise employers on building and strengthening their workplace culture. She utilizes her creativity and out-of-the box problem-solving ability to advise clients on effective approaches that support successful change management and process improvement. Lauren is prepared to guide clients through investigations and other crisis situations, including providing legal counsel on company messaging, and post-investigation steps such as discipline, trainings, and implementation of new processes and best practices.
Employers look to Lauren for advice related to the full spectrum of diversity and inclusion matters and rely on her to perform cultural assessments and risk-reduction audits to analyze current issues and internal processes. Lauren works closely with clients to understand their business and workplace culture so that she can proactively identify potential risks, strategically guide clients in avoiding potential litigation, and advise employers on building and strengthening their workplace culture. She utilizes her creativity and out-of-the box problem-solving ability to advise clients on effective approaches that support successful change management and process improvement. Lauren is prepared to guide clients through investigations and other crisis situations, including providing legal counsel on company messaging, and post-investigation steps such as discipline, trainings, and implementation of new processes and best practices.
- JD, Seattle University School of Law
- BA, Johns Hopkins University
- Washington
- US District Court, Eastern District of Washington
- US District Court, Western District of Washington
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Counseling
- Conducted a privileged cultural assessment for a comprehensive health care facility and interviewed approximately 500 employees in small group settings to assess and analyze the current DEI-related disputes and controversies. I developed a privileged report identifying areas of opportunity to be addressed and improved upon, which I presented to the CEO and other key stakeholders.
- Counseled a professional services organization after equity-centered organizational change issues stalled, including hiring plans and talent development models.
- Counseled real estate services company on DEI strategy and helped design solutions centered on equity.
- Met with King County Council in chambers to advise on Proposed Ordinance 2018-0256. Appeared as an expert before the Council Committee of the Whole speaking on best practices in preventing and responding to workplace discrimination and harassment.
Crisis Management
- Advised a restaurant chain regarding a server’s allegation of sexual assault by a fellow employee, including overseeing investigation and public relations strategy.
- Counseled a nonprofit organization when a member of its leadership team was accused of sexual harassment of community members. Guided the client through a third party investigation, communications strategy, and separation from employee and identification of interim leader. Conducted a privileged cultural assessment of the nonprofit’s workforce.
- Counseled a nonprofit organization after it received a subpoena from the FBI pointing to potential embezzlement of donor funds by a member of the leadership team. Guided the client through a forensic investigation and communications strategy, as well as advising the organizing on post-investigation next steps and infrastructure changes.
- Counseled a nonprofit organization after a director of the organization was determined to be soliciting sex at the workplace. Provided strategic solutions to avoid litigation risk.
Investigations
- Conducted an investigation for a health care provider regarding allegations of racial discrimination by a group of organized, union-represented employees that spanned multiple years. The final report included meeting with the complainants and their union representatives in a group setting, which was unusual for this type of investigation.
- Conducted a large-scale investigation at a public university regarding allegations of racial discrimination by a member of department leadership.
- Conducted an investigation for a management consulting firm regarding allegations of violations of various, interrelated leave laws and retaliation for accommodations. At the conclusion of the report, the findings were presented before the employee making the accusation.
- Conducted an investigation for an industrial manufacturer regarding allegations of pervasive and wide spread sexual harassment by other employees and allegations against human resources for failure to investigate prior related complaints.
Litigation
- Defended a manager of a financial services institution against an allegation of sexual harassment. The matter involved extensive discovery and claims of sexual assault with alleged damages more than $1 million. The case was settled.
- Negotiated a dismissal of a multimillion dollar wage and hour class action alleging violation of prevailing wage statutes and failure to pay for meal breaks, rest periods, and standby time.
- Defended and negotiated a dismissal of claims against a private company after a manager was accused of physical harm of a subordinate. The matter involved extensive discovery.
- Defended a nonprofit housing organization against claims of racial discrimination and retaliation by an employee. Despite problematic bad facts, successfully mediated a result significantly below budget, which also included a separation from the employee.
Related Trends
Related News & Insights
-
Recognition
08/17/2023
210 Seyfarth Attorneys Chosen as Leaders in Their Fields by Best Lawyers in America 2024
-
Attorney Publication
04/18/2023
Lauren Parris Watts Writes on Post-Pandemic Work Environments in Puget Sound Business Journal
-
Blog Post
Oct 27, 2022
Washington Contractors Fail To Prevail: Changes To Act Held Constitutional By State’s Highest Court
-
Speaking Engagement
Oct 12, 2022
Lauren Parris Watts Speaking at the Driving Diversity in Law & Leadership: San Francisco Conference
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.) for Litigation - Labor and Employment (2023-2024) and Employment Law - Management (2024)
- Recognized as a "Ones to Watch" lawyer by Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.) for Labor and Employment Law - Management, Labor and Employment Law - Employee, and Litigation - Labor and Employment (2021-2022)
- Recognized as a "Rising Star" by Washington Super Lawyers for Employment & Labor (Thomson Reuters) (2017-2023)
- Association of Workplace Investigations, member
- Washington State Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Section, executive committee treasurer (2021-2023)
- Loren Miller Bar Association, member
- Author, “How to Make Hybrid Work for Everyone,” Puget Sound Business Journal (April 14, 2023)
- Co-Author, "New Salary Posting Requirement in Washington," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 6, 2022)
- Co-Author, "Time Spent on Out-of-Town Travel is "Hours Worked" and Compensable Says Washington Court of Appeals," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 26, 2021)
- Co-Author, "Washington State Mandates Additional Protections For Outdoor Workers," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 19, 2021)
- Author, "FMLA, ADA and Workers’ Compensation: Managing Leave of Absence Issues," National Business Institute (October 2020)
- Author, "Legal Issues in Recruiting and Hiring," National Business Institute (April 2020)
- Co-Presenter, “Fostering DEI in the Workplace: A Strategic Imperative for Organizational Distinction,” Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) Washington L&E Summit (February 2024)
- Panelist, “Internal Investigations: Conducting Them and Keeping Them Private,” National Bar Association Employment Law Section (October 24, 2023)
- Presenter, “The Intersection of DEI and Affirmative Action: Defining the Difference and the Approach,” Executive HR Roundtable (October 20, 2023)
- Panelist, "Emerging Through Bias," Washington Leadership Institute (March 31, 2023)
- Speaker, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: An Opportunity to Build Better," Washington State Bar Association Labor & Employment Law Section (March 29, 2023)
- Panelist, "The New Normal: DEI," HR Roundtable and Global HR Consortium (March 3, 2023)
- Speaker, "Leading Through Uncertainty: Prioritizing DEI Through Times of Transition," Driving Diversity in Law & Leadership: San Francisco Conference (October 12, 2022)
- Co-Presenter, "Balancing Commitment with Regulation: DEIB Training in Today’s Retail Workplace," 21st Century Retail Workforce Summer Summit, Retail Industry Leaders Association (July 28, 2022)
- Co-Presenter, "WA State Court of Appeals Rules, Time Spent on Out-of-Town Travel is ‘Hours Worked’ and Compensable: What WA lawyers need to know," myLawCLE (December 7, 2021)
- Speaker, "A Conversation: What’s happening today in EEO law?" Washington State Bar Association’s 21st Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference (November 18, 2021)
-
Presenter, "Session 1: HIPAA Best Practices for HR: Ensuring Confidentiality of Medical Information," National Business Institute's Human Resource Law Boot Camp Seminar (November 3, 2021)
-
Presenter, "Session 2: Employee Relations: Legal Solutions for Sensitive Workplace Issues," National Business Institute's Human Resource Law Boot Camp Seminar (November 3, 2021)
- Presenter, Seattle University School of Law Faculty Workshop (August 17, 2021)
- Presenter, "Benefits in the Time of COVID - FFCRA," Washington State Bar Association Labor and Employment law section (November 2020)
- Presenter, "FMLA, ADA and Workers’ Compensation: Managing Leave of Absence Issues," National Business Institute (October 2020)
- Presenter, "Employment Law for Your Dental Practice: Employee Manuals and Returning to Work," Washington Academy of General Dentistry (May 2020)
- Presenter, "Identifying and Addressing Implicit Bias in the Legal Profession," Washington State Bar Association Labor and Employment law section (November 2019)
- Presenter, "Leaky Pipeline: Diversity Without Inclusion CLE," Washington Women Lawyers (September 2019)
- Presenter, "Diabetes in the Workplace: Legal Rights," ConnecT1D (June 2019)
- Presenter, "Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis in the Workplace: Know Your Rights," Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (April 2018)
- Presenter, "#MeToo: Law, Policy, and Community Accountability," Washington State Bar Association Legal Lunchbox Series (March 2018)
- The Rainier Club (president-elect, 2023; board of trustees; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, chair; Membership Committee, member)
- Vashon Center for the Arts, trustee (2022-2023)
Certifications
- Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate (2021)
Lauren helps her clients create inclusive workplace cultures, manage the challenges and opportunities of a complex workforce, and avoid litigation risk.
More About Lauren
Drawing on her corporate and business experience, Lauren assists clients of all sizes and across industries in identifying practical, strategic, and innovative solutions to employment issues that give consideration to greater business objectives, as well as diversity and inclusion goals. She advises employers on a variety of day-to-day employment issues including accommodations, FMLA and other leave rights, and misconduct allegations and investigations. In addition, Lauren regularly works with employers to navigate complex personnel issues and has successfully negotiated hundreds of severance negotiations. When necessary, Lauren defends her clients in litigation in matters related to wrongful termination, harassment, and claims of retaliation and discrimination.
Employers look to Lauren for advice related to the full spectrum of diversity and inclusion matters and rely on her to perform cultural assessments and risk-reduction audits to analyze current issues and internal processes. Lauren works closely with clients to understand their business and workplace culture so that she can proactively identify potential risks, strategically guide clients in avoiding potential litigation, and advise employers on building and strengthening their workplace culture. She utilizes her creativity and out-of-the box problem-solving ability to advise clients on effective approaches that support successful change management and process improvement. Lauren is prepared to guide clients through investigations and other crisis situations, including providing legal counsel on company messaging, and post-investigation steps such as discipline, trainings, and implementation of new processes and best practices.
Employers look to Lauren for advice related to the full spectrum of diversity and inclusion matters and rely on her to perform cultural assessments and risk-reduction audits to analyze current issues and internal processes. Lauren works closely with clients to understand their business and workplace culture so that she can proactively identify potential risks, strategically guide clients in avoiding potential litigation, and advise employers on building and strengthening their workplace culture. She utilizes her creativity and out-of-the box problem-solving ability to advise clients on effective approaches that support successful change management and process improvement. Lauren is prepared to guide clients through investigations and other crisis situations, including providing legal counsel on company messaging, and post-investigation steps such as discipline, trainings, and implementation of new processes and best practices.
- JD, Seattle University School of Law
- BA, Johns Hopkins University
- Washington
- US District Court, Eastern District of Washington
- US District Court, Western District of Washington
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Counseling
- Conducted a privileged cultural assessment for a comprehensive health care facility and interviewed approximately 500 employees in small group settings to assess and analyze the current DEI-related disputes and controversies. I developed a privileged report identifying areas of opportunity to be addressed and improved upon, which I presented to the CEO and other key stakeholders.
- Counseled a professional services organization after equity-centered organizational change issues stalled, including hiring plans and talent development models.
- Counseled real estate services company on DEI strategy and helped design solutions centered on equity.
- Met with King County Council in chambers to advise on Proposed Ordinance 2018-0256. Appeared as an expert before the Council Committee of the Whole speaking on best practices in preventing and responding to workplace discrimination and harassment.
Crisis Management
- Advised a restaurant chain regarding a server’s allegation of sexual assault by a fellow employee, including overseeing investigation and public relations strategy.
- Counseled a nonprofit organization when a member of its leadership team was accused of sexual harassment of community members. Guided the client through a third party investigation, communications strategy, and separation from employee and identification of interim leader. Conducted a privileged cultural assessment of the nonprofit’s workforce.
- Counseled a nonprofit organization after it received a subpoena from the FBI pointing to potential embezzlement of donor funds by a member of the leadership team. Guided the client through a forensic investigation and communications strategy, as well as advising the organizing on post-investigation next steps and infrastructure changes.
- Counseled a nonprofit organization after a director of the organization was determined to be soliciting sex at the workplace. Provided strategic solutions to avoid litigation risk.
Investigations
- Conducted an investigation for a health care provider regarding allegations of racial discrimination by a group of organized, union-represented employees that spanned multiple years. The final report included meeting with the complainants and their union representatives in a group setting, which was unusual for this type of investigation.
- Conducted a large-scale investigation at a public university regarding allegations of racial discrimination by a member of department leadership.
- Conducted an investigation for a management consulting firm regarding allegations of violations of various, interrelated leave laws and retaliation for accommodations. At the conclusion of the report, the findings were presented before the employee making the accusation.
- Conducted an investigation for an industrial manufacturer regarding allegations of pervasive and wide spread sexual harassment by other employees and allegations against human resources for failure to investigate prior related complaints.
Litigation
- Defended a manager of a financial services institution against an allegation of sexual harassment. The matter involved extensive discovery and claims of sexual assault with alleged damages more than $1 million. The case was settled.
- Negotiated a dismissal of a multimillion dollar wage and hour class action alleging violation of prevailing wage statutes and failure to pay for meal breaks, rest periods, and standby time.
- Defended and negotiated a dismissal of claims against a private company after a manager was accused of physical harm of a subordinate. The matter involved extensive discovery.
- Defended a nonprofit housing organization against claims of racial discrimination and retaliation by an employee. Despite problematic bad facts, successfully mediated a result significantly below budget, which also included a separation from the employee.
Related Trends
Related News & Insights
-
Recognition
08/17/2023
210 Seyfarth Attorneys Chosen as Leaders in Their Fields by Best Lawyers in America 2024
-
Attorney Publication
04/18/2023
Lauren Parris Watts Writes on Post-Pandemic Work Environments in Puget Sound Business Journal
-
Blog Post
Oct 27, 2022
Washington Contractors Fail To Prevail: Changes To Act Held Constitutional By State’s Highest Court
-
Speaking Engagement
Oct 12, 2022
Lauren Parris Watts Speaking at the Driving Diversity in Law & Leadership: San Francisco Conference
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.) for Litigation - Labor and Employment (2023-2024) and Employment Law - Management (2024)
- Recognized as a "Ones to Watch" lawyer by Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.) for Labor and Employment Law - Management, Labor and Employment Law - Employee, and Litigation - Labor and Employment (2021-2022)
- Recognized as a "Rising Star" by Washington Super Lawyers for Employment & Labor (Thomson Reuters) (2017-2023)
- Association of Workplace Investigations, member
- Washington State Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Section, executive committee treasurer (2021-2023)
- Loren Miller Bar Association, member
- Author, “How to Make Hybrid Work for Everyone,” Puget Sound Business Journal (April 14, 2023)
- Co-Author, "New Salary Posting Requirement in Washington," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 6, 2022)
- Co-Author, "Time Spent on Out-of-Town Travel is "Hours Worked" and Compensable Says Washington Court of Appeals," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 26, 2021)
- Co-Author, "Washington State Mandates Additional Protections For Outdoor Workers," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 19, 2021)
- Author, "FMLA, ADA and Workers’ Compensation: Managing Leave of Absence Issues," National Business Institute (October 2020)
- Author, "Legal Issues in Recruiting and Hiring," National Business Institute (April 2020)
- Co-Presenter, “Fostering DEI in the Workplace: A Strategic Imperative for Organizational Distinction,” Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) Washington L&E Summit (February 2024)
- Panelist, “Internal Investigations: Conducting Them and Keeping Them Private,” National Bar Association Employment Law Section (October 24, 2023)
- Presenter, “The Intersection of DEI and Affirmative Action: Defining the Difference and the Approach,” Executive HR Roundtable (October 20, 2023)
- Panelist, "Emerging Through Bias," Washington Leadership Institute (March 31, 2023)
- Speaker, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: An Opportunity to Build Better," Washington State Bar Association Labor & Employment Law Section (March 29, 2023)
- Panelist, "The New Normal: DEI," HR Roundtable and Global HR Consortium (March 3, 2023)
- Speaker, "Leading Through Uncertainty: Prioritizing DEI Through Times of Transition," Driving Diversity in Law & Leadership: San Francisco Conference (October 12, 2022)
- Co-Presenter, "Balancing Commitment with Regulation: DEIB Training in Today’s Retail Workplace," 21st Century Retail Workforce Summer Summit, Retail Industry Leaders Association (July 28, 2022)
- Co-Presenter, "WA State Court of Appeals Rules, Time Spent on Out-of-Town Travel is ‘Hours Worked’ and Compensable: What WA lawyers need to know," myLawCLE (December 7, 2021)
- Speaker, "A Conversation: What’s happening today in EEO law?" Washington State Bar Association’s 21st Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference (November 18, 2021)
-
Presenter, "Session 1: HIPAA Best Practices for HR: Ensuring Confidentiality of Medical Information," National Business Institute's Human Resource Law Boot Camp Seminar (November 3, 2021)
-
Presenter, "Session 2: Employee Relations: Legal Solutions for Sensitive Workplace Issues," National Business Institute's Human Resource Law Boot Camp Seminar (November 3, 2021)
- Presenter, Seattle University School of Law Faculty Workshop (August 17, 2021)
- Presenter, "Benefits in the Time of COVID - FFCRA," Washington State Bar Association Labor and Employment law section (November 2020)
- Presenter, "FMLA, ADA and Workers’ Compensation: Managing Leave of Absence Issues," National Business Institute (October 2020)
- Presenter, "Employment Law for Your Dental Practice: Employee Manuals and Returning to Work," Washington Academy of General Dentistry (May 2020)
- Presenter, "Identifying and Addressing Implicit Bias in the Legal Profession," Washington State Bar Association Labor and Employment law section (November 2019)
- Presenter, "Leaky Pipeline: Diversity Without Inclusion CLE," Washington Women Lawyers (September 2019)
- Presenter, "Diabetes in the Workplace: Legal Rights," ConnecT1D (June 2019)
- Presenter, "Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis in the Workplace: Know Your Rights," Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (April 2018)
- Presenter, "#MeToo: Law, Policy, and Community Accountability," Washington State Bar Association Legal Lunchbox Series (March 2018)
- The Rainier Club (president-elect, 2023; board of trustees; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, chair; Membership Committee, member)
- Vashon Center for the Arts, trustee (2022-2023)
Certifications
- Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate (2021)