Advancing justice and equality in the workplace
Employment Law
Sexual Harassment
Trans Rights
Transgender employees face unique challenges in the workplace, including discrimination, harassment, restroom access, misgendering, healthcare exclusions, and more. We advocate for legal protections to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for our clients.
Colin McHugh was my counsel for a labor matter. I was most impressed with his command of the facts in a complex case. He was attentive to and patient with his anxious client.
– John • Employment Law Client
Trusted Employment Law Attorney in Vancouver WA
Sexual Harassment
Race Discrimination
Non-Competes
Family & Pregnancy Leave
Trans Rights
Navigating discrimination or harassment at work due to one’s gender identity or expression can be challenging. Whether it’s restroom accessibility, misgendering, or any other form of mistreatment, it can feel scary to face alone. Our experienced attorney is ready to fight for you!
LGBTQ+ Rights
Our Attorney
Since beginning his practice approximately a decade ago, Colin has focused his practice representing marginalized individuals in employment cases. He has represented clients in many types of employment cases including sexual harassment, employment discrimination, retaliation, and restrictive covenants, such as non-competes.
Although Colin has advised and represented employers in the past (which gives him a unique and balanced perspective), he currently exclusively represents individual plaintiffs in employment and other civil cases. If you need an experienced employment lawyer in Vancouver, WA who can give you the representation you need, contact our firm.
- Super Lawyers 2023 WA Rising Stars List
- Super Lawyers 2022 WA Rising Stars List
- Super Lawyers 2021 WA Rising Stars List
- Accomplished & Under 40 Award 2021 – Vancouver Business Journal
- Super Lawyers 2020 WA Rising Stars List
With his assistance and guidance, I was able to resolve a multitude of issues and complications that I was experiencing stemming from work, which had a profound effect on my personal life.
Thank you Colin.
– Steve • Employment Law Client
Our Goals
Our goal is to attain the best possible results for our clients and make sure they are made whole to the best of our ability.
At McHugh Law, we look forward to the day that our clients can move on from some of the worst experiences of their lives and know that they are better off from working with us.
Our Focus
Colin has focused his practice representing marginalized individuals in employment cases since 2014.
He currently exclusively represents individual plaintiffs in employment law civil cases.
Our Results
Colin’s breadth of experience makes him a compassionate counselor and a fierce advocate in the courtroom, recovering millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients. At McHugh Law, we are here to listen to your story, provide the tools to prepare your case for trial, and work hard to achieve the best results possible.
Mission
I seek justice for my clients and empower them through the law.
Happy Clients
Featured Press Stories
Former Battle Ground Les Schwab Employee Sues for Sexual Harassment
The complaint asserts that despite the employee’s reports of the misconduct, the company failed to take effective action to stop the harassment, allowing the hostile environment to persist. At McHugh Law, we believe every worker deserves a workplace free from harassment and employers have a legal obligation to protect their staff from such conduct. By bringing this suit, Mr. McHugh seeks to hold the company accountable and advocate for safer, more respectful workplace standards for all employees.
McHugh Law is proud to be featured in The Columbian for our commitment to protecting employee rights.
Major Legal Victory at the 9th Circuit
After seven years of litigation, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has once again ruled in favor of our client, Robert Thomas, in his retaliation case against CalPortland Co. On May 7, 2025, the Ninth Circuit vacated the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission’s dismissal of Mr. Thomas’ claim. The Court of Appeals concluded that the Commission did not follow the law to review the case for "substantial evidence" and instead substituted its facts for the facts that were found by the judge in the lower court, leading to its erroneous decision. This is the second time the Ninth Circuit has overturned the Commission’s dismissal in this case. We are proud to stand with Mr. Thomas and continue advocating for workers who raise safety concerns in the workplace.
Former CCU Employee Sues for Wrongful Termination
Daycare Faces Discrimination and Retaliation Lawsuit
A former daycare worker has taken legal action against Dash Education LLC, which operates Kiddie Academy of Vancouver-Fishers Landing, alleging racial and disability discrimination. Represented by Vancouver employment attorney Colin F. McHugh, the plaintiff claims they were disciplined and ultimately terminated after disclosing their autism spectrum disorder and requesting workplace accommodations. The lawsuit, filed in Clark County Superior Court, also asserts that the former employee, who is Black, was also terminated after reporting that she was being treated differently based on her race. McHugh argues that his client was unjustly penalized for advocating for workplace rights, underscoring the need for stronger protections for neurodivergent employees.
Vancouver Chiropractic Clinic Faces Lawsuit for Alleged Sexual Harassment
Vancouver employment law attorney Colin F. McHugh is representing four former female employees of a Vancouver chiropractic clinic in a lawsuit against their former employer and an Arizona-based consultant. The lawsuit, filed in Clark County Superior Court, alleges sexual harassment and sex discrimination by ATLASRHINO INC., owned by Troy Dreiling, and Fred Schofield of Mo Chih Chu Chiropractic Training, Inc. The plaintiffs accuse the defendants of inappropriate conduct, including comments on weight and the use of a riding crop. Mr. McHugh emphasizes the emotional distress and humiliation suffered by his clients, aiming to bring justice and safer workplace standards.
McHugh Law is proud to be featured in The Columbian for our commitment to workplace equality.
