Paul Ostroff has been advising and counseling clients on all aspects of labor and employment law for more than 40 years. He regularly represents employers before federal and state courts and administrative agencies, including the National Labor Relations Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, the California Fair Employment and Housing Commission, and the U.S. Department of Labor.
Paul's practice includes counseling employers on matters related to:
- Collective bargaining
- Labor arbitration
- Union organizing campaigns
- Employment discrimination
- Discipline and discharge
- Wage and hour
- Employee benefits
- Workers' compensation
- Drafting of policies and handbooks
- ADA
- FMLA
- Employment contracts
- Covenants not to compete
- Occupational safety
Experience
Representative Matters
Represented America Campus Communities in an investigation by the Wage and Hour Division of the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) concerning prevailing wages that were allegedly not paid to employees in connection with the construction of student residences on the campus of Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon.
Represented Diamond Parking, Inc. in regards to grievance and union arbitration involving alleged wrongful termination of three employees for violation of company policy.
Represented a sizable forestry services company, in connection with all labor matters arising out of the sale of its forest product operations in Washington state.
Served as chief counsel (at the negotiating table) to Macy's, in labor negotiations for a successor collective bargaining agreement covering seven stores and approximately 1,500+ employees at the client's Seattle-area stores. Negotiations, involving complex issues relating to benefits, paid leave, commissions, compensation, and contract language, were completed in August of 2012.
Represented NuStar Energy in proceedings before the Oregon Workers Compensation Board, following a multiple count citation by the Oregon Department of Occupational Safety and Health for violation of the Oregon Safe Employment Act at its Portland, Oregon facility.
Advised Oregon Racing, Inc. d/b/a Portland Meadows, a subsidiary of Stronach Group, in reopening of current collective bargaining agreement with Service Employees International Union, Local 49, in relation to Stronach's subsidiary Oregon Racing d/b/a Portland Meadows.
Represented Deaconess Medical Center in proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board in a complex dispute involving alleged unilateral changes in health care insurance, refusal to furnish information, failure to bargain in good faith, and other alleged violations.
Represented Tesoro in connection with all legal matters growing out of a United Steelworkers (USW) strike at Tesoro's refinery in Anacortes, Washington.
Thomas Krzyminski v. Spokane County$115,000 dismissal with prejudice of a USERRA case.
Professional Highlights
Professional Activities
Oregon Business and Industry (formerly known as Associated Oregon Industries), Chair, Employment Policy Committee, 2020-present; Employment Policy Committee, 2005-present
Oregon State Bar, Labor and Employment Section, Executive Committee, 2008-2017
California State Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section; Executive Committee, 1985-1989
American Bar Association, 1977-present; Labor and Employment Law Section; Committee on the Development of the Law Under the National Labor Relations Act; Committee on Practice and Procedure Before the National Labor Relations Board; Torts and Insurance Practice Section; Employee Benefits Committee; Litigation Section
Labor and Employment Relations Association (formerly known as the Industrial Relations Research Association), Member
Multnomah Bar Association, Continuing Legal Education Committee, 1997-1999
Pro Se Civil Rights Panel, U.S. District Court, District of Oregon, 2001-present
Tech-America (formerly known as American Electronics Association), Oregon Council, Human Resource Committee, 2007-2011
Recognition & Accomplishments
Chambers USA, Labor and Employment, 2024
The Best Lawyers in America, Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management, Labor and Employment Litigation, 2011-2025
Thomson Reuters, "Oregon Super Lawyer," Employment and Labor, 2012-2018
Speaking Engagements
"'Best Practices for Best Employers" Labor and Employment Seminar, September 12 and October 9, 2024
"'Best Practices for Best Employers," Labor and Employment Seminar, September 15 and October 6, 2023
Credentials
Education
University of California, Hastings College of the Law (J.D.)
University of Chicago (M.B.A.)University of California Berkeley (B.A.)
Admissions
Oregon
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
U.S. Supreme Court
California