A headshot of Christine Thelen.

Christine Thelen

Of Counsel She / Her / Hers
Portland

A former human resources consultant, Christine Thelen brings to her practice a unique understanding of the multifaceted challenges facing employers and HR professionals, from resolving workplace disputes and managing employee relations to addressing performance issues and crafting compliance policies and procedures.

Christine excels at providing executives, managers, and HR professionals spanning various industries and organizational sizes with practical advice and real-world solutions tailored to their specific workplace culture and goals. She is a natural problem solver skilled at helping her clients navigate an array of compliance, employee performance, and workplace issues, including:

  • Navigating challenging separation and disciplinary actions
  • Addressing discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other workplace complaints
  • Advising on leaves of absence and reasonable accommodations
  • Guiding clients through workplace investigations
  • Developing comprehensive employee handbooks and HR policies
  • Making and implementing policy decisions
  • Drafting and negotiating nondisclosure, noncompete, nonsolicitation, arbitration, and other employee agreements
  • Conducting pay equity and wage and hour audits

Professional Highlights

Recognition & Accomplishments

Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Labor & Employment, 2024

The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2025

Speaking Engagements

"Trump Executive Orders: Impact on Your Workforce and Regulatory Requirements in Oregon Senior Living and Long Term Care," Oregon Health Care Association, February 25, 2025

Presenter, “Best Practices for Best Employers™” Lane Powell Labor & Employment Seminar, September & October 2022, 2023, 2024

Presenter, "Mastering Oregon Leave Laws: Navigating OFLA, PLO, and Other Protected Absences with Confidence," Society for Human Resource Management, October 30, 2024

Board Memberships & Community Service

Habitat for Humanity, Family Selection Committee, 2011-2017

Credentials 

Education

Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2007)
Dean’s List
Temple Journal of Science, Technology and Environmental Law, Published Staff Member
International Law and Public Policy Award Recipient

Claremont McKenna College (B.A.)

Admissions

Oregon

U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon

Washington