Camas Pregnancy Discrimination
Disability Discrimination at Ridgefield Barn
Mr. McHugh represented an employee of a Ridgefield equestrian center who was terminated when he informed his employer that he was in the hospital for a heart condition. On behalf of the employee, Mr. McHugh sued the barn and its owners for disability discrimination and retaliation.
Legal Resources
Workplace Harassment in Large PNW Healthcare Systems
In our recent blog, “Harassment and Retaliation Risks in Small Washington Medical Practices”, we looked at how toxic cultures thrive in smaller healthcare settings: specifically how a lack of formal rules often allows harassment to go unchecked. But in a massive healthcare system throughout the Portland and Vancouver areas, the problem is the exact opposite…
Harassment and Retaliation Risks in Small Washington Medical Practices
It usually starts during the interview. You’re told, “We’re like a family here.” In a small clinic in Vancouver or Portland, that’s supposed to mean support and trust. But for many of our clients, “family” eventually becomes a code word for “we don’t have boundaries”. If the person making you uncomfortable is the owner…
Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace (Washington and Oregon)
Assault, battery, voyeurism, and other sexual claims in the workplace can come about in a lot of different ways. They all have one thing in common: the harasser takes advantage of someone who is in a compromised or vulnerable position. It may sound cliche, but these types of workplace misconduct are all about power…
Can I Be Fired for Being Pregnant in Washington?
Pregnancy and childbirth should be life-changing milestones, not reasons to lose your job. Unfortunately, many employees face discrimination not only during pregnancy but also after returning from parental leave. While federal and Washington state laws protect against wrongful termination, some employers still find ways to sideline or fire…
5 Common Fears in Reporting Sexual Harassment at Work
Dealing with sexual harassment at work can be extremely traumatizing and take a toll on your job, your family, and your mental health. If you are struggling with a sexual harasser in the workplace in or near Vancouver, Washington, we are here to help you to build your case and hold your harasser accountable in court! That is our goal…
EEOC’s New Guidelines for LGBTQ+ Workplace Harassment
In the last few years, the landscape of employment discrimination law has dramatically changed to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression at work. Although Washington has codified these groups as protected classes under the Washington Law Against Discrimination…
Can I Record My Harasser at Work in Washington State?
At McHugh Law, we are always looking for ways to catch harassers “red-handed” or in the act of harassing. Text messages, emails, videos, photos, and other “receipts” are crucial to catching sexual harassment or a hostile work environment. Although your memory and testimony alone is evidence of sexual harassment…
Can I Get out of a Non-Compete Agreement in Washington State?
In 2019, the Washington legislature enacted a statute, what is now RCW 49.62, to guide the enforceability of non-competes in the employment context. This law came into effect January 1, 2020. Since the law was enacted, there have been some cases that now interpret the law and clarify its application. However, some questions still remain. Below…
What Types of Comments or Behaviors Qualify as Sexual Harassment at Work?
I am often asked what “counts” as sexual harassment in the workplace. As a sexual harassment attorney, and a frequent litigator of sexual harassment cases in Washington and Oregon, I am constantly learning about new behaviors that qualify as sexual harassment, because harassers are always…
Antisemitism in the Workplace: What Counts as Race or Religious Discrimination Against Jewish People at Work?
Antisemitism, or anti-Jewish hate, is something that unfortunately many Jewish folks have to deal with in their daily lives. Despite strong protections against discrimination against Jewish folks, instances of antisemitism are on the rise. According to a new report by the Anti-Defamation…
FAQ
Common Questions
I am being sexually harassed at work, what should I do?
If you are the victim of sexual harassment or a hostile work environment at work there are many things that you should be doing. First, make sure you are documenting and keeping detailed notes about the harassment you are receiving. Take pictures of offensive media like photos, pictures, drawings, or graffiti. Make copies of offensive emails, texts, or other messages and keep them in a safe place away from the office or work environment. If there is an HR department or person that you can safely report to, make a written complaint of the harassment. Find allies in the workplace and build rapport with them, exchange contact information, and if safe, discuss the harassment in writing with them and keep copies of your messages with your allies. Finally, contact an attorney that can help you address the sexual harassment head-on. Find an attorney before it is too late who can help you come up with a plan.
I am being harassed at work. Can I record conversations with my harasser?
It depends. Often, you must notify the person that is harassing you that you are going to be recording them, if it is a private conversation. In Washington, it can be a crime to record someone if you do not let them know you are recording. If you are considering recording a conversation, you should contact an attorney to see if it is something that you can legally do.
I am pregnant and I am considering taking medical leave and getting accommodations for my pregnancy. What should I do?
You should inform your human resources department or supervisor in writing that you are pregnant and seeking leave or accommodations. Depending on what state you are in, you may have several rights including the ability to go to your prenatal appointments, breastfeeding at work in a quiet space, taking medical leave during pregnancy, parental leave (such as maternal or paternal leave), more frequent bathroom breaks, the ability to sit more frequently during your shift, a reduced or modified schedule, or other accommodations. In Washington, you can request and apply for paid medical leave through the Washington Paid Family Medical Leave Act. You should contact the Employment Security Department to request and schedule this paid leave. You should discuss with an attorney if you are planning on utilizing medical leave or accommodation before your pregnancy, during your child’s birth, and upon your return from leave.
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