Meg A.Burnham
Partner
Labor & Employment
mburnham@seyfarth.com
Known for her responsiveness, sound judgement, and steady leadership, Meg is a trusted advisor who helps clients manage risk and resolve disputes efficiently so they can move their businesses forward.
More About Meg
Meg represents employers in complex, high-stakes employment litigation across the country, including single-plaintiff lawsuits, class and collective actions, and agency investigations. She focuses her practice on defending wage and hour claims, pay transparency, and other high-exposure employment matters, as well as advising clients in connection with industrial insurance assessments and sensitive internal disputes.
An experienced trial lawyer, Meg regularly appears in state and federal courts and is known for her strategic, business-focused approach to litigation. She partners closely with clients to develop practical legal solutions aligned with their operational goals and has secured favorable outcomes at every stage of litigation, including complete defense verdicts and significant reductions in potential exposure.
Meg represents clients across a broad range of industries, including health care, aviation, retail, technology, food and beverage, transportation, and nonprofit organizations. She brings a deep understanding of industry-specific challenges and tailors her advice to meet each client’s unique risk profile.
In addition to her litigation practice, Meg counsels employers on compliance with evolving workplace laws, with particular emphasis on Washington’s Pay Transparency Act. She also conducts workplace investigations and advises on sensitive employee relations issues, helping organizations navigate complex situations with discretion and confidence.
A recognized voice in the Washington employment law community, Meg frequently speaks and writes on emerging workplace trends and legal developments. She also delivers training programs for employers and HR professionals, equipping organizations with practical tools to mitigate risk.
An experienced trial lawyer, Meg regularly appears in state and federal courts and is known for her strategic, business-focused approach to litigation. She partners closely with clients to develop practical legal solutions aligned with their operational goals and has secured favorable outcomes at every stage of litigation, including complete defense verdicts and significant reductions in potential exposure.
Meg represents clients across a broad range of industries, including health care, aviation, retail, technology, food and beverage, transportation, and nonprofit organizations. She brings a deep understanding of industry-specific challenges and tailors her advice to meet each client’s unique risk profile.
In addition to her litigation practice, Meg counsels employers on compliance with evolving workplace laws, with particular emphasis on Washington’s Pay Transparency Act. She also conducts workplace investigations and advises on sensitive employee relations issues, helping organizations navigate complex situations with discretion and confidence.
A recognized voice in the Washington employment law community, Meg frequently speaks and writes on emerging workplace trends and legal developments. She also delivers training programs for employers and HR professionals, equipping organizations with practical tools to mitigate risk.
- JD, University of Washington School of Law
William L. Dwyer Inn of Court
Street Youth Legal Advocates of Washington
Mediation Clinic - BA, University of Washington
History
Other Education
- Legal Intern, Civil/Criminal Division, Seattle City Attorney's Office (2014)
- Legal Intern, Office for Civil Rights, US Department of Health and Human Services (2012-2013)
- Washington
- US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- US District Court, Eastern District of Washington
- US District Court, Western District of Washington
- Secured a decisive trial victory for an online marketplace before the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, which rejected claims that its freelancers are employees rather than independent contractors (and had been misclassified).
- Secured summary judgement for a regional health care system. The Court dismissed the plaintiff’s claim of retaliation, finding there was no evidence that anyone retaliated. Instead, the judge concluded the decisions were based on ongoing workplace behavior issues.
- Successfully defended against claims of race and gender discrimination brought by a physician whose contract was terminated for bad behavior. Overcame arguments of implicit bias advanced by an expert in the field and obtained complete defense award in response to eight-figure demand.
- Secured summary judgment in favor of an employer in a case where an IT project manager claimed overtime pay and willful withholding of wages. The Court ruled that administrative overtime exemption applied to the worker, which defeated all claims.
- Obtained a favorable summary judgment ruling for a painting company before the Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings. The ruling vacated a noncompliance infraction and hefty penalty.
- Recognized as a "Ones to Watch" lawyer by Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.) for Litigation - Labor and Employment (2021-2025); and Labor and Employment Law - Management (2022-2025)
- Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association of Seattle, member
- Lake Washington Human Resources Association, Society for Human Resource Management, member
- Co-Author, “EEOC Issues Draft Regulations on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act – Key Takeaways for Employers,” Illinois State Bar Association Section on Labor & Employment Law Newsletter (September 2023)
- Author, “EEOC issues draft regulations on Pregnant Workers Fairness Act,” West Employment Law Letter, HR Laws (September 2023)
- Co-Author, “What’s Mine is Not Yours,” Artisan Spirit Magazine (Summer 2022)
- Co-Author, “What employers need to know before they record their employees,” Vancouver Business Journal (October 11, 2019)
- Author, “Obesity Is a New Protected Class in Washington State,” Society for Human Resource Management (July 16, 2019)
- Panelist, “Hope Over Hate: Building Safe Communities-Understanding Hate and Antisemitism,” Anti-Defamation League Conference (October 8, 2025)
- Panelist, “2025 Washington Employment Law Update,” Washington SHRM Annual Conference (March 27, 2025)
- Panelist, “2023: What Washington Employers Need to Know,” Yakima SHRM (January 19, 2023)
- Speaker, “What’s Going on Outside of My House? Key Changes to the Federal and State Law in the Time of a Pandemic,” Lake Washington Human Resources Association, Society for Human Resource Management Chapter Meeting (November 10, 2020)
- Northwest Children's Foundation, board member
Known for her responsiveness, sound judgement, and steady leadership, Meg is a trusted advisor who helps clients manage risk and resolve disputes efficiently so they can move their businesses forward.
More About Meg
Meg represents employers in complex, high-stakes employment litigation across the country, including single-plaintiff lawsuits, class and collective actions, and agency investigations. She focuses her practice on defending wage and hour claims, pay transparency, and other high-exposure employment matters, as well as advising clients in connection with industrial insurance assessments and sensitive internal disputes.
An experienced trial lawyer, Meg regularly appears in state and federal courts and is known for her strategic, business-focused approach to litigation. She partners closely with clients to develop practical legal solutions aligned with their operational goals and has secured favorable outcomes at every stage of litigation, including complete defense verdicts and significant reductions in potential exposure.
Meg represents clients across a broad range of industries, including health care, aviation, retail, technology, food and beverage, transportation, and nonprofit organizations. She brings a deep understanding of industry-specific challenges and tailors her advice to meet each client’s unique risk profile.
In addition to her litigation practice, Meg counsels employers on compliance with evolving workplace laws, with particular emphasis on Washington’s Pay Transparency Act. She also conducts workplace investigations and advises on sensitive employee relations issues, helping organizations navigate complex situations with discretion and confidence.
A recognized voice in the Washington employment law community, Meg frequently speaks and writes on emerging workplace trends and legal developments. She also delivers training programs for employers and HR professionals, equipping organizations with practical tools to mitigate risk.
An experienced trial lawyer, Meg regularly appears in state and federal courts and is known for her strategic, business-focused approach to litigation. She partners closely with clients to develop practical legal solutions aligned with their operational goals and has secured favorable outcomes at every stage of litigation, including complete defense verdicts and significant reductions in potential exposure.
Meg represents clients across a broad range of industries, including health care, aviation, retail, technology, food and beverage, transportation, and nonprofit organizations. She brings a deep understanding of industry-specific challenges and tailors her advice to meet each client’s unique risk profile.
In addition to her litigation practice, Meg counsels employers on compliance with evolving workplace laws, with particular emphasis on Washington’s Pay Transparency Act. She also conducts workplace investigations and advises on sensitive employee relations issues, helping organizations navigate complex situations with discretion and confidence.
A recognized voice in the Washington employment law community, Meg frequently speaks and writes on emerging workplace trends and legal developments. She also delivers training programs for employers and HR professionals, equipping organizations with practical tools to mitigate risk.
- JD, University of Washington School of Law
William L. Dwyer Inn of Court
Street Youth Legal Advocates of Washington
Mediation Clinic - BA, University of Washington
History
Other Education
- Legal Intern, Civil/Criminal Division, Seattle City Attorney's Office (2014)
- Legal Intern, Office for Civil Rights, US Department of Health and Human Services (2012-2013)
- Washington
- US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- US District Court, Eastern District of Washington
- US District Court, Western District of Washington
- Secured a decisive trial victory for an online marketplace before the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, which rejected claims that its freelancers are employees rather than independent contractors (and had been misclassified).
- Secured summary judgement for a regional health care system. The Court dismissed the plaintiff’s claim of retaliation, finding there was no evidence that anyone retaliated. Instead, the judge concluded the decisions were based on ongoing workplace behavior issues.
- Successfully defended against claims of race and gender discrimination brought by a physician whose contract was terminated for bad behavior. Overcame arguments of implicit bias advanced by an expert in the field and obtained complete defense award in response to eight-figure demand.
- Secured summary judgment in favor of an employer in a case where an IT project manager claimed overtime pay and willful withholding of wages. The Court ruled that administrative overtime exemption applied to the worker, which defeated all claims.
- Obtained a favorable summary judgment ruling for a painting company before the Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings. The ruling vacated a noncompliance infraction and hefty penalty.
- Recognized as a "Ones to Watch" lawyer by Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.) for Litigation - Labor and Employment (2021-2025); and Labor and Employment Law - Management (2022-2025)
- Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association of Seattle, member
- Lake Washington Human Resources Association, Society for Human Resource Management, member
- Co-Author, “EEOC Issues Draft Regulations on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act – Key Takeaways for Employers,” Illinois State Bar Association Section on Labor & Employment Law Newsletter (September 2023)
- Author, “EEOC issues draft regulations on Pregnant Workers Fairness Act,” West Employment Law Letter, HR Laws (September 2023)
- Co-Author, “What’s Mine is Not Yours,” Artisan Spirit Magazine (Summer 2022)
- Co-Author, “What employers need to know before they record their employees,” Vancouver Business Journal (October 11, 2019)
- Author, “Obesity Is a New Protected Class in Washington State,” Society for Human Resource Management (July 16, 2019)
- Panelist, “Hope Over Hate: Building Safe Communities-Understanding Hate and Antisemitism,” Anti-Defamation League Conference (October 8, 2025)
- Panelist, “2025 Washington Employment Law Update,” Washington SHRM Annual Conference (March 27, 2025)
- Panelist, “2023: What Washington Employers Need to Know,” Yakima SHRM (January 19, 2023)
- Speaker, “What’s Going on Outside of My House? Key Changes to the Federal and State Law in the Time of a Pandemic,” Lake Washington Human Resources Association, Society for Human Resource Management Chapter Meeting (November 10, 2020)
- Northwest Children's Foundation, board member