A headshot of Joseph Ridgeway.

Joseph Q. Ridgeway

Associate
Seattle

Joseph Ridgeway focuses on representing and advising management clients on employment matters. No matter the size of the employer, lawsuit, or question, Joe provides a tailored approach to each scenario by taking the time to understand each client's goals and needs. Joe understands that, above all else, employers are trying to run their businesses as well and efficiently as possible, so he takes a practical, cost-conscious approach to providing advice and counsel that puts their objectives front and center.

Should litigation arise, Joe is a formidable ally for employers. Joe has represented dozens of employers in state and federal courts in Washington and Oregon concerning issues such as discrimination, protected medical leave, disability in the workplace, and restrictive covenants. He also represents employers before state and federal government agencies, including the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Washington State Human Rights Commission, the Washington State Employment Security Department, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, and the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries. Joe litigates with a calm confidence and works tirelessly to achieve top-notch results for clients.

Experience 

Representative Matters

  • Obtained summary judgment dismissal of all claims brought against a skilled nursing facility by a former patient.
  • Represented an artificial intelligence start-up company in a lawsuit brought by a former employee and shareholder alleging harassment, retaliation, and medical leave claims. After obtaining summary judgment dismissal on two of the three claims, we were able to negotiate a favorable resolution that resulted in a dismissal of the lawsuit, a general release of claims, and the repurchase of the shares.
  • Successfully persuaded the Washington State Employment Security Department to dismiss an audit of a real estate brokerage company alleging that more than 1,200 brokers were employees such that W2 taxes were owed.

Professional Highlights

Professional Activities

Pacific Coast Labor and Employment Law Conference, Planning Committee Member, 2024-Present

Multnomah Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section, Pro Bono Committee, Board Member, 2021-2023

William & Mary Law School Innocence Project, Student Volunteer, 2016-2017

Recognition & Accomplishments

Puget Sound Business Journal, "Next Generation in Law," 2024

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2025

Thomson Reuters, "Washington Rising Star," Employment Litigation: Defense, 2024

Speaking Engagements

Speaker, "Best Practices for Best Employers™" Lane Labor & Employment Seminar, October 2024 and 2023

Pro Bono Experience

El Centro de la Raza Legal Clinic, Volunteer Attorney, 2023-Present

Chelan-Douglas County Volunteer Attorney Services, Volunteer Attorney, 2020-2021

Represented an indigent client and a defunct business in Perez v. Willamette Valley Farm Services, LLC, (D. Or., 2024) in a sex discrimination and harassment case, ultimately achieving a resolution where less than $4,000 cash was paid for a complete dismissal and general release.

Judicial Clerkships

Hon. Robert S. Ballou, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, 2017-2018

Board Memberships & Community Service

BMW Car Club of America, Oregon Chapter, Board Member, 2021-2022

City of Roanoke, Virginia Youth Basketball League, Volunteer Coach, 2017-2018

Credentials 

Education

William & Mary Law School (J.D. 2017)
William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal, Executive Editor
Phi Delta Phi
Robert F. Boyd and James M. Boyd Scholarship Recipient
Phi Alpha Delta

Central Washington University (B.A. and B.S., magna cum laude, 2014)
Phi Sigma Tau
Pi Sigma Alpha
Dean's Scholar
Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Debate Competition, Captain
Central Washington University Golf Club

Admissions

Washington

Oregon

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington

U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit