About us

About Meyer Employment Law

Choosing an employment lawyer is about more than finding someone who understands the law. You need a legal team that understands how workplace disputes affect your career, your finances, and your future. At Meyer Employment Law, we represent employees throughout Oregon in matters involving wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour violations, harassment, protected leave, whistleblower claims, and other employment law disputes.

Our attorneys have dedicated their careers to protecting workers’ rights in Oregon. By representing employees exclusively, we bring focused knowledge and extensive litigation experience to every case we evaluate. Whether you are seeking legal advice before making an important employment decision or pursuing legal action after your rights have been violated, our goal is to provide clear guidance, honest answers, and strong advocacy every step of the way.

Continue reading to learn more about our attorneys, our approach to employment law, and what you can expect when you work with Meyer Employment Law.

Why We Represent Employees Only

At Meyer Employment Law, we have made a deliberate decision to represent employees exclusively. By focusing solely on the rights of Oregon workers, we are able to devote our practice to understanding the employment laws, workplace challenges, and legal issues that affect employees every day. We do not divide our attention between representing employers and employees, allowing us to provide focused legal guidance tailored to the needs of individuals facing difficult workplace situations.

Employment disputes often involve far more than a single legal issue. A wrongful termination may also involve retaliation, discrimination, interference with protected leave, unpaid wages, or whistleblower protections. Because our practice is dedicated to employment law, we evaluate each client’s circumstances carefully to identify every potential claim and develop a legal strategy that reflects the full scope of their case.

Our attorneys represent employees throughout Oregon in a wide range of employment matters, including wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour disputes, protected leave violations, severance agreement reviews, and whistleblower claims. Whether your concerns involve a single incident or a pattern of unlawful conduct, we are committed to helping you understand your rights and your legal options.

We believe every employee deserves to be treated fairly and with respect in the workplace. When employers violate state or federal employment laws, our goal is to provide knowledgeable legal representation, practical guidance, and strong advocacy that helps clients move forward with confidence.

Bob (Robert) Meyer

Robert is the founder of Meyer Employment Law, an employment law firm based in Portland, Oregon, representing employees in all state and federal courts in Oregon. Robert has over a decade of employment litigation experience. He has served as lead trial attorney in over 20 jury trials.

Robert is the founder of Meyer Employment Law, an employment law firm based in Portland, Oregon, representing employees in all state and federal courts in Oregon. Robert has over a decade of employment litigation experience. He has served as lead trial attorney in over 20 jury trials. Prior to starting his own practice representing employees, Robert practiced employment law at Jackson Lewis P.C., one of the largest employment-focused law firms in the country.

Since 2013, Robert has devoted his practice to pursuing employment law claims on behalf of employees. Robert has successfully represented Oregon employees in discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour, and wrongful termination cases in both state and federal court.

Robert received his B.A. in English from U.C. Berkeley in 1998 and his J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law in 2004. Robert has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2005 and the Oregon State Bar since 2008. Robert is admitted to the Oregon District Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Robert has presented on employment law topics to lawyers at the Oregon State Bar Employment Law Section and the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association. Robert co-authored the chapter on employment law in the Oregon State Bar Barbooks, Alternative Dispute Resolution practice guide.

Robert’s community activities include serving on the board of the Oregon Lawyers Against Hunger, an organization that has raised over $2.5 million to support hunger relief efforts by the Oregon Food Bank. Robert also serves as a mentor for new members of the Oregon State Bar through its mentorship program.

Robert lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife and two children. When he’s not working, Robert spends most of his time driving his children to their various events. He also enjoys running, snowboarding, and visiting the Oregon coast with his family.

Michael Owens

Mike Owens has been fighting for the legal rights of workers for nearly 15 years. From his experience growing up as a gay kid in the Deep South and Mountain West, and his years coaching international student debaters at Oregon State, Mike developed a passion for protecting the rights of vulnerable people. As a civil rights and employment discrimination attorney, he champions victims of unlawful biases in the workplace, including animus due to disability, race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. He also helps employees vindicate their rights to report legal and safety violations, take medical leave, and receive fair pay and equal treatment.

Mike was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and went to high school and college in Montana and Wyoming. He is dedicated to helping employees who have experienced unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation at work because he believes everyone deserves to be treated with dignity in the workplace.

While in college at the University of Wyoming, Mike was a national champion in parliamentary debate. After earning his master’s degree at Oregon State, Mike graduated magna cum laude from Willamette University College of Law, where he served a law review editor. Mike also teaches college courses as an adjunct instructor, and in his spare time, he enjoys trivia, cooking, and staring at maps.

COURT ADMISSIONS

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (federal appeals court), 2020
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon (federal district court), 2012
  • Oregon (state courts), 2010

EDUCATION

  • Doctor of Jurisprudence, magna cum laude
    Willamette University College of Law
  • Master of Arts, Communication & Political Science (Interdisciplinary Studies)
    Oregon State University
  • Bachelor of Science, Journalism
    University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

HONORS & AWARDS

  • Oregon Super Lawyers, 2023–2025
  • Oregon Rising Stars (Super Lawyers precursor), 2017–2021
  • Inaugural Inductee, Wyoming Debate Hall of Fame, 2009
  • National Champion, National Parliamentary Debate Association, 2003
  • National Champion, National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence (NPTE), 2003
  • Best Individual Speaker, NPTE, 2002 and 2003

PUBLICATIONS, SUBMISSIONS & PRESENTATIONS

  • “Accomplices to Discrimination: Aiding and Abetting in Employment Law.” Trial Lawyer (Oregon Trial Lawyers Association Magazine). (Published 2022).
  • “Standing Together” (Reflections on practicing law in a small firm). Trial Lawyer. (Published Winter 2017).
  • “Social Media Protections for Employees: the Old and the New.” Trial Lawyer. (Published Spring 2016).
  • A Distinction Without a Defense: Why Obscenity Deserves Greater Protection Under the First Amendment. American Constitution Society’s annual paper contest. (Submitted 2010).
  • The Daily Dialogue: How Contemporary Rhetoricians Might View the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Northwest Communication Association Annual Conference. (Presentation 2007).
  • Matthew Shepard and 20/20: Hindsight in the Troubling Revision of a Murder. Northwest Communication Association Annual Conference. (Presentation 2006).

Holly-Carone

Holly became a lawyer with one clear goal: to stand alongside working people and make sure they have a voice. She believes everyone deserves a workplace where respect is the norm and harassment and discrimination have no place. Before law school, Holly worked with individuals with brain injuries, an experience that shaped her approach to the law and strengthened her commitment to helping people navigate challenges with dignity and compassion. That same dedication now drives her work as an attorney—building trusting relationships, making sure clients feel heard, and advocating fiercely on their behalf. Holly loves digging into the details of litigation and rolling up her sleeves to fight for her clients. Outside the office, she’s an avid antique collector and devoted dog enthusiast who believes life is best lived with curiosity and a sense of humor.

Sharia Mayfield

Sharia Mayfield’s passion for anti-discrimination work stems from her desire to ensure vulnerable voices are heard. As an Arab-American Muslim and daughter of an immigrant mother, Sharia believes that equity begins with fair earning potential for all.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meyer Employment Law

Why does Meyer Employment Law only represent employees?

Meyer Employment Law is dedicated exclusively to representing employees throughout Oregon. By focusing solely on employee rights, our attorneys have developed extensive experience handling workplace disputes involving wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour violations, harassment, protected leave, severance agreements, and other employment law matters. This focused approach allows us to provide legal guidance tailored to the unique challenges employees face.

Do you represent clients throughout Oregon?

Yes. Meyer Employment Law represents employees across Oregon in both state and federal employment law matters. While our office is based in Portland, we assist clients throughout the state and can often conduct consultations remotely when appropriate.

What should I bring to my consultation?

If available, bring any documents related to your employment matter, including your employment agreement, employee handbook, performance evaluations, disciplinary notices, termination paperwork, severance agreement, emails, text messages, pay records, or other documents that help explain your situation. If you do not have these documents yet, our attorneys can discuss what information may be helpful during your consultation.

How much does it cost to speak with an employment lawyer?

The cost of legal representation depends on the type of employment matter and the circumstances of your case. During your consultation, we will discuss your situation, explain your legal options, and provide information about our fee structure so you understand what to expect before making any decisions.

Can I speak with an attorney before deciding whether to hire the firm?

Yes. A consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss your workplace concerns, ask questions about Oregon employment law, and better understand your legal options. It also allows you to determine whether Meyer Employment Law is the right fit for your needs before deciding to move forward.

What types of employment law cases do you handle?

Our attorneys represent employees in a wide variety of employment law matters, including wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour disputes, protected leave violations, whistleblower claims, severance agreement reviews, and other workplace-related legal issues.

How soon should I contact an employment lawyer?

It is generally best to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Many employment law claims have strict filing deadlines, and waiting too long can make it more difficult to preserve evidence or protect your legal rights. Speaking with an attorney early can help you understand your options before important deadlines pass.

Can you help if I was recently fired?

Yes. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, discriminated against, retaliated against, denied protected leave, or otherwise treated unlawfully, Meyer Employment Law can evaluate your circumstances and explain whether you may have a legal claim under Oregon or federal employment law.

Speak With an Oregon Employment Lawyer

Workplace disputes can affect your career, your financial security, and your future. Whether you have been wrongfully terminated, experienced workplace discrimination or harassment, faced retaliation for asserting your rights, or have questions about unpaid wages, protected leave, or a severance agreement, obtaining legal guidance early can make an important difference.

Meyer Employment Law represents employees only throughout Oregon. Our attorneys take the time to understand your situation, evaluate the facts, explain the employment laws that may apply, and help you determine the best path forward. We are committed to providing honest advice, responsive communication, and strong legal advocacy tailored to your individual circumstances.

Many employment law matters are subject to strict filing deadlines under Oregon and federal law. Seeking legal advice promptly can help preserve important evidence, protect your rights, and ensure you understand the options available before critical deadlines pass.

If you believe your employer has violated your rights, or if you simply need experienced legal guidance before making an important employment decision, we encourage you to contact Meyer Employment Law for a confidential consultation.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

Sharia Mayfield, born and raised in Oregon, has a BA in creative writing from Stanford and a JD from Georgetown. She worked for two years as an intelligence and national security advisor to US Senator Ron Wyden before joining the Oregon Department of Justice as a lawyer in both the Trial And Appellate divisions for nearly two years. Switching to the private sector, she realized her passion for workers’ rights. Sharia also teaches privacy law at Willamette Law, has run for office, and enjoys sauntering around in her free time.

Questions?

Do you have questions about age discrimination in the workplace